A taste of tradition

food

For Pakistanis, food is never just about taste - it’s an experience, a celebration, and a way of bringing people together. And in Saudi Arabia, it’s no different. Saudi cuisine is an exquisite blend of tradition, culture, and innovation - a fascinating testament to the country’s rich and varied past.

Food is deeply woven into the fabric of hospitality, family gatherings, and social bonding.

Much like the buzzing food streets of Lahore or Karachi, Saudi Arabia’s culinary scene has blossomed into a vibrant attraction, drawing in tourists and food lovers from around the world.

Shaped by centuries of trade routes and cultural exchange, Saudi cuisine offers an irresistible mix of Middle Eastern soul, Asian spice, and modern innovation - think of it as the flavourful cousin of Lahore’s food heritage. Every dish carries history, diversity, and cosmopolitan flair.

For Pakistani travellers, familiar spices like cardamom, saffron and cumin meet new techniques of slow roasting, grilling, and rice infused with a smoky depth. The result? A culinary adventure that feels both excitingly different and warmly familiar.

Unlike many other Middle Eastern culinary traditions, Saudi Arabian cuisine leans heavily on red meat - particularly lamb - with chicken playing a prominent secondary role. Seafood, while less dominant, has a strong presence in the coastal regions, where fish and shellfish are plentiful.

Take Saudi Arabia’s national dish, Kabsa - a fragrant rice and meat specialty that instantly reminds Pakistanis of Karachi’s beloved Biryani. With its deeply aromatic flavours and hearty combination of ingredients, Kabsa embodies Saudi Arabia’s love for spice-infused, satisfying meals, just as we love Biryani.

Jareesh - another traditional dish from the Arabian Peninsula - stands as a prime example of Saudi cuisine’s resourcefulness and ingenuity, turning simple, staple ingredients like wheat and meat into a hearty, comforting dish. This wholesome grain dish echoes the hearty Hareesa loved across Punjab and Kashmir. These shared flavours create an instant connection: one bite feels like home, the next like a discovery.

Saudi Mandi sits side by side with Pakistan’s Dumpukht Pulao. Mandi has gained great popularity in Karachi. It highlights the significant role that meat, especially lamb, plays in the Saudi culinary landscape. Mandi is cooked using the ‘dum’ technique, often including vegetables, dried fruits, and nuts.

As for flatbread, Khubz pairs perfectly with the spirit of our beloved Naan. But the magic doesn’t stop at tradition - Saudi chefs today are reimagining their classics, just as Pakistanis reinvent Nihari or Karahi. Even the humble street-side Shawarma takes on new life. Saudi shawarma platters offer bold, beautifully presented twists that instantly remind Pakistanis of their favourite Paratha rolls.

And when it comes to desserts, both cultures share a love for Sheer Khorma - that creamy, nutty Eid indulgence that feels like nostalgia in every spoonful. For those with a sweet tooth, Nagwa serves up delicate Saudi pastries and sweets, offering an Arabian alternative to Pakistan’s favourites like Lal’s chocolates. Of course, no comparison is complete without the classics.

Just as Pakistani cuisine is evolving, so is Saudi cuisine. Riyadh’s fine-dining gem ‘Maiz’ elevates traditional flavours with elegance, much like ‘Kolachi’ has done for food lovers at Karachi’s Do Darya.

For Pakistani foodies, Saudi Arabia is not just another stop on the travel map - it’s a culinary playground where familiar flavours and new experiences collide. Every dish tells a story, every spice evokes a memory, and every bite bridges two cultures that speak the same language of food.

The uniqueness of Saudi cuisine lies not just in the ingredients and cooking techniques, but also in the communal style of dining. Meals are often served family-style, with guests seated around a large platter - reflecting the deeply rooted Bedouin hospitality. This culture of hospitality resonates with our Pakistani traditions, where guests are warmly welcomed and meals are shared.

From Karachi’s biryani to Saudi Arabia’s mandi, food unites travellers across cultures. Shared traditions like kahwa and chai highlight the deep culinary bond between the two nations, while Saudi Arabia’s unmatched hospitality makes it a must-visit destination for Pakistanis seeking both flavour and experience.

For Umrah pilgrims, Saudi Arabia now offers countless opportunities to turn a spiritual journey into an exploration of local cuisine and culture. As the Kingdom rapidly emerges as a global tourism destination, it has also become more accessible for Pakistani travellers. Passport holders with a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa - with at least one entry stamp from the issuing country - can easily apply for an e-visa or obtain a visa on arrival.

‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’ is a vibrant consumer brand dedicated to sharing Saudi Arabia with the world and welcoming travellers to explore all the country has to offer. The brand’s mission is to drive forward the country’s tourism industry through awareness-raising campaigns and to provide a comprehensive array of information and resources to help travellers plan and enjoy unforgettable journeys. As the world’s fastest-growing destination, Saudi Arabia - the heart of Arabia - is the most exciting new year-round destination.

Pictures courtesy: Freepik.com