Chef Rakan Aloraifi, expert in Saudi cuisine and advanced

Saudi gastronomy in perspective

1. Culture, Tradition & Heritage

Core values & communal dining: Saudi cuisine is deeply communal. Meals are often shared on large platters; people eat together, often using hands (especially the right hand) from a shared dish. Hospitality is central.Halal & religious influence: Islamic law shapes dietary rules — halal preparation, certain etiquettes before/during/after meals (e.g. “Bismillah” before eating, etc.).Regional diversity: Different provinces have distinct specialties. For example, the Eastern region features seafood-heavy dishes; Hejaz region has Saleeg; central regions have their own rice and meat dishes.Wikipedia

2. Signature Foods & Dishes

Kabsa: Probably the best-known Saudi national dish — fragrant rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), with aromatic spices like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon. Each region has its variation.
Wikipedia

Saleeg: A creamy white-rice dish cooked with broth and milk, often served with roasted meat in some regions. Common around Taif and Hejaz.
Wikipedia

Thareed (or Tharid): A stew/broth with pieces of bread soaked in it — a simple, historical dish with religious and cultural resonance.
Wikipedia

Traditional sweets & breads: Khabees (sweet dish with flour, oil, cardamom, and saffron) and breads like Maryam’s Bread (yellow bread with date molasses) are part of cultural identity and festivity.
Wikipedia

3. Modern Trends & Shifts

Fusion & reinterpretation: Chefs are putting modern spins on traditional recipes — new presentations, ingredient substitutions, or mixing cooking techniques.
Hospitality News Magazine

Health & wellness: There’s rising demand for more nutritious options, plant-based or lighter versions of traditional fare. Freshness, local sourcing are increasingly valued.
Hospitality News Magazine
Food House

Restaurant & foodservice evolution:

Growth in premium dining and high-end restaurants, particularly in Riyadh, Jeddah, etc.
Arab News

Rising popularity of quick-service restaurants (QSRs), cloud kitchens, delivery, and tech-enabled ordering/payment.
Mordor Intelligence

Regulation & consumer awareness: For example, new labelling standards (displaying caffeine, salt, calories) being introduced from July 2025 to promote healthier choices.
caterermiddleeast.com

Focus on sustainability & local sourcing: There is a growing movement toward using locally produced ingredients, supporting regional diversity, and aligning with environmental sustainability especially in areas like Aseer.
Food House
Zawya

4. Strategic & Economic Role

Vision 2030 alignment: Culinary and food culture are part of the broader Saudi Vision 2030 plan — promoting tourism, global image, economic diversification. High-end dining, food festivals, culinary commissions are elements of this strategy.
Arab News

Tourism & gastronomy: Titles like “World Region of Gastronomy 2024” for Aseer are helping to spotlight Saudi Arabia on the global culinary map. This aids in attracting tourists interested in food culture and regional culinary experiences.
Zawya

Implications & Challenges

Maintaining authenticity vs. innovation: Balancing respect for traditional dishes with modern tastes and presentation. Risk of losing unique flavors or methods if modernization is too uniform.

Supply chain & agriculture constraints: Saudi Arabia has climate challenges; sourcing fresh produce locally (especially in remote regions) can be difficult. Sustainability, water use, yield, etc., are important concerns.

Cost vs access: Premium F&B is rising, but not all Saudis may be able to access high-end dining, so there’s tension between expensive curated cuisine and everyday food affordability.

Health concerns: As the diet shifts (more fast food, more processed imports, etc.), issues like obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle diseases become more relevant. Regulation (labelling, healthier alternatives) will be key.

Chef Rakan Aloraifi, expert in Saudi cuisine and advanced French pastry, boasts a distinguished career marked by culinary excellence and achievements. Here, the decorated chef and founder of KIT Catering reflects on Saudi cuisine and how he blends tradition with innovation and excellence.
Saudi cuisine
Saudi cuisine is characterized by a blend of traditional flavors, spices and cultural influences. The use of aromatic herbs, such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon and cardamom, creates rich and flavorful dishes. Furthermore, dates and Arabic coffee also play a significant role, symbolizing hospitality and tradition. The staple food in Saudi Arabia is rice, often accompanied by lamb, chicken or fish. Additionally, kabsa is a staple traditional dish.

Furthermore, Saudi cuisine mirrors geographical diversity, featuring seafood in coastal areas and Bedouin-inspired dishes influenced by the desert. Additionally, the concept of communal dining is strong, with families and friends sharing meals from large platters. Overall, Saudi cuisine stands out for its rich flavors, cultural significance and the integration of traditional ingredients, which makes it a unique and integral part of the country’s identity.

Regional differences
Saudi cuisine exhibits regional differences. It is influenced by the country’s diverse geography and cultural influences. Along the Red Sea, seafood plays a prominent role in the culinary landscape. For example, dishes like sayadieh showcase the coastal influence on Saudi cuisine.

In the southern regions, particularly in areas like Asir, there is a stronger emphasis on vegetables and grains. Here, dishes like hareesah, a type of porridge made with wheat and meat, are popular.

Furthermore, southern cuisine reflects the region’s agricultural abundance. In the central Najd region, which includes the capital city Riyadh, traditional dishes, like jareesh, take center stage. Consequently, each area contributes to the unique flavors and culinary traditions that make Saudi Arabian food culturally rich and diverse.

Cultural and social attributes
Saudi cuisine is deeply intertwined with cultural and social aspects. One of the most important elements is hospitality, a cherished cultural value. Offering food to guests is a symbol of generosity and warmth, reflecting the traditional Arabian hospitality. Dates and Arabic coffee are often served as a gesture of welcome.

The communal aspect of dining is crucial in Saudi culture. Families and friends gather to share meals from a typical dish. This communal dining is evident during special occasions and celebrations.

Religious influences also shape Saudi cuisine. Thus. Islamic dietary laws emphasize halal practices. Consequently, religious adherence impacts the choice of ingredients and food preparation methods. Furthermore, Saudi cuisine is a means of preserving and expressing cultural identity.

Popular cooking methods

Traditional cooking methods in Saudi cuisine reflect the country’s cultural and historical influences. One prevalent method is grilling or roasting, often done in open-air settings.

Another common cooking method is stewing, where meats and vegetables are slow cooked in aromatic broths. Furthermore, popular ingredients in Saudi cuisine include rice, wheat and barley, forming the base for many dishes.

Meat, especially lamb and chicken, is widely used and often cooked with rice or incorporated into stews. Additionally, seafood is prevalent in coastal areas, adding diversity to the cuisine.

Saudi cuisine uses a distinct blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. These spices contribute to the rich and aromatic flavor profile of many dishes. Additionally, saffron is often used for its distinctive color and taste, particularly in rice-based dishes like kabsa. As for dates, they are used as a common sweetener and snack.

Saudi cuisine evolution

Traditional Bedouin and Arabian culinary practices form the foundation of Saudi cuisine.

Historically, trade routes passing through the Arabian Peninsula introduced new ingredients and cooking techniques. Additionally, the Silk Road facilitated the exchange of goods and culinary practices.

The Ottoman Empire controlled parts of the Arabian Peninsula, influencing Saudi cuisine with dishes. Moreover, Indian and Persian culinary influences are evident in specific spice blends and dishes.

Globalization and increased connectivity have recently introduced a fusion of international flavors to Saudi cuisine.

Latest food trends in Saudi cuisine
Modern interpretations
Chefs and home cooks alike have been experimenting with traditional recipes, giving them a modern twist. This includes innovative presentations, ingredient substitutions, or new cooking techniques for classic Saudi dishes.

Health and wellness
A global focus on health and wellness has led to increased interest in nutritious and plant-based options. This trend might influence Saudi cuisine. Thus, there is a greater emphasis on fresh, locally sourced produce and various plant-based dishes.

Global fusion
The fusion of different culinary traditions and flavors has been a growing trend. Consequently, this manifests in incorporating international ingredients or cooking methods into traditional recipes in Saudi Arabia.

Sustainable and local ingredients
There has been a global push towards sustainability and using locally sourced ingredients. In Saudi cuisine, this could translate to a greater emphasis on tradition. Therefore, locally grown produce and sustainable practices in food preparation.

The future of Saudi gastronomy
Chefs and food enthusiasts will continue to explore innovative ways to present and prepare traditional Saudi dishes, thereby experimenting with new ingredients, techniques or creative fusion concepts. Furthermore, aside from embracing innovation, there will be a concerted effort to preserve and promote traditional Saudi culinary heritage. Consequently, they will prominently celebrate regional specialties at every event.

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