Saudi National Food Dish- Chicken Kabsa

The Kabsa rice with meat (Lamb/chicken/camel meat) is widely considered as the national food dish of Saudi Arabia. The rice is usually served in a big round serving dish with meat placed at the center. It is normal to see the locals and expatriates visiting in groups, the local kabsa restaurants, especially, during the Lunch and Dinner time. As a tradition, this dish is usually served on the floor (Few dining tables are also available in the restaurants) and people eat it with their right-hand (spoons are used by people who are not used to eating with hands).

A serving plate of kabsa rice with meat will be sufficient for two servings. The aromatic Basmati rice is usually cooked in the stock along with the unique spices for the kabsa dish. Tahina (condiment made from toasted sesame seeds) and Shatta (Hot sauce) is served along with the Kabsa dish in almost all the food restaurants in Saudi Arabia. The chicken is usually roasted till it turn to the beautiful golden brown color. Some restaurants use the roasted nuts, fried onion and dried fruits for garnish and for great presentation.

We do have some great food restaurants in Al-Khobar city, specialized in serving tasty Kabsa dish. Of all the food restaurants Iam a big fan of the following restaurants and visit them with my family and friends:

  1. مندي اكسبرس

  2. مطاعم شواطئ الخليج

  3. مطعم ماضينا للأكلات الشعبية

  4. مطعم قرية الروازن التراثية

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Amazing photos of Khabsa @fasi6083 The rice looks like similar to kacchi biriyani. Thanks for sharing this nice post.

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Hello @fasi6083 ,

Thank you for sharing this traditional meal with us, it looks really delicious!

I’ve heard and read about this dish many times, but never had the chance to taste it.

In Morocco, where I grew up, next to chicken with rice, it is very popular to have chicken with vermicelli as well!

Chicken with vermicelli made on steam, is one of the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted!

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Thanks for the comment @BorrisS Interesting, I have never tasted chicken with vermicelli before, can you please share the local name of this food dish.

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You’re welcome @fasi6083 .

Unlike couscous or tajine, there is no particular name for this dish. It is widely known in Morocco as Chicken with vermicelli on steam.

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