Food
Saudi Arabia Finally Announces Its National Dish—And It’s Not Kabsa

Saudi cuisine is diverse, so no matter how much of it you sample, there are always new dishes to try. The dishes even vary according to the region you’re in, so up until now, the Kingdom didn’t have an official national dish. But finally it does, and it’s not kabsa.
The Culinary Arts Commission has announced Jareesh as the National Dish.
If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s a dish made of crushed wheat that’s cooked in a yoghurt-based sauce and is generally served with mutton or chicken.
“Jareesh”; the Saudi national dish.#NationalDishesNarratives#SaudiCulinaryArtsCommission#SaudiMinistryOfCulture pic.twitter.com/juVduxxih5
— هيئة فنون الطهي (@MOCCulinary) January 11, 2023
The commission took the opportunity to also announce a national dessert, the humble maqshush. By the way, the current season is the time to have it.
Made of buckwheat pan bites, topped with ghee, honey, dates molasses or sugar, #Maqshush has been announced as the National Dessert of Saudi Arabia. When it is cold and rainy outside, #Maqshush is easily the choice of indulgence in Saudi Arabia.#SaudiMinistryOfCulture pic.twitter.com/lQqMrc3T0C
— Saudi Arabia Ministry of Culture (@mocsaudi_en) January 11, 2023
Here’s a brief clip on the origin story behind the two dishes.
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