Traditional Food in Riyadh Province

Traditional Food in Riyadh Province refers to the most renowned dishes prepared in Riyadh Province, located at the center of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The province is known for its wide and varied traditional cuisine involving the use of ingredients mainly consisting of ghee, whole wheat flour, and meat, ultimately reflecting the province's traditional culture in cooking and serving these dishes.

Riyadh Province shares several traditional dishes with Qassim Province. These dishes include Hanaini, a frequently prepared dish during winter, where this is due to its high-calorie count, ultimately supplying the body with energy and warmth. It is mostly served during Iftar in the Holy Month of Ramadan, namely since its calorie count is beneficial for those fasting. It also contains dates that supply the body with sugars, similar to most Saudi dishes, specifically those initially prepared in Riyadh and Qassim Provinces. In fact, dates and brown bread made of whole wheat flour are the two main ingredients for making this dish.

Other common dishes found in both Riyadh and Qassim provinces include al-Mahla. This dish also consists of dates, which are soaked in water for up to eight hours, before spreading and cooking them on medium heat. Whole wheat brown flour is then added to the mixture while constantly stirring it for up to three hours. Pieces of butter or local ghee are then added to the mixture. The mixture should be constantly stirred to ensure that dates mix with flour and become softer than the Hanaini and abit dishes. This dessert is preferably served hot.

Al-Qursan is one of the most renowned dishes served in Riyadh Province in particular during the Holy Month of Ramadan and the center of Saudi Arabia in general. The dish consists of brown wheat. Other dishes include al-Tawa, al-Mathrud, al-Thuraid, Harees, al-Makshush, al-Khamiaa, al-Malihiya, Mahmousa, and al-Futaita.

Traditional dishes in Riyadh Province are known for their preparation complexity. For instance, cooking Jareesh, supplying many key nutrients, requires several hours. These dishes mainly require the use of quality ingredients and meticulous preparation steps.

Although salty varieties are rather common in traditional dishes in Riyadh Province, al-Marassi', which is made from whole wheat flour, honey, and ghee, is one of the oldest desserts in Riyadh Province's culture.

Marqooq dish and Matazeez are quite popular in Riyadh Province. These dishes are made from nearly the same ingredients but differ in the preparation of the dough, how it is cut, and how it is incorporated with the other ingredients. They both share the process of cutting the dough and mixing it with broth, vegetables, and spices until fully cooked.

Notable dishes in Riyadh Province, specifically in Wadi ad-Dawasir Governorate, include those served during winter, such as Fatteh, Areeka, al-Mahbash, Aseeda, Mafruk, and Matazeez. Each is known for its own characteristics. In fact, some of these meals consist of meat and ghee added to food mixtures to form dishes such as Areeka. Other dishes, such as Fatteh, and Mahbash, involve the addition of meat and legumes that add flavor. Some dishes, like Mafruk, use honey and onions. Other dishes, such as Marqooq, are strictly limited to the use of meat and vegetables.

These dishes are made with brown whole wheat grains, which are rich plant fiber food. These dishes help those who eat them feel full more quickly, ultimately contributing to weight loss and reducing obesity. These foods are also useful for enhancing the digestive system function, relieving constipation, and easing the removal of waste and toxins from the body, as they allow strain-free bowel movements and help humans avoid indigestion and colon problems.

In 2024, the Culinary Arts Commission designated Marqooq as the regional dish of Riyadh Province as part of the initiative Narratives of National and Regional Dishes. This initiative, launched in early 2023, identified Jareesh as the national dish of Saudi Arabia and al-Maqshush as the national dessert.

The initiative aims to celebrate Saudi culinary culture, invest in its symbolic value, and document its recipes to promote its dissemination across various social groups locally and internationally, preserving it as an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage.

In the realm of entertainment festivals, various events are held annually, featuring sections for productive families and shops interested in selling traditional dishes from Riyadh Province. One such event is the Riyadh Food Festival. These sections showcase the efforts of productive families in preparing and presenting traditional dishes in various ways while also dedicating sections and booths to showcase and task these traditional dishes.