Recipe renaissance – traditional foods brighten Saudi iftar spreads with heritage

Arab News

12-03-2025

JEDDAH/RIYADH: Ramadan is helping revive traditional dishes in Saudi Arabia, as many families prepare foods distinctive to their region.
Tables across the Kingdom showcase great diversity during the holy month, with families passing down culinary traditions through generations.
The connection between Ramadan and these traditional dishes is rooted in customs, but their nutritional value also plays a key role. Often rich in energy-boosting ingredients such as meats and vegetables, they provide essential nutrients that replenish the body after a long day of fasting.
In the Northern Borders, al-khumei'ah is a well-known dish, while the Eastern Province is famous for its harees (slow-cooked wheat and meat soup), according to the Kingdom's Culinary Arts Commission.
Riyadh's signature dish is marqooq (thin dough with meat, onions, and spiced broth), whereas Qassim is known for its al-tawah pastry.
In Tabuk, al-mafroukah (dough with dates, honey, and butter) is a popular choice, while Jazan is renowned for makshan fish, cooked with onions and spices.
Hail offers al-baseesa (dough balls with date paste), and Asir is known for tasabee' (a flour, milk and sugar mix).
Najran features al-wafd and al-maraq (dough balls), while Makkah is recognized for its red barley soup. In Madinah, sobiyah is a well-loved traditional drink made from barley or oats.
Al-Baha is known for its maraqa bread, while Jouf specializes in saj bread, an unleavened flatbread.
Young people are being drawn to traditional foods through social media.
'Living in this era where everyone's trying to keep up with trends and compete on 'who did it better' along with the culture of sharing photos is a big motivation. But I can't deny that nostalgia and emotional connection also play an important role,' said Maryam Al-Oufi.
Loza Al-Mahdi and Eman Al-Hussaini, a mother and daughter from western Saudi Arabia, believe these dishes represent important memories.
'No matter how many new recipes we try, traditional dishes have a special place because they hold childhood memories and connect us to the past.'
One staple that remains a must-have during Ramadan is maamoul, a date-filled pastry that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance.
Al-Mahdi said: 'No Ramadan is complete without making maamoul. It's something that brings the whole family together.'
Platforms like TikTok and X have made it easier to share and preserve traditional recipes. 'Sharing recipes on TikTok or even posting pictures of dishes on X really helps with that,' Al-Oufi explained.
'When we see cool photos and videos, it gets us excited to try those dishes again and bring back recipes that had faded away.'
For many, Ramadan cooking is about familial legacy. 'Families have the choice of continuing the tradition and passing it on to future generations or just burying it,' Al-Oufi stated.
Al-Mahdi emphasized the importance of hands-on learning: 'I make sure to teach my children how to cook properly, just as I learned from my mother and grandmother.'
For some, certain dishes hold deep sentimental value. Al-Oufi recalls her grandmother's attention to detail: 'My grandma was very picky about food, especially when it came to the size and shape of the luqaimat. My grandma passed away, but her rules stayed with us.'
Similarly, Al-Hussaini shares a dish that remains close to her heart: 'One of the most important dishes I have to make during Ramadan, and my kids love, is jaib al-tajir (merchant's pocket).'
The Culinary Arts Commission has played a significant role in preserving traditional dishes by organizing a number of events and festivals that highlight Saudi heritage cuisine.
It has also documented preparation methods and cultural traditions, supported entrepreneurs, and published books and videos, helping to inspire interest in traditional foods.
Traditional markets and restaurants also play a major role in preserving these dishes, offering visitors the opportunity to experience authentic flavors and promoting traditional food culture across generations.
The Culinary Arts Commission promotes heritage foods during Ramadan by sharing special content on social media and its website.
This includes highlighting traditional Ramadan dishes, their preparation methods, historical origins, and cultural significance.
By sharing this knowledge, the commission encourages the community to appreciate and preserve Saudi culinary heritage during Ramadan.