Vegans will find Saudi Arabia to be rich in choice regarding meat-free eateries. Many foods in this category are well-known traditional dishes in the country, with a rich endowment in plant foods. With the right dishes and exploration of the local food, veganism is perfectly doable and pleasant. Here is how to adopt veganism in Saudi Arabia and taste all that traditional food offers:
How to Choose Traditional Vegan Dishes in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi culture, many foods are made with fresh culinary production, and the procedure is simple. While discovering these dishes, especially when travelling on religious tours, you can choose dishes that match your Trusted Islamic Travel Agency the most conveniently and comfortably.
1. Hummus
It is a tasty opportunity to taste hummus: a paste made of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. We eat it with bread or make sandwiches with it.
2. Falafel
Enjoy the taste of the pear-shaped, fried patties made from mashed chickpeas or fava beans called falafel. A scoop of tahini and freshly cut raw vegetables make a great addition to this fast food, packed inside the pita pocket.
3. Lentil Soup
Lentil soup includes red lentils, onions, and spices. The Chinese are so right; there's nothing quite as fulfilling and satisfying as soup, as it fills and warms you up.
4. Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush is a thin, purplish-black dip made from grilled aubergines mashed with tahini, chopped garlic, and lemon juice. You know what? It is good for eating, and you can take over bread or vegetables.
5. Mujaddara
Try mujaddara, a rice and lentil dish garnished with crispy onions. It is a complete meal plate because it is fully satisfying.
Enjoy Rice-Based Dishes!
Saudi foods commonly use rice, a key ingredient in many dishes. It is usually best to cook rice dishes as vegan or without non-vegan ingredients.
1. Mandi (Without Meat)
Order the mandi without meat. It includes spiced and still has some juice and taste; the spiced rice can be served with salad or any vegetable.
2. Kabsa (Without Meat)
Ask for kabsa without meat. This particular rice meal can satisfy people's desire for a meal produced from spices in preparation.
3. Harees (Vegan Version)
So, when you order harees, ensure that all ingredients are grains and spices. They can be vegan when changed because many cook this meal at home.
Try Saudi Bread!
Bread is also among the Saudi food; most bread is appropriate for a vegan diet. With a Hajj Umrah visa, you can easily explore vegan-friendly options during your trip.
1. Tamees
You can bake Tamees as flatbread in a tandoor or oven. They make an excellent vegetable dip and are ideal to accompany hummus, lentil soup, or baba ganoush.
2. Pita Bread
It can be used to make sandwiches or complement some dishes. Put falafel, several vegetables, and even tahini sauce in it, and you have a complete meal.
3. Za'atar Bread
This food could be ordered as za'atar bread with olive oil, sesame seeds, and thyme sprinkled on top. It is more flavourful when consumed as a snack or familiar with other foods.
Indulge in Date-Based Treats!
Dates are a part of Saudi Arabian tradition and a food ingredient. They can be purchased almost anywhere and come in many forms.
1. Fresh Dates
Eat some fresh dates. It will make you sweet and refreshed if you ever have low energy. Some famous dates are Ajwa, Sukkary, and Khidri.
2. Stuffed Dates
Stuffed dates filled with almonds or coconut are a nutritious food for dessert.
Discover Vegan Snacks
You can find several vegan snacks in Saudi Arabia made from essential ingredients, including:
1. Foul Medames
Order foul medames. This meal is prepared from fava beans, garlic, and lemon juice. It is a perfect snack when eaten with flatbread.
2. Vegetable Sambousek
You can choose sambousek from eggplants, bell peppers, zucchini, potatoes, cauliflower, squash, or spinach. These pastries are good for breakfast.
3. Roasted Chickpeas
Spiced roasted chickpeas make a great snack because they are light and easily digested. They are delicious, natural, crisp, and perfect, especially as a vegan.
Sip on Vegan-Friendly Drinks
Saudi Arabia brings refreshing vegan drinks suitable for taking with meals.
1. Mint Tea
It is important to note that mint tea does not interfere with most conventional menus in any way. You can order it for a light meal and still feel like you've just taken a breath.
2. Jallab
The tasty Jallab is made from grape molasses, dates, and rose water. It is warm on hot days.
How to Eat Vegan in Saudi Arabia?
Follow these tips to make your vegan journey with Umrah packages in Saudi Arabia smooth and enjoyable:
- Ask for customisation: Specify your order with servers and request food free from meat and dairy products. Restaurants respect people's dietary choices.
- Visit Middle Eastern restaurants: Eating in restaurants serving food from your chosen country is good. This includes more vegan meal options.
- Shop at local markets: You should buy your groceries, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, to prepare your meals, as these are considered fresh. I must admit that vegetarian meals are not challenging because many restaurants have vegetarian meals.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, being vegan in Saudi Arabia is quite simple if you go to the correct destinations (we have already written about being in vegan in Hail). The country's cuisine offers many excellent meals for those who believe in plant-based food. The Saudi people, in particular, say it is the best for food. They are not limited in their choices when on a diet, they can have lentil soup and falafel, for example.
Let yourself face a vegan part of Saudi Arabian food and enjoy every traditional dish. Therefore, if you have a Hajj Umrah visa, you can taste vegan-friendly meals during your trip! (Second photo by Christopher Alvarenga on Unsplash)
