Food Guide for Indian Travelers to Saudi Arabia
1. Understanding Saudi Cuisine
Saudi Arabian cuisine typically includes a variety of rice dishes, grilled meats, and hearty stews. The cuisine is characterized by its use of spices like cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cloves, which Indian travelers might find pleasantly familiar. However, vegetarian options can sometimes be limited in traditional Saudi cuisine due to the focus on lamb, chicken, and seafood.
Popular Saudi Dishes to Try:
- Kabsa: A spiced rice dish cooked with lamb or chicken, raisins, and nuts. It is the national dish of Saudi Arabia.
- Mandi: Similar to kabsa, this is a fragrant rice dish cooked with spiced meat, usually served on a large platter.
- Shawarma: A popular street food consisting of spiced chicken or lamb, rolled in pita bread with tahini, garlic sauce, and pickles.
- Mutabbaq: A stuffed savory pastry filled with minced meat or vegetables, similar to a paratha but with Arabian flavors.
- Falafel: Deep-fried chickpea or fava bean balls, often served in a sandwich or as a side dish.
- Hummus and Baba Ganoush: Popular dips made from chickpeas and roasted eggplant, served with pita bread.
- Dates: A must-try sweet delicacy, often served with Arabic coffee.
2. Vegetarian Options in Saudi Arabia
While Saudi cuisine is traditionally meat-heavy, several vegetarian dishes are available, and most international restaurants in larger cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran have vegetarian choices. Here are some of the best options for vegetarian travelers:
- Vegetarian Saudi Dishes:
- Falafel: Chickpea patties, often served with salad and bread.
- Harees (Jareesh): A dish made from coarsely-ground wheat cooked with milk and spices.
- Mutabbaq (Vegetarian Version): A flaky pastry filled with a mixture of vegetables, such as onions, tomatoes, and spinach.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves (Warak Enab): Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and occasionally vegetables.
- Mujaddara: A dish made of lentils, rice, and fried onions, similar to Indian khichdi.
- Tabbouleh and Fattoush: Traditional salads made with fresh herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bulgur wheat.
- International Vegetarian Options:
- Many Indian, Lebanese, and Mediterranean restaurants offer extensive vegetarian menus.
- Italian restaurants typically serve pizza, pasta, and salads that can be made vegetarian.
- Vegetarian Street Food:
- Samosas: Often filled with spiced potatoes or mixed vegetables, samosas are popular during Ramadan but are available year-round.
- Manakish with Cheese or Za’atar: A flatbread topped with cheese, herbs, or spices.
3. Indian Cuisine in Saudi Arabia
Given the significant Indian expatriate population, Indian cuisine is widely available in most major cities. Indian travelers can find everything from simple dhaba-style meals to fine dining experiences. Most Indian restaurants in Saudi Arabia offer an array of vegetarian dishes, ensuring Indian travelers can enjoy a taste of home.
Top Indian Restaurants in Saudi Arabia:
- Riyadh:
- The Yellow Chilli by Sanjeev Kapoor: Offers a variety of North Indian dishes, including vegetarian options.
- Copper Chandni: Known for its authentic flavors and extensive menu with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
- Saravanaa Bhavan: A global favorite for South Indian vegetarian cuisine, offering dosas, idlis, and thalis.
- Jeddah:
- Aromas: Known for its upscale ambiance and diverse Indian menu.
- Anar Restaurant: Serves a variety of Indian and Persian dishes with good vegetarian options.
- Zaika Restaurant: Popular for its North Indian and Mughlai cuisine.
- Dammam/Khobar:
- Maharaja by Vineet: A high-end Indian restaurant offering fusion and traditional Indian dishes.
- Saffron Lounge: Serves North and South Indian cuisine with a focus on vegetarian dishes.
- Deccan House: Known for its biryani and Hyderabadi-style dishes, with some vegetarian offerings.
4. Money Management and Dining Tips
- Currency: The currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). 1 SAR = ~22 INR (current rates may vary).
- Payment Methods: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Cash is useful for smaller restaurants and markets.
- Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Leaving 10-15% of the bill in a restaurant is customary.
- Dining Etiquette: Saudi Arabia has a strong dining culture. Eating with your right hand is customary, and you might be offered Arabic coffee or tea as a sign of hospitality.
5. Halal Food Considerations
All food served in Saudi Arabia is halal, as required by law. Pork and alcohol are strictly prohibited. Vegetarian travelers can feel comfortable knowing that even vegetarian dishes are prepared in a halal manner, without any prohibited ingredients.
6. Food Safety and Hygiene Tips
- Avoid Tap Water: Stick to bottled water, which is widely available.
- Check Ingredients: When ordering in Arabic restaurants, clarify that you want a purely vegetarian dish, as some items might have meat-based broths or garnishes.
- Street Food Safety: Street food is generally safe in bigger cities, but always choose stalls that look clean and have high turnover.
7. Key Phrases to Know
Learning a few Arabic phrases can be helpful, especially when navigating the food scene:
- Ana Nabati: “I am vegetarian.”
- La Lahem / La Dajaj / La Samak: “No meat / No chicken / No fish.”
- La al-mazid min al-milh, min fadlak: “No more salt, please.”
- Hal hadha tabakh m’a lahm?: “Is this cooked with meat?”
8. Special Considerations During Ramadan
If you’re traveling during Ramadan, note that most restaurants are closed during the day and only open after sunset. Eating and drinking in public is prohibited, even for non-Muslims, until the evening Iftar meal. Plan your meals accordingly by stocking up on snacks or dining at hotels.
