Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia

Eid Mubarak! You will hear this traditional greeting these days wherever Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan. After a month of fasting and reflection, it is time for celebration, Eid Al-Fitr. It is also celebrated in Saudi Arabia in a big way, with good food, days off and lots of time with family and friends. When it comes to flavors, the Kingdom is literally the center of the world. Saudi cuisine itself features colorful ingredients and fragrant dishes, such as muttabaq and kabsa. In addition, almost all cuisines are represented in the Middle East's largest country. From delicacies from the Levant to African, Japanese, Indian, Italian and even Mexican. Therefore, in this article a tasty overview of the most delicious meals and our favorite restaurants.

Dates to hand out

Dates, who doesn't know them. Sweet, but super healthy due to nutrients such as magnesium, iron and calcium. As a result, the fruit is also becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands. But in Saudi Arabia, they really are part of the culture and daily fare. It is intrinsically linked to hospitality, because when visiting an Arab family you will soon be offered dates. Dates are consumed during the Iftar meal, every evening after sunset during Ramadan. They are also an important part of the Eid al-Fitr festivities and full bowls of dates are on the table. Dates are eaten pure, but also, according to family recipes, incorporated into sweets, desserts or savory snacks. There are over 300 varieties of dates, each with a unique flavor. The most famous dates are the ajwa, delicate and the best in the world, the large amber date, with small pith, the soft, black safawi full of vitamins and the yellow, somewhat crunchy barhi date which has an almost caramel taste. And did you know that Saudi Arabia is the second-largest producer of dates in the world? The fruit has been grown there since 7,000 BC. Date palms grow in several places in the Kingdom. The most famous place, which is really worth a visit, is Al Ahsa, not far from the Persian Gulf. In the middle of the desert you will find the natural Al Ahsa oasis where over 3 million date palm trees grow. Want to taste for yourself? We are fans of the soft, hand-harvested dates from Yogi and Youssef, which are simply available in the Netherlands.

Culinary journey

The Saudis consider kabsa to be their national dish. This is a delectable combination of rice, slow-cooked meat (usually lamb or chicken) and aromatic spices such as coriander, turmeric and cardamom. Traditionally served on a large platter, making it the perfect meal to enjoy with a group of friends or family. Due to the country's vast size and its ancient history, it is no surprise that Saudi cuisine is extremely varied. From seafood originating from coastal towns, to meals inspired by mountain life, here are some regional gems:

• Muttabaq from Al-Balad, Jeddah. Muttabaq means "folded" in Arabic. It is the ultimate street food snack: thinly stretched dough, topped with minced meat, eggs and leeks (or spring onions), folded into a rectangular shape and fried crisply. The whole thing is served with peppers and lemon wedges. Of course, a vegetarian muttabaq is also possible.
• Saleeg from Hijaz. The Arab answer to Italian risotto and just as delicious! Saleeg is short-grain white rice cooked in chicken broth with butter and milk. The creamy dish is usually served on a large platter, sprinkled with ghee, garnished with roasted chicken pieces and a special chili tomato sauce known as duggus.
• Harees (jareesh) from Riyadh. A true classic, this ancient dish is eaten a lot during Ramadan. This simple stew is a savory porridge of ground wheat, lamb or chicken and onions. The exact ingredients vary by region and household, but black pepper, turmeric and cumin give it a special flavor.
• Kanad (king mackerel) from coastal regions. In a country with such a huge coastline, they like to eat fresh fish. Kanad is the most popular local fish. Juicy in texture, it tastes best lightly fried as a fillet.
• Matazeez from the Najd region. The desert dish par excellence, full of tasty vegetables and spices, that is this lamb stew of tomatoes, eggplant, squash, zucchini, or green beans. It often includes dumplings or other pieces of pasta.

Coffee Culture

In addition to its rich, varied cuisine, coffee is an integral part of Arab culinary culture. Not for nothing did the Ministry of Culture declare 2022 the "Year of Coffee. Coffee shops are popping up everywhere in major cities. The art of preparing and drinking coffee is a beloved ritual that has been performed for hundreds of years. It is believed that coffee beans were first roasted and brewed in southern Arabia in the 15th century. The aromatic qahwa is made from finely ground, roasted beans (often from the green Jizan region) and mixed with cardamom (or other spices such as saffron or cinnamon) and boiling water to then infuse. The drink is served from a pot known as a dallah and poured into ornate cups called finjan. Good to know: the further north you travel, the stronger and darker the coffee will be. But one thing is certain, no matter where you are, drinking coffee in this region is a treat every day.

Our favorite restaurants

Tasting for yourself is of course the most fun, which is why we list (a small selection of) our favorite restaurants for you. But beware, the Saudi culinary scene continues to grow and change, so new gems are added every day:

Maraya Social. This restaurant can be found in the most iconic place in Saudi Arabia, namely in the Maraya Concert Hall, the largest reflective building in the world. In the middle of AlUla's desert, chef Jason Atherton and his kitchen brigade put the most delicious dishes on the table, from octopus carpaccio to roasted cauliflower risotto and date-banana pudding on top.

Najd Village. Najd is the region in the middle of the country that includes capital Riyadh. At Najd Village, located in an old fort, you can enjoy real traditional dishes such as matazeez, malagal and jareesh. There are many elaborate "rice tables" so fun to share with friends or family and sample a lot. In Riyadh, you will find several Najd Villages.

Suhail. For modern Arabic cuisine with a classic touch, visit Suhail in Riyadh or AlUla.

Lusin. Authentic Armenian dining with borsch soup and jingalov bread in an al fresco setting? You can at Lusin in Riyadh.

Falafel Al Khalidiay. Simple is sometimes the most delicious, so follow the example of the locals in Jeddah and order a crispy falafel sandwich at Falafel al Khalidiay.

Blue Ocean. Located on the Corniche, the boulevard, of Jeddah with terrace by the sea. Having breakfast, lunch or dinner here will give you the ultimate vacation feeling. The perfect place to enjoy fresh fish.

Sky Lounge at Rosewood. Over the top glamorous hotels and restaurants abound in the Middle East. With a (non-alcoholic) cocktail in your hand in the Sky Lounge of the Rosewood hotel in Jeddah, you really do walk with your head in the clouds for a moment. And don't forget to enjoy the view over the Red Sea.