A Culinary Journey through Saudi Arabia's Fantastic Food
Not many know that Saudi Arabia is a treasure trove of gastronomic delicacies! While the country is largely known to be the home to the holy Mecca and Medina, the culinary delights of the land cannot be ignored.
The country’s culinary landscape goes far beyond simply satisfying hunger; it shows the land’s rich history, vibrant culture, and the people’s hospitality. Sounds amazing, right? If you are a British citizen willing to know what Saudi Arabia’s cuisine has to offer, simply apply for a Tourist eVisa to KSA on our online portal. It is better to get done and dusted with the visa application procedure beforehand; this will leave you time to plan ahead and embark on a delightful journey of delicacies to tantalize your taste buds!
Each bite that Arabian cuisine offers is a tapestry going back to the early days of nomadic lifestyles and trade routes and gives an insight into the stories of hospitality and resilience. Whether you are a newbie in the food industry or a connoisseur wanting to explore cuisines on a global level, Saudi Arabia’s gourmet experience is to die for! Simply apply for a Saudi visa for British citizens and begin your gastronomic journey now!
How Should You Start?
The very first thing to do is apply for an online visa so that you can gain entry into the country and explore every nook and corner of the land to learn about its cuisine and taste the same. British citizens can apply for a multiple-entry eVisa to KSA that has a validity of 365 days and will let them stay for 90 days. Considering that the application process can be completely managed online, there is no hassle of visiting the Embassy and spending hours there for a visa application.
You need the following things for the application for a Saudi visa for British citizens:
- A passport with 180 days validity left after you leave KSA
- A passport-sized photograph taken recently
- Proof of your accommodation, i.e., your hotel details
The application procedure for eVisa to KSA is quite easy. Simply come to our online portal and complete the application form. Once that is done, submit the form and make the visa application fee payment with a credit or debit card. The approval will be mailed to you in just about a few days. It would be a wise idea to have a printed copy of the eVisa and keep it with you at all times during your visit to Saudi Arabia.
The application procedure for a Saudi visa for British citizens is completed. Now is the time for you to explore Saudi Arabian cuisine to its fullest diversity!
With the Visa Application Done, What Should Be My Travel Itinerary?
While the travel itinerary should be completely according to your personal preference, getting guidance is always helpful! If you are keen on attending a culinary festival, follow the steps mentioned below to introduce your palette to joy not known before! Also, keep a printed copy of the eVisa to KSA with you wherever you go.
Arriving in Riyadh on Day 1
Keep your luggage in the hotel and get ready to explore the Riyadh Food Festival. Your very first evening in the country, and you will be delighted with the incredible taste of classic dishes like Mandi or Kabsa! Quench your thirst with the local apricot juice, Qamar al-din, that most Saudi Arabians swear by!
Attending the Riyadh Food Festival on Day 2
The highlight of your trip is here! The ambience of the food festival is thriving and vibrant, which gives you a chance to dive right in and try different local dishes like Falafel and Shawarma from the vendors. Take your experience a notch higher by joining a culinary workshop or checking out cooking competitions between famous local chefs!
Going for a culinary exploration in Riyadh on Day 3
With the festival out of the way now, you can take a leisure trip around the place to explore the culinary scene. You can get exotic spices, snacks, and sweets at Souq Al Zal, and then find a nearby restaurant to get a taste of Saudi’s traditional dishes. Keep the evening for something gourmet!
Traveling to Jeddah on Day 4
Exploring Riyadh is complete; pack your bags to go to Jeddah now! If you are too tired, relax for the afternoon. As the sun sets, take a leisure walk to any of the nearby seaside restaurants and give your palette the amazing taste of seafood, all the while marveling at the breathtaking view of the Red Se!
Attending the Jeddah Culinary Festival on Day 5
Fill your day with flavors right from the morning! The festival has a lively atmosphere of music and entertainment and lets you taste the best that Saudi Arabian cuisine has to offer. Besides tasting the local dishes from vendors, you can consider taking part in cooking demonstrations and learning about Saudi Arabian culture.
Discovering the food culture of Jeddah on Day 6
Jeddah’s markets or souks are filled with fresh produce and spices. You can also sample local delicacies. As this is your last stop before heading to the airport, purchase dates or local Arabic coffee or even exotic spices. The markets sell a variety of sweets as well; get them as souvenirs for your loved ones back home.
Dishes You Must Try in Saudi Arabia
As you have got a Saudi visa for British citizens, know that taking a trip to Saudi Arabia remains incomplete if you have not tasted some of the best dishes the country has to offer. The textures and flavors of these dishes will leave you enchanted and wondering how they have been perfected to this extent over the years!
For breakfast, consider having:
- Foul Medamas, a dish made of fava beans and seasoned with spices to be served alongside rice or bread
- Fatayer, a kind of flaky pastry with a savory filling of meat, spinach, or cheese
- Shakshuka, a dish with poached eggs and flavored with tomato sauce and other spices, served alongside pita bread
For main course, consider having:
- Kabsa, the national dish of the country, is a fragrant rice dish cooked along with meat and vegetables and a fine balance of spices
- Mandi, a dish that has meat slow-cooked with a blend of aromatic spices and served as a side to rice
- Shawarma, a wrap of warm pita bread with a filling of roasted meat, vegetables, and tangy sauce
In street food, consider having:
- Falafel, an item of fried chickpea balls served with pita bread
- Luqaimat, a sweet item of fried dough balls doused in syrup flavored with saffron or rose water
- Samboosa, a savory pastry with a filling of meat or vegetables
For desserts, consider having:
- Kunafa, a delectable dish made with phyllo dough and soaked in a sweet syrup
- Umm Ali, an incredible bread pudding consisting of milk and nuts and flavored with cinnamon and rose water
- Baklava, a flaky pastry phyllo pastry sweetened in syrup and topped with nuts
In beverages, consider having:
- Qahwa, a kind of aromatic, cardamom-flavored Arabic coffee served with dates
- Laban, a refreshing yogurt-based drink served with the flavor or rose water or mint
- Jallab, a drink made with grape molasses, dates, and rose water and topped with raisins or pine nuts
So, Ready to Embark on a Culinary Journey to Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is nothing short of a food lover’s paradise! The profound flavors are a testament to the rich cultural heritage sustained for generations. As a British citizen, all you have to do to experience this is apply for an eVisa to KSA on our online portal.
Take care of following the right steps so that you stand no chance of getting your visa approval rejected. With the approval mailed to you in just a few days, you can now set out on this exciting journey of understanding and appreciating the Saudi Arabian culture through its exquisite cuisine!
If you have further queries about the Saudi visa for British citizens, get in touch with us!
READ MORE:
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is known for its most delightful cuisines. Saudi Arabian dishes are very flavorful with a beautiful blend of bold flavors, aromatic spices, and rich traditions. Discover more at A Flavorful Journey into the Heart of Saudi Arabian Cuisine.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight.