Traditional Dishes in the Eastern Province

Traditional Dishes in the Eastern Province are the popular dishes known for being prepared by the residents of the Eastern Province in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These dishes are predominantly seafood-based due to the Eastern Province's coastal location along the Arabian Gulf. Among them is "Muhammar," also referred to as "Burnyush," which is one of the widely recognized traditional dishes locally in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the dish "al-Hanaini" is commonly prepared, particularly among sailors, and it is high in calories.

The Eastern Province shares the preparation of Thareed with meat and al-Mafroukah with several other regions in Saudi Arabia. Al-Mafroukah is classified as a dessert made from dates, whole wheat flour, honey, clarified butter, and black seeds. Its preparation begins with kneading the whole wheat flour dough and shaping it into a disc that is buried under hot embers, referred to in the local vernacular as al-Khubz al-Jamri (ember bread). This traditional bread is popular in several Saudi regions. Once baked, it is topped with a mixture of dates, honey, and clarified butter.

The Hassawi Miflaq dish is particularly popular in the Eastern Province. It consists of cracked wheat cooked with shrimp and seasonal vegetables. Wheat is used as a substitute for rice in Miflaq. It takes on various colors and is known as Sayadiyah rice. This type of rice is served with many traditional dishes, such as Saudi Kabsa with fish, Ahsa rice, and Makbous.

The Eastern Province shares the culinary tradition of preparing al-Margouq with the central provinces, alongside al-Matazeez. Both dishes consist of nearly the same ingredients but differ in the preparation of the dough, the method of cutting it, and how it is added to the other components. In both dishes, the dough is cut into pieces, mixed with broth, vegetables, and spices, and cooked until tender.

Some traditional dishes from the Eastern Province are an essential part of Ramadan iftar tables, with locals ensuring their presence. These dishes include Masaqa’a, Sago, Khabisa, Kawaree, Hassawi rice, Raqaq bread, Harees, Nasha, Balaleet, and Muhallabiya.