What Does a Saudi Arabian Breakfast Look Like?

Saudi Arabian breakfast includes bread, beans, eggs, dates, coffee and other foods. And several dishes can be on the table at the same time. What people eat also changes from one family or region to another.
Bread is a common part of breakfast. Sometimes it can be eaten with beans, eggs, dips and sauces.

Tamees and Khubz

Tamees is a flatbread. The outside is crispy while the inside is soft. It is made from dough and baked fresh. It is often served warm. It has a slightly salty taste and goes well with beans and eggs.

Khubz is a flatbread. It is thinner and softer. It has a different  taste than Tamees and is often eaten with beans, sauces and dips. You can tear it into pieces and use it to pick up the food.

Foul

Foul mudammas is made with fava beans that are cooked slowly until they become soft. The beans are usually mixed with cumin, garlic, olive oil and lemon. This gives them a tasty flavour.
Some people also add tomatoes, tahini or ghee. Bread is usually served with foil so you can scoop up the beans with it.

Eggs

Eggs are also common at breakfast. Sometimes they can be scrambled.

Shakshouka is another option. It is made by cooking eggs with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers and spices. The eggs are cooked in the tomato mixture. Are usually eaten with warm bread.

Coffee and Dates

Arabic coffee, or Gahwa, is usually made with cardamom. Some versions also have saffron. It has a light taste and is often served in small cups.

Dates are commonly served with the coffee. Sukari and Ajwa are two types of dates you may see. They are soft and sweet, which goes well with the coffee.

More Choices

Kidbah is made with lamb or beef liver. It is usually cooked with onions, tomatoes and chili. The liver has a tasty flavour but the onions and spices add more flavor.

Masoub is popular in the Hejaz region. It is made with pieces of flatbread, banana, dates, ghee and honey. It is sweet and filling. Some versions also have cream or cheese.

Saudi Arabian breakfast does not have one fixed menu. Some families may have a breakfast, with bread and beans while others may serve several dishes together.

If you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, check the current entry requirements for your nationality before travelling. Eligible travellers should also check the current Saudi Arabia eVisa requirements before making travel arrangements.