RIYADH: Ramadan is breathing new life into traditional Saudi dishes as families across the Kingdom embrace their regional culinary heritage.
During the holy month, dining tables are filled with diverse dishes passed down through generations. These meals not only hold cultural significance but also provide essential nutrients to replenish energy after a day of fasting.
In the Northern Borders, al-khumei’ah is a popular dish, while the Eastern Province is known for harees, a slow-cooked wheat and meat soup. Riyadh’s signature dish is marqooq, made with thin dough, meat, onions, and spiced broth. Qassim is famous for al-tawah pastry, and Tabuk enjoys al-mafroukah, a dough-based dish with dates, honey, and butter.
In Jazan, the makshan fish, cooked with onions and spices, is well-loved. Hail offers al-baseesa, dough balls with date paste, while Asir is known for tasabee’, a mix of flour, milk, and sugar. Najran is known for al-wafd and al-maraq, which are dough balls, while Makkah features red barley soup. Madinah’s beloved traditional drink, sobiyah, is made from barley or oats.
Al-Baha is known for its maraqa bread, and Jouf specializes in saj bread, an unleavened flatbread.
Social media platforms like TikTok are helping younger generations reconnect with these traditional dishes. “Living in this era where everyone’s sharing photos and recipes online has motivated us to revisit our culinary roots,” said Maryam Al-Oufi.
Loza Al-Mahdi and her daughter, Eman Al-Hussaini, from western Saudi Arabia, cherish these dishes for their emotional significance. “Traditional dishes hold childhood memories and connect us to the past,” Al-Mahdi said.
Maamoul, a date-filled pastry, remains a Ramadan staple. “No Ramadan is complete without making maamoul. It brings the family together,” added Al-Mahdi.
The Culinary Arts Commission is playing a vital role in preserving Saudi heritage cuisine through events, documentation, and support for entrepreneurs. It shares special content on social media, highlighting traditional dishes and their cultural significance.
Traditional markets and restaurants also help preserve these dishes, offering authentic flavors and promoting food culture across generations. By sharing knowledge and experiences, the community continues to celebrate and preserve Saudi culinary heritage during Ramadan.
[Reported by Arab News]
