The port city of Jeddah needs zero introduction as a thriving arts hub and heritage-steeped treasure trove for culture seekers. But among its attractions, ancient walkways and magical waterborne activities is a unique culinary scene serving everything from sensational street food and gastronomic, high-end dishes.
For the perfect first foray into the former of those two options, head directly to the city’s historic centre, Al Balad. Here you’ll pass street vendors selling everything from fried fritters and balila (chickpeas, garlic and spices) to khubz bread with houmous. You may find the aromas of slowly roasting spiced lamb irresistible as you amble along the cobbled stone sidewalks, but fear not – you’ll find stalls a-plenty selling sensational kebabs with cool yoghurt and mint dip sides.
Sample delicious street food in Al Balad, where you can tuck into delicious Balila
(Alamy Stock Photo)
Lamb Mandi – as traditional a Saudi dish as they come – will want to be on your tick-off list, and nowhere in Jeddah does it better than Seddah in Amariyah. The lamb here is simple but beautiful, with a salty outer layer combining hints of coriander and cumin. It’s a great place to catch up with friends or family over the city’s best lamb, bone broths, delicious spicy sauces and fresh juices.
Brilliant brunch
If a classic Saudi brunch is on your to-do list – and why wouldn’t it be – pop into one of the three branches of Abu Zaid. The food here is fresh, authentic and reasonably priced, with stand-out traditional dishes including masoob (banana bread topped with almonds, raisins, whipped cream and honey), fateera (savoury pancakes) and foul-tameez (fava bean stew with soft, delicious flatbread).
You won’t always be in the market for a long, indulgent lunch or brunch, and with branches all over, Al Romansiah is one of Saudi’s most popular chains serving food on the move. But don’t let its prevalence put you off; from perfectly barbecued cubes of lamb and kabli, to succulent roasted chicken and tantalising, chocolatey desserts, this is the top spot for lunch on the move. And with three branches in Jeddah, you’ll never be too far away from one of these much-loved outlets.
They don’t call it the Red Sea City for nothing, and Jeddah’s close proximity to the ocean means seafood fans are guaranteed some of Saudi’s freshest catches. Make your way to the Central Fish Market to pick up some baladi (local) produce, from red grouper and sea bass to…
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