Food In Jeddah

Food History of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah, a bustling port city on the Red Sea, has a diverse and rich food culture influenced by its history as a trade gateway. Throughout centuries, Jeddah became a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, as it was a major stopover on the spice routes and the Islamic pilgrimage route to Mecca. This mix of influences has shaped Jeddah's culinary tradition, blending Arabian flavors with African, Asian, and other Middle Eastern cuisines.

Traditional Bedouin dishes, incorporating dates, grains, yogurts, and coffee, are central to the city's gastronomy. Seafood also plays an integral role due to Jeddah's coastal location, with spices and flavors incorporating ingredients such as cardamom, cumin, cloves, and turmeric that found their way here through ancient trade networks.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

1. Kabsa (Non-Veg) - A flavorful mixed rice dish with spices, vegetables, and meat like chicken or lamb.
2. Samak Mashwi (Non-Veg) - Grilled fish, marinated with traditional spices and often served with rice or bread.
3. Shawarma (Non-Veg) - A popular street food, with either chicken or lamb, wrapped in a pita with garlic sauce and vegetables.
4. Mutabbaq (Veg/Non-Veg options) - A stuffed pancake-like dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients including vegetables or minced meat.
5. Al Harees (Non-Veg) - A simple, comforting wheat and meat porridge, seasoned with local spices.
6. Sambusak (Veg/Non-Veg options) - Stuffed pastry similar to samosas, with fillings that can range from cheese to meat or vegetables.
7. Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, typically served in a sandwich or as a snack with dips such as tahini.
8. Ful Medames (Veg) - A traditional dish of stewed fava beans often seasoned with garlic, lemon, and olive oil.
9. Um Ali (Veg) - A sweet and creamy bread pudding made with milk, nuts, and dried fruits, often perfumed with rose water or orange blossom.
10. Hummus (Veg) - A creamy spread made from mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.

Top Famous Restaurants in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Al Baik

Address: Numerous locations throughout Jeddah.

Famous Food: Grilled chicken (Non-Veg).

Byblos

Address: Tahlia Street, Jeddah.

Famous Food: Lebanese cuisine including tabbouleh and kebabs (Veg and Non-Veg options).

Al Nakheel

Address: Corniche Road, Jeddah.

Famous Food: Seafood dishes featuring local catches (Non-Veg).

Sakura Japanese Restaurant

Address: Al Corniche, Jeddah.

Famous Food: Sushi and sashimi platters (Veg and Non-Veg options).

The Cheesecake Factory

Address: Le Mall, Tahlia Street, Jeddah.

Famous Food: Wide variety of cheesecakes (Veg).

Wakame

Address: The Boulevard, Jeddah.

Famous Food: Asian-inspired dishes (Veg and Non-Veg options).

Knead Bakery

Address: Rawdah Street, Jeddah.

Famous Food: Artisan breads and pastries (Veg).

Piatto

Address: Etoile King Road, Jeddah.

Famous Food: Italian cuisine including pasta and pizza (Veg and Non-Veg options).

Toki

Address: Prince Saud Al Faisal Street, Jeddah.

Famous Food: High-end Chinese cuisine (Veg and Non-Veg options).

Yildizlar

Address: Ash Shati, Jeddah.

Famous Food: Grilled meats and Middle Eastern specialties (Non-Veg).