Saudi coffee, or ‘‘Al-Qahwa’’

 , qahwah), is made from coffee beans roasted very lightly or heavily from 165 °C (329 °F) to 210 °C (410 °F) and cardamom, and is a traditional beverage in Arabian culture. Traditionally, it is roasted on the premises (at home or for special occasions), ground, brewed and served in front of guests. It is often served with dates or candied fruit. This brewing method is common in Najd and Hijaz, and sometimes other spices like saffron (to give it a golden color), cloves, and cinnamon. Some people add a little evaporated milk to slightly alter its color; however, this is rare. It is served from a special coffee pot called dallah (Arabic: ) and the coffee cups are small with no handle called fenjan. The portions are small, covering just the bottom of the cup. It is served in homes, and in good restaurants by specially clad waiters calledgahwaji, and it is almost always accompanied with dates. It is always offered with the compliments of the house. It is also offered at most social events like weddings and funerals.

Arabic coffee is usually served just a few centilitres at a time. The waiter/host serves the guest just enough to cover the bottom of the cup. Usually the coffee is boiling hot, so larger amounts would take too long to cool to drinkable temperatures. The guest drinks it and if he wishes, he will gestures the waiter not to pour any more. Otherwise the host/waiter will continue to serve another few centilitres at a time until the guest gestures he has had enough. The most common practice is to drink only one cup, since serving coffee serves as a ceremonial act of kindness and hospitality. Sometimes people also drink larger volumes during conversations.

welcome to my blog

I will talk briefly about traditional Saudi food, examples like:

Ma’soub

Daqabis

Aseedah

Jereesh

Kelaijah

below is a description of   some of these food.

Traditional Dishes

A few popular Saudi Arabian dishes that are ubiquitous in the region, and serve as unique diet staples for all social and economic segments of the Saudi society. The most common types of food and beverages are, Kabsa, Quran, Mtaziz, Motabbaq, Masoob, Mandi, Arikah, Assidah, Haneedh, and many other local dishes.

There are various cuisines for all regions of the Kingdom. Most of these dishes carry healthy nutritional benefits and are rich in calories to give the body strength to work. Usually women are responsible for cooking the food in their homes. However, traditional restaurants have spread widely and you can taste any of these foods any time you like. The ingredients depend on the resources of the local environment.

Due to the large number of expatriates in the Kingdom, the circumstances required the emergence of a number of restaurants that have contributed to the introduction of some Arab and Asian dishes to the Saudi table. In addition to the spread of many Eastern and Western restaurants in the Kingdom, Western-style cafes are available offering hot and cold beverages and all kinds of Western, Arabic and international types of coffee, in addition to various other hot drinks.

• Traditional Cuisine in Riyadh Province
• Traditional Cuisine in Makkah Province
• Traditional Cuisine in Aseer Province
• Traditional Cuisine in Al-Baha Province
• Traditional Cuisine in Northern Borders Province
• Traditional Cuisine in Al- Jouf Province
• Traditional Cuisine in Al-Qaseem Province
• Traditional Cuisine in Hail Province
• Traditional Cuisine in Jazan Province
• Traditional Cuisine in Najran Province
• Traditional Cuisine in Tabouk Province

Al-Kelaijah

It is a disc of dough of palm size and consists of two convex layers. Al-Kelaijah is made of brown flour, eggs, honey, dates syrup or sugar, and some spices. It is a delicious and healthy dish that can stay for a long time without preservatives.

Al-Ma’soub

It is one of the best known dishes in the Makkah region, and as of now, it has become a widespread traditional dish in the province.  It consists of small discs of wheat which – after being baked – are dropped into a wooden bowl, adding a good amount of honey and butter, and bananas. The mixture is battered and pressed with a sharp tool. Some زpeople use sugar instead of honey and cream instead of banana.​

Al-Sayyadiah

It is one of the most famous dishes in the coastal cities, and it consists of fish and rice. It is prepared by cutting onions into equal pieces, and then sautéed in a large amount of oil above medium heat until the onion becomes dark brown. Then, the fish is sautéed in the same oil. After that, hot water, spices, and rice are added, which will gain the brown color. Leave it to be cooked on a medium heat. Often, Al-Sayyadiah is served with other dishes like fish with Tehina (sesame paste) and fish kebabs.

Al-Daqabis

Sometimes called as “Al-Dahalis”, and it is a popular dish in Baha Province. It is more like Marqouq, and is often used with (Al-Siqlah) or (Al-Qurras), which are two plants that are grown during the autumn season. And these plants are harvested by hands, and the leaves are shred and cooked. Al-Daqbous is dough formed into thick pieces and placed in a pot of boiling water with Al-Siqlah, Al-Qurras, or Alfalfa plant (Medicago Sativa). This dish is not popular because it depends on using Al-Siqlah or Al-Qurras plants. In recent decades, it is made of meat and some vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, and spinach. ​

Jereesh

It has two types: the first one is made of brown flour after being ground and kneaded; the second one is called “Al-Luqaimi” and it is made of brown flour without being ground and cut into small pieces.

Al-Aseedah

It is called Al-Mathlouth or Al-Matlouth. It consists of wheat flour, Jereesh, and millet flour. It is often eaten during winter because it helps keeping the body warm and gain energy. Its name “Al-Mathlouth” is derived from its three ingredients, - ‘of the three’.​

In addition, there are other traditional cuisine in the province, like Al-Afs, Al-Fireek, Al-Hunaini, Al-Qursan, Al-Habishah, and the Rice.

Al-Mutabbaq

It is another most popular dish in the region. Actually it is a pie stuffed with minced meat, minced leeks, and eggs. Such mixture is put into the flattened dough to be fried in a large frying pan. If Al-Mutabbaq is sweet, the stuff is consisted of banana and sugar, sweet cheese, or cream, fried in the same way. ​​

Matazeez

It is one of the most famous traditional cuisine and consisting of mainly wheat. It is prepared by expert women only to perfection. This is done by cutting the dough into small pieces, the size of an egg. They are flattened and placed inside a pot containing boiling water, cut meat, truffles, and margarine. Matazeez is regarded as one of the favorite lunch or dinner meals for the elderly.

Al-Manto

This dish is brought to the local towns by the people of Turkestan. It is made from flattened dough cut into small pieces. In the middle of the pieces of dough small amount of minced meat, grilled and chopped onions are placed. Then, the edges of the dough are gathered together to cover the filler. After that, the dough piece is steamed by placing them on strainer placed over a bowl with boiling water. When the dough pieces are done by steaming, they are ready to be served.​​

Al-Sileeq

There are two types of Al-Sileeq in Makkah: the first is called “Al-Sileeq Al-Makkawi” being prepared in the Holy Makkah; the second is called “Al-Sileeq Al-Arabi” being prepared in mountain villages. Al Sileeq is one of the many traditional dishes that are prepared by the Makkah locals during special occasions. It is prepared by first boiling the meat in water, and then the resulting meat-broth is used to cook the soaked rice without any other additions, except for the ghee when the rice is almost done. Some people may choose to add milk or cream to the rice.