Saudi National Day: Traditional Dishes at the Heart of Celebrations
Saudi Arabia is gearing up to mark its 94th National Day on September 23rd, 2024.
On this occasion, Saudi citizens from across the Kingdom celebrate the day with parades, fireworks, and entertainment shows. They adorn the streets with Saudi flags, and light up the buildings in green.
Saudi heritage is a key component of the National Day celebrations, because citizens wear their traditional outfits and cook the famous traditional dishes that reflect the heritage and cultural identity of each Saudi Region.
Saudi National Day
On September 23, 1932, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud announced the unification of Najd and Hejaz into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
On this day, King Abdulaziz issued a decree declaring the unification of all parts of the modern Kingdom under the name of Saudi Arabia, with Arabic as its official language and Quran as its constitution. Hence, this marked the birth of modern Saudi Arabia.
Saudi National Dishes
Over the years, the Saudi National Day has become a celebration of patriotism and traditions. It is marked with popular music and dance shows, as well as traditional festivals all over the Kingdom’s regions.
Saudi traditional food is a central aspect of the National Day celebrations. All households, public places, restaurants and cafes serve Saudi traditional dishes and drinks on this occasion.
In 2023, the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission declared Jareesh as the Saudi national dish, and Maqshush as the Kingdom’s national dessert.
Our national dishes, Jareesh and Maqshush, tell a unique story that is rooted in our ancient history and the authenticity of our heritage.#NationalDishesNarratives#SaudiCulinaryArtsCommission#SaudiMinistryOfCulture pic.twitter.com/XgW6IVNEbM
— هيئة فنون الطهي (@MOCCulinary) January 11, 2023
Furthermore, the Culinary Arts Commission has recognized 13 traditional dishes that best represent the culture and heritage of the Regions of Saudi Arabia.
Jareesh: Saudi National Dish
Jareesh is a savory dish hailing from the Northern Region. It is a porridge-like dish made of cracked wheat. Jareesh is seasoned with aromatic spices and slow-cooked with vegetables and tomato sauce. It is usually served with lamb meat, but it can be served with chicken.
This traditional dish is essential in every Saudi household, although each region has its own unique recipe for cooking Jareesh.
Maqshush: Saudi National Dessert
Maqshush is a traditional dessert made of buckwheat pan bites. It is topped with ghee, honey, dates molasses or sugar.
Maqshush is typically served for breakfast along with coffee and tea. It is also the preferred choice for locals in the cold and rainy weather.
Regional Dishes
The Saudi Culinary Arts Commission has selected Al-Marqouq as the traditional dish of Riyadh Region. It consists of small pieces of wheat dough, resembling dumplings, that are boiled in meat and vegetables stew.
Meanwhile, Saleeg has been chosen as the traditional dish for Makkah Region. It a creamy dish made of rice and milk and served with chicken.
The traditional dish of Madinah Region is the Madini Rice. It is made of rice boiled in stock and ghee. The dish is typically served with lamb meat that is seasoned with spices, tomato and saffron.
Eastern and Northern Regions
The Commission has selected Hassawi Rice to represent the Eastern Region. It hails from Al-Ahsa and is distinguished by its red color.
Al-Mulayhiya has been chosen as the traditional dish of the Northern Border Region. It is made of rice, as well as meat and meat broth. It is also garnished with parsley and pine nuts.
More Savory Dishes
The traditional dish of Aseer Region is Al-Haneeth. The dish is made of slow roasted lamb meat that is cooked in an underground, clay oven. It is seasoned with traditional Saudi spices and served with rice.
Meanwhile, Keubaibat Hail has been selected as the traditional dish of Hail Region. This delicious dish consists of rice-stuffed vine leaves and cooked meat. It is also topped with lemon slices and pomegranate seeds.
The Culinary Arts Commission has also selected Al-Maghsh to represent Jazan Region. It is meat cooked in a stone pot inside a clay oven.
Furthermore, the Commission has chosen Al-Ruqsh to represent Najran Region. The savory dish is made of bread cooked in a stone pot with spiced meat and broth.
In Tabuk, Al-Sayadiah is the Region’s traditional dish. It is made of sautéed rice that is cooked with onion and oil and served with tasty local fish.
Traditional Pastries
Al-Baha, Al-Qassim and Al-Jouf Regions are famous for their traditional pastries. The Muqana Bread is the traditional dish of Al-Baha Region. It is made of whole wheat flour and baked over firewood until its color becomes golden brown.
In Al-Jouf, Al-Bukayla is the Region’s traditional dish. This tasty delight is a sweet paste that consists of a blend of dates and flour, with a ghee dip.
The most famous dessert in Al-Qassim Region is Kleija. This sweet traditional pastry is made of wheat flour, milk and ghee. It is stuffed with traditional Saudi ingredients, such as dates, nuts, cinnamon or cardamom.
