TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Saudi Foods
Marinated and spit-roasted, shawarma is a delicious Middle Eastern meat treat whose origins can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire era, while its name stems from the Arabic pronunciation of the Turkish word çevirme (lit. to turn; turning), and refers to the rotating skewer on which the meat is cooked.
Shawarmas are made with either lamb, turkey, chicken, beef, or a mix of different meats which are slow-cooked for hours and basted in their own juices and fat, gaining an incomparable succulence, but the real secret to a perfect shawarma is in the marinade.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Kebab
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Kunāfah consists of two crunchy layers of shredded and buttered kataifi or knefe dough, filled with a luscious cheese cream that's often flavored with orange zest and cardamom, then drenched in a sugar syrup infused with lemon juice and orange blossom water.
Turkish künefe is traditionally made with Hatay, Urfa, or Antep cheese. It is usually topped with pistachios and is best served warm. Elegant and amazingly simple to make, this dessert is nothing short of what cheese-filled pastry dreams are made of.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
This internationally popular, beige-colored spread is traditionally made with mashed chickpeas, tahini sesame paste, lemon juice, and garlic. People across the world love hummus for its tangy flavor and the fact that it is filled with nutrients.
When served, it is typically dressed with a drizzle of olive oil, and is then used as a dip for vegetables or a flavorful filling for flatbreads such as pita. Even today, not much is known about its origins, although the earliest mention of hummus dates back to 13th-century Egypt.
VARIATIONS OF Hummus
Due to their crunchy texture and a variety of different flavors, samosas provide a perfect introduction to the world of Indian cuisine for newcomers. These deep-fried, triangular pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients ranging from vegetables to meat, such as onions, lentils, spiced potatoes, peas, or ground meat.
It is said that the popular, golden-brown snack travelled to India along the old trade routes from Central Asia, which is why samosas are also prevelent in Middle Eastern countries where they are typically served for Ramadan. In Saudi Arabia, for example, they are typically filled with meat or cheese and can be shaped as triangles, squares, and rolls.
VARIATIONS OF Samosa
Qatayef is an Arabian dessert and a staple of the Ramadan holiday feast. It is a sweet pancake that is usually filled with cheese or nuts such as walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts. Qatayef can also be consumed plain, topped with clotted cream, or drizzled with sugar syrup.
It is believed that nothing is better after the Ramadan fasting than a few nights of socializing and feasting on qatayef, which is either prepared throughout the streets in food stalls or brought over to friends as a sweet gift. Although the dish has Fatimid origins, today it is very popular throughout Levant and Egypt as well, where it is baked in numerous households.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Ful medames is an ancient, pre-Ottoman and pre-Islamic national dish of Egypt, a traditional breakfast food consisting of slowly simmered fava beans seasoned with a squeeze of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and selected spices. Some remnants of the dish were found in the 12th Dynasty Pharaonic tombs in Egypt, and any food that has been found in an ancient tomb must have been a wildly popular culinary treat.
Because it is a breakfast food that is also good for breaking the fasting, the dish is extremely popular during Ramadan. Although it's an Egyptian dish, it is also prepared throughout North Africa and the Middle East. Ful medames is a staple of the Egyptian diet, so much that the price of beans is regulated by the government in order to ensure that they are affordable to the poorest citizens.
Zarb or Bedouin barbecue is an ancient technique of preparing food in underground pits. The food is placed on metal racks and it's then slowly roasted in coal-filled pits that are carefully covered with blankets. Zarb is usually prepared with chicken, goat, or sheep, as well as various vegetables such as carrots, onions, potatoes, or tomatoes.
The dish is traditionally served on large communal plates, accompanied by rice, salads, and various dips.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
This internationally known, decadent, and sugar-packed dessert is usually made with a mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, which is deep-fried and then bathed in syrup or honey. The origin of lokma fritters is ancient but often debated. It is presumed that they first appeared in Greece or Turkey, though some suggest Arabic origin.
The dish is considered to be one of the oldest recorded desserts in Greek history. It is said that the pastries were even given to winning Olympians as a treat and were called honey tokens. Loukoumades, or loukmades in Cyprus, can be found throughout the streets of Greece, in shops selling nothing else but this caloric dessert.
VARIATIONS OF Luqaimat
This traditional Indian dessert is made with different types of flour that are mixed with sugar and shortening, then shaped into balls. Like many other dishes in India, laddu appears in numerous varieties and is created with a myriad of different ingredients.
Tiny laddu balls can be made with various types of legume flour, most commonly chickpea flour, wheat flour, and even coconut flakes. Dried fruits or nuts are often incorporated to provide sweetness and modify the flavor. This old Indian confectionery was primarily created with flour and jaggery.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Mandi is Yemen's national dish (also popular in Saudi Arabia), consisting of lamb or chicken meat, fragrant basmati rice and a mixture of various spices. If lamb is used in the dish, it should be small-sized and as young as possible, to further enhance the flavors.
To make mandi, the meat should be cooked in the tandoor, a specially designed hole in the ground covered with clay and charcoal, acting as an oven for the suspended meat above it. It is then closed and no smoke is allowed to go outside as it flavors the meat instead.
MOST ICONIC Mandi
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Best Saudi Food Producers
Jofal is a well-known producer of high-quality olive oil in Saudi Arabia. The company is recognized for offering premium olive oil products, focusing on purity and taste. With a commitment to delivering natural, cold-pressed olive oils, Jofal has established itself as a trusted brand in the Middle Eastern market, catering to both culinary and health-conscious consumers.
The company often emphasizes sustainable farming practices and the use of traditional methods in its olive oil production, ensuring superior quality.
AWARDS
ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2022
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2024
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2022, 2021
BEST Jofal Olive Oils
Al Ghada Tea is a premium tea brand based in Saudi Arabia, renowned for its dedication to quality and authenticity. The brand offers a diverse range of high-quality teas, including the finest Pure Ceylon Tea, sourced from carefully selected plantations to ensure exceptional flavor and aroma.
Committed to excellence, Al Ghada Tea prioritizes traditional methods of tea production combined with modern packaging techniques to preserve freshness and taste. The brand caters to tea enthusiasts who seek a rich, authentic experience, providing blends that reflect the heritage and expertise of tea craftsmanship.
BEST Alghada Teas and Herbal Infusions
Al Jouf Development Agriculture Company is one of the largest agricultural companies in Saudi Arabia, specializing in the production of olive oil. The company is based in the Al Jouf region, which is known for its favorable climate for olive cultivation.
They utilize advanced agricultural techniques to produce high-quality olive oil. The company also engages in the cultivation of other crops, including fruits and vegetables.
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023
London IOOC - Gold
2023
Anatolian IOOC - Gold
2023
BEST Al Jouf Development Agriculture Company Olive Oils
Nawat Al Madinah Food Industries Co. is a prominent Saudi Arabian company located in Madinah Industrial City, specializing in the processing and export of premium date varieties such as Ajwa, Safawi, Medjool, Sukkari, and Amber. Their state-of-the-art facility employs advanced technology and skilled process engineers to maintain the highest quality standards.
Dedicated to sustainability and authenticity, Nawat Al Madinah focuses on delivering natural and distinctive date products that cater to diverse consumer tastes. The company aims to expand its global reach, striving to become a key exporter of fresh dates while adhering to strict food safety and hygiene standards.
BEST Nawat Al Madinah Fruits (types and products)
Tayiba Dattes is a renowned Saudi Arabian producer of high-quality Ajwa dates, known for their superior taste and texture. The company meticulously selects large-caliber dates to ensure freshness and premium quality in every batch. Tayiba offers both fresh and firm Ajwa varieties, catering to diverse customer preferences.
Their production process emphasizes traditional cultivation methods while maintaining high safety and hygiene standards. This dedication has established Tayiba as a trusted name in the global market for authentic, flavorful Ajwa dates.
BEST Tayiba Dattes Fruits (types and products)
Al Mohamadia Dates Company is a prominent producer of premium-quality dates based in Saudi Arabia. Established in 1996, the company is renowned for its artisanal cultivation and processing of a variety of date types, including the highly sought-after Ajwa dates.
Their production facilities blend traditional methods with modern technology, ensuring freshness, hygiene, and optimal quality. Sourced from their own farms in the Al-Kharj area, their dates are marketed both locally and internationally. Al Mohamadia is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and ethical farming practices, making it one of the top producers in the Saudi date industry.
BEST Al Mohamadia Dates Company Fruits (types and products)
Barakat Al-Madinah Date Factory, established in 2007 and headquartered in Medina, Saudi Arabia, specializes in the production and export of premium dates, notably the esteemed Ajwa variety. With over 30 years of industry experience, the company integrates traditional cultivation methods with advanced agricultural techniques to ensure exceptional quality.
Their state-of-the-art facility maintains rigorous hygiene standards, boasting a storage capacity of 30,000 tons and an annual turnover of 50,000 tons. Strategically located in Medina, renowned for its ideal date-growing climate, Barakat Al-Madinah consolidates the efforts of the region's finest date producers, emphasizing quality control and effective marketing to serve a global clientele.
BEST Barakat Al-Madinah Date Factory Fruits (types and products)
Urjoon Al-Aaliya, established in 2005, is a Saudi Arabian manufacturer specializing in premium quality dates and dried fruits. Based in Medina, the company produces a variety of date types, including Ajwa, Amber, Mabroom, Sukkari, Safawi, and Sugai, adhering to high standards that comply with U.S. and EU food regulations.
Utilizing modern machinery and equipment, Urjoon Al-Aaliya ensures the finest quality products for their customers. In addition to manufacturing, they offer services such as food packages, transportation, and Iftar provisions during Ramadan. With a global distribution network, they ship products worldwide, including to the USA, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, and China.
BEST Urjoon Al Aaliya Fruits (types and products)
Elixir Bunn Coffee Roasters is a renowned specialty coffee company based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 2014. It is celebrated for its meticulous sourcing of single-origin, micro-lot, and organic coffee beans from around the world. These beans are roasted to perfection using a high-end German drum roaster, ensuring rich and diverse flavor profiles.
The Riyadh café, designed by Azaz Architects, features a unique "Deco Temple" interior that blends Islamic architectural elements with modern design. Known for its lattes, flat whites, and black coffee, Elixir Bunn has become a prominent name in Saudi Arabia's growing specialty coffee culture, drawing praise from both locals and international visitors.
BEST Elixir Bunn Coffee Roasters Coffees
3Bean Coffee Roastery is a renowned specialty coffee producer based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The roastery focuses on sourcing premium coffee beans from around the world and expertly roasting them to highlight each origin's unique flavors.
Offering a variety of single-origin beans and custom blends, 3Bean caters to both coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers. Beyond roasting, they engage with the coffee community by hosting workshops and tastings, fostering a deeper appreciation for specialty coffee culture.
BEST 3Bean Coffee Roastery Coffees
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Saudi Food Products
Jofal Olive Oil is a high-quality product made from carefully selected olives, produced by Jofal, a leading manufacturer based in Saudi Arabia. Known for its rich flavor and smooth texture, this olive oil is perfect for various culinary uses, from cooking and frying to drizzling over salads or using in dressings.
It offers a balance of fruity and mildly peppery notes, providing a fresh and authentic taste. Jofal Olive Oil is praised for its purity, with no additives or preservatives, ensuring it delivers a premium, natural taste to every dish.
AWARDS
ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2022
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2024
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2022, 2021
Al Ghada Ceylon Black Tea is a premium tea offering that brings the rich flavors. Made exclusively from high-quality Ceylon tea leaves, ensuring an authentic taste experience. Like many black teas, Ceylon tea contains antioxidants, can help to give you a boost of energy thanks to its moderate caffeine content, and can also help with digestion and reduce inflammation.
Al Ghada Ceylon Black Tea is ideal for those who appreciate a strong, flavorful black tea that embodies the essence of traditional Ceylon tea craftsmanship.
Al Jouf Olive Oil is a premium quality olive oil produced by Al Jouf Development Agriculture Company in the Al Jouf region of Saudi Arabia. Known for its rich, smooth taste and health benefits, this olive oil is crafted using olives that are grown in the region's ideal climate, allowing for a high-quality, natural product.
The olive oil is cold-pressed to preserve its fresh flavor, antioxidants, and nutritional value, making it an excellent choice for cooking, dressings, and as a finishing oil.
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023
London IOOC - Gold
2023
Anatolian IOOC - Gold
2023
Samra Honey is a rare and highly sought-after monofloral honey produced by Bee Ways Beekeeping and Honey Production in Saudi Arabia. It is made from the nectar of the Samra tree (Acacia tortilis), which grows in the desert valleys near the Sarawat Mountains.
This honey is distinguished by its dark amber color and a bold, slightly sweet flavor. Bee Ways employs nomadic beekeeping methods, moving over 1,200 beehives across Saudi Arabia to optimize nectar collection, especially during the blooming season of the Samra tree.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
Al Mohamadia Dates Company is renowned for producing premium Ajwa Al Madina dates, sourced directly from their farms in the Al-Kharj area of Saudi Arabia. These dates are celebrated for their soft texture and rich, mildly sweet flavor, holding significant cultural and religious importance.
Al Mohamadia's commitment to quality ensures that their Ajwa dates meet high standards, making them a preferred choice for consumers seeking authentic Saudi dates. Their products are available both domestically and internationally, catering to a global clientele.
Mabroom Dates from Al Mohamadia Dates Company are a premium variety of Saudi Arabian dates known for their elongated shape, firm texture, and rich caramel-like flavor. Grown using traditional cultivation methods and modern quality standards, these dates are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, including natural sugars, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy, energy-boosting snack.
Their semi-dry texture and natural sweetness make them a versatile gourmet product, perfect for enjoying as a standalone treat, pairing with nuts, or incorporating into desserts and recipes. Al Mohamadia Dates ensures freshness and purity in every batch, earning international recognition as a leading exporter of high-quality Mabroom dates from Saudi Arabia.
Safawi Dates, produced by Al Mohamadia Dates, are renowned for their rich, dark brown to black color, soft texture, and subtly sweet taste with hints of caramel. Cultivated in the fertile date farms of Medina, these dates are highly prized for their superior quality and freshness.
Unlike other varieties, Safawi dates are known for their chewy consistency and long shelf life, making them a preferred choice for both daily consumption and gourmet cuisine. Packed with essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, they offer significant health benefits.
Barakat Al-Madinah Date Factory is a renowned producer of premium Ajwa dates, sourced directly from Medina, Saudi Arabia — the only region where authentic Ajwa dates are grown. Known for their rich flavor, soft texture, and religious significance, these dates are highly prized around the world.
The company blends traditional harvesting techniques with modern processing standards to ensure optimal freshness, hygiene, and taste. Packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, Barakat's Ajwa dates are celebrated for their health benefits, including support for heart health and digestion.
Ajwa Dates from Urjoon Al-Aaliya are premium-quality dates cultivated in Medina, Saudi Arabia, known for their rich taste, soft texture, and cultural significance. These dates are naturally sweet and packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and fiber, making them a healthy and delicious snack.
Urjoon Al-Aaliya ensures quality and authenticity by using traditional farming and harvesting methods, resulting in fresh, flavorful, and nutrient-rich dates. Available in convenient packaging options, including 5kg boxes, their Ajwa dates cater to the needs of both local and international customers.
Ajwa Dates by Nawat Al Madinah are a premium variety of soft, dry dates grown in the city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Renowned for their unique texture and mildly sweet, fruity flavor, these dates hold a special place in Islamic tradition, with beliefs that consuming seven Ajwa dates each morning offers protection against poison and magic.
Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, they are considered a superfood with significant health benefits. Nawat Al Madinah ensures that its Ajwa dates are cultivated using traditional methods, preserving their natural sweetness and free from additives or preservatives.
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 71 Saudi Foods” list until March 05, 2025, 7,833 ratings were recorded, of which 3,445 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.