On July 9, 2022, Muslims across the globe will mark the end of Hajj by observing Eid al-Adha, one of the two most important holidays in the Islamic faith. To celebrate, Muslims wear festive attire, decorate their homes, spend time with family and friends, and most importantly, feast on traditionally prepared food! Whether you like to dine in or eat at the comfort of your home, here are a few of the Council’s recommendations on where to find delicious traditional Saudi cuisine and celebrate Eid al-Adha with the locals in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam!
Riyadh
Dine in Option: Najd Village
A traditional dine in staple since 1994, Najd Village is the perfect destination for an authentic Saudi dining experience. The restaurant serves traditional Saudi dishes such as “Saleek”, a rice dish cooked with milk, “Jareesh”, a meal consisting of crushed whole wheat cooked with milk, “Kabsah”, a rice dish cooked with a combination of traditional spices, along with an array of protein options such as chicken, lamb, shrimp, and camel!
Source: Jeddah99.com
Take out or Delivery Option: Tasty Tais
Looking for a contemporary twist on authentic Saudi food? Visit Tasty Tais and try the “Italian Tasty,” a plate of goat meat mixed with Italian herbs served on a bed of basmati rice, or the “Chicken Maqloba,” a dish most popular across the Levant served with vegetables and special spices. Tasty Tais also delivers via local delivery apps.
Jeddah
Dine in Option: Al Saddah
Al Saddah is widely considered Jeddah’s most popular traditional restaurant. Its most popular dish, the “Lamb Madfon”, a dish consistent of marinated meat cooked in an underground hole surrounded by charcoal, is not to be missed, with fall off the bone meat matched with perfectly prepared rice. Be sure to also try the “Madhbi Chicken” whereby the chicken is cooked over hot stones and is sure to satisfy.
Source: Abbas_Food_Review (Instagram)
Take out or Delivery Option: Raydan
Raydan prides itself in offering delicious, traditional fast-food Saudi cuisine. The restaurant offers a core menu of 3 meat and 3 chicken dishes; “Lamb Mandi” and “Goat Mandi” which is made in a tandoor style oven, and the “Lamb Madghout”, a dish made in an Arabic pot in combination with rice, tomato puree, and spices. Chicken dishes include “Madghout”, “Mandi”, and “Madhbi”.
*Bonus: Al Anbariya
Al Anbariya does not serve chicken or meat, but its offering of seafood is unmatched in the coastal city of Jeddah. The restaurant maintains an expansive fish market whereby diners can select their fish and pick their preferred cooking method. We would be amiss not to recommend the fried “Najel”, a grouper fish specific to the Red Sea and the restaurant’s most sought-after menu item. Al Anbariya is a popular destination amongst tourists and locals alike, so be sure to contact them in advance for reservations.
Dammam
Dine in Option: Heritage Village
Heritage Village is an all-inclusive experience of Saudi traditions. In addition to offering one of Dammam’s most authentic Saudi restaurants, Heritage Village also houses one of Dammam’s most popular museums, an antique shop, and other experiences. The “Lamb Mandi” is a popular menu item amongst the locals, along with the “Chicken Kabsa”, a chicken dish which is slowly simmered in a spicy broth of tomatoes and spices.
Source: Zomato.com
Take out or Delivery Option: Shawait Al Khalij
Do you like chicken barbeque? Well then this is the place for you. Shawait Al Khalij only offers two main menu options: plain chicken and chicken with rice. While it does offer sides and desserts, the restaurant is well established as the go-to place for Chicken in Dammam.
