The Jeddah Sculpture Museum, although primarily an open-air gallery exhibiting an impressive collection of sculptures, sits in the heart of Jeddah, a city that has been a melting pot of cultures and cuisines for centuries. Jeddah's strategic location as a port city on the Red Sea and as the gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca has historically made it a confluence of various food traditions and techniques. As a result, the area around the museum boasts a rich culinary landscape influenced by the myriad people who have at some point called Jeddah home, from Middle Eastern to Asian, African, and even European flavors.
Kabsa (Non-Veg) - A fragrant mixed rice dish with roots in the Arabian Peninsula, typically served with chicken, lamb, or seafood, and infused with a blend of spices.
Hummus (Veg) - A smooth spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic, often served with flatbread.
Mutabbaq (Non-Veg) - A stuffed pancake or bread which originated in Yemen, it is often filled with minced meat and vegetables, though there are vegetarian variants available.
Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, typically seasoned with garlic, onion, and various herbs and spices.
Shawarma (Non-Veg) - A popular Levantine meat preparation where lamb, chicken or turkey is stacked in a cone-like shape and roasted slowly on a turning spit.
Baba Ghanoush (Veg) - A Levantine appetizer consisting of mashed cooked eggplant mixed with tahini, olive oil, and various seasonings.
Warak Enab (Veg) - Rice stuffed grape leaves, mixed with fresh herbs, it's a classic mezze dish.
Al Harees (Non-Veg) - A simple, yet rich dish made with wheat, meat, and a pinch of salt, usually enjoyed during Ramadan and Eid.
Samak Harra (Non-Veg) - A spicy fish dish, marinated with a variety of Middle Eastern spices, garlic, and cilantro, often baked or grilled.
Umm Ali (Veg) - A scrumptious Egyptian bread pudding made with pastry, milk, nuts, and sugar, topped with a layer of baked cream.
Al Baik
Address: Various locations across Jeddah
Famous Food: Grilled Chicken (Non-Veg)
Wakame
Address: Ash Shati, Jeddah 23611, Saudi Arabia
Famous Food: Sushi & Asian Delights (Veg & Non-Veg options available)
Bab Sharqi
Address: Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz St, Al Andalus, Jeddah 23326
Famous Food: Lebanese Mezze & Dishes (Veg & Non-Veg options available)
Byblos
Address: Corniche Rd, Ash Shati, Jeddah 23612
Famous Food: Lebanese Cuisine (Veg & Non-Veg options available)
Khayal
Address: Tahlia St, Ar Rawdah, Jeddah 23432
Famous Food: Turkish Kebabs & Delicacies (Non-Veg)
SOASIA
Address: Falastin, Al Hamra'a, Jeddah 23212
Famous Food: Asian Fusion Cuisine (Veg & Non-Veg options available)
Zaatar w Zeit
Address: Tahlia Street, Al Andalus, Jeddah 23326
Famous Food: Middle Eastern Wraps & Manakish (Veg & Non-Veg options available)
Shobak
Address: Prince Sultan Rd, Al Muhammadiyah, Jeddah 23624
Famous Food: Authentic Arabian Pastries (Veg options available)
Mataam Al Sharq
Address: North Corniche Road, Al Shati, Jeddah
Famous Food: Traditional Middle Eastern Cuisine (Non-Veg)
The Counter
Address: Mall of Arabia, King Abdul Aziz Rd, Ash Shati, Jeddah
Famous Food: Gourmet Burgers and Sandwiches (Veg & Non-Veg options available)
When planning a visit to the Jeddah Sculpture Museum, these dishes and restaurants offer a taste of the city's rich gastronomical culture that every tourist should experience.