Exploring the rich flavours of Saudi’s local comfort food

Of all the delicious things Saudi cuisine has to offer, comfort food has a special place.

Saudi cuisine draws inspiration from its Bedouin roots, with known Arabic spices like cardamom, in cumin, turmeric, and coriander and cinnamon, giving the food more depth and complexity.

Featuring everything from aromatic rice dishes to juicy grilled meats and rich desserts that will entice your taste buds, giving you a feeling of warmth and pleasure.

These restaurants in Riyadh listed below include delicious savoury and sweet Saudi comfort food, that are a must-visit, especially during the winter.

Maiz

Saleeg

A comforting local dish, Saleeg is a base of creamy rice porridge served with a broasted piece of chicken on top, and often makes for a warming and filling lunch or dinner option. Originating in the Western Province of Saudi, it is made by cooking rice with milk until it becomes creamy. The Saleeg dish served by the famed Maiz is moreish, served with a flavourful grilled skin-on chicken breast, a good dollop of house-made smoked ghee, and a side of duggus sauce.

Bujairi Terrace, Al Diriyah
@maizriyadh

Najd Village

Matazeez

A much-loved traditional dish originating from Najd and Qassim. Matazeez is made using of whole wheat flour dough, mixed with roasted meat and a selection of vegetables, and flavoured with an array of traditional spices such as cumin, turmeric, and black pepper. The Matazeez served at Najd Village is delicious, made with potatoes, eggplants, carrots, tomatoes, and meat. This dish makes for a hearty, homely and satisfying meal.

King Abdulaziz Road, Al Yasmin
@najdvillagesa

Tofareya

Jareesh

Jareesh, cherished as a traditional comfort food that embodies the country's culinary heritage, is made from wheat grains, and turned into a creamy texture with chicken or lamb. Tofareya’s Jareesh dish is flavoured with the warming spices of cardamom and cumin, a hint black pepper, and garnished with a generous helping of ghee and perfectly caramelised onions.

Anas Ibn Malik Road, Al Malqa
@tofareya

Aseeb

Marqooq

A staple in the Saudi cuisine, Marqooq is a thin and soft bread made from flour, water, salt, divided into small portions, and combined with grilled meats, vegetables, and sauces. Aseeb’s Marqooq contains layers of the soft bread, with meat and fresh vegetables, and flavourful spices, topped with onions.

Anas Ibn Malik Road, Al Yasmin
@aseeb.najd

Takya

Geshd

Geshd is an old, and very well-known dish in Najd Region. Today, it is considered a dessert, yet it was a full meal combining fat, sugars, and carbs. Takya’s delicious Geshd is made of wholewheat flour and yogurt, combined with dates, date cream, and yogurt ice cream, making it an ideal delicious dessert, especially to those with a sweet tooth.

Bujairi Terrace, Al Diriyah
@takya_sa