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A Culinary Adventure in Saudi Arabia

Tuesday August 8: Riyadh

Start your foodie journey in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. In the morning, head to Al Owais Restaurant for a traditional Arabian breakfast, complete with mouthwatering dishes like foul medames and balaleet. Afterward, explore the historic Al-Masmak Fortress and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Saudi Arabia. In the afternoon, indulge in a Middle Eastern feast at Najd Village Restaurant, where you can savor traditional Saudi Arabian dishes such as mandi and kabsa. As the evening approaches, visit the bustling Souq Al Zal, a vibrant market offering an array of tantalizing street food options.

  • Al Owais Restaurant: Estimated cost - $10, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Al-Masmak Fortress: Estimated cost - $5, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Najd Village Restaurant: Estimated cost - $20, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Souq Al Zal: Estimated cost - $10, Time spent - 2 hours
Wednesday August 9: Jeddah

On your second day, travel to Jeddah, known for its diverse culinary scene. Start your morning with a visit to Al-Baik, a local fast food chain famous for its crispy fried chicken. After satisfying your taste buds, explore the enchanting streets of Al-Balad, the historic district of Jeddah. In the afternoon, enjoy a seafood extravaganza at Al Nakheel Restaurant, where you can feast on delectable grilled fish and shrimp. As the sun sets, experience the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the Jeddah Corniche, a waterfront promenade brimming with food stalls offering everything from shawarma to traditional desserts.

  • Al-Baik: Estimated cost - $5, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Al-Balad: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Al Nakheel Restaurant: Estimated cost - $30, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Jeddah Corniche: Estimated cost - $10, Time spent - 2 hours
Thursday August 10: Dammam

Day three takes you to Dammam, acclaimed for its fresh seafood offerings. Start your morning by indulging in a traditional Saudi breakfast at Shatea Al-Souq, where you can relish the flavors of ful medames and special Arabian bread. After breakfast, visit the Half Moon Bay, a picturesque beach known for its clear turquoise waters. In the afternoon, satisfy your seafood cravings at Al Dhahran Seafood Market, where you can select your own fresh catch and have it cooked to perfection. As the day winds down, take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Dammam Corniche, enjoying the sunset and the city skyline.

  • Shatea Al-Souq: Estimated cost - $15, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Half Moon Bay: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Al Dhahran Seafood Market: Estimated cost - $40, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Dammam Corniche: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Friday August 11: Medina

Embark on a spiritual and culinary journey to Medina, one of the holiest cities in Islam. Begin your day with a visit to Al-Tayebat International City, a museum showcasing the culture and history of Saudi Arabia. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant local market, Quba Market, where you can find a variety of fresh produce and traditional spices. Indulge in a traditional Arabian lunch at Al-Baik Restaurant, famous for its flavor-packed fried chicken. As evening falls, visit the renowned Al-Madina Dates Market to taste the finest dates and experience the bustling atmosphere of this local treasure.

  • Al-Tayebat International City: Estimated cost - $10, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Quba Market: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Al-Baik Restaurant: Estimated cost - $10, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Al-Madina Dates Market: Estimated cost - $5, Time spent - 1 hour
Saturday August 12: Mecca

On this day, head to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, and explore its culinary delights. Begin your morning with a visit to Abraj Al Bait Towers, home to the Clock Tower Museum, where you can learn about the history of Mecca. Afterward, indulge in a traditional Arabian breakfast at Al-Baik, known for its delectable fried chicken sandwiches. In the afternoon, experience the vibrant street food culture of Mecca at Al-Shawarmer, where you can savor mouthwatering shawarma wraps. As the day progresses, visit the bustling Al-Hijaz Market, where you can find a variety of traditional Arabian sweets.

  • Abraj Al Bait Towers: Estimated cost - $10, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Al-Baik: Estimated cost - $5, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Al-Shawarmer: Estimated cost - $10, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Al-Hijaz Market: Estimated cost - $20, Time spent - 2 hours
Sunday August 13: Taif

On this day, venture to Taif, a city known for its cool climate and stunning landscapes. Begin your morning by exploring the beautiful Shubra Palace, a historic palace surrounded by lush gardens. In the afternoon, treat yourself to a traditional Saudi lunch at Al-Baik, where you can enjoy their famous broasted chicken. After lunch, take a scenic drive along the breathtaking roads of the Asir Mountains, soaking in the picturesque views. As the day draws to a close, visit the fragrant Taif Rose Garden, where you can learn about the rose cultivation and indulge in rose-based products.

  • Shubra Palace: Estimated cost - $5, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Al-Baik: Estimated cost - $10, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Asir Mountains: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Taif Rose Garden: Estimated cost - $5, Time spent - 1 hour
Monday August 14: Abha

Conclude your culinary adventure in Abha, the capital of the Asir Province. Start your day with a visit to the vibrant Tuesday Traditional Souq, where you can find an array of local produce, spices, and handicrafts. In the afternoon, satisfy your taste buds with a traditional Asiri lunch at Al-Mawasem, a local restaurant serving authentic Asiri cuisine. After lunch, explore the stunning Asir National Park, known for its lush greenery and picturesque landscapes. As the evening unfolds, indulge in a cup of traditional Arabian coffee at a local coffee shop and savor the moment.

  • Tuesday Traditional Souq: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Al-Mawasem: Estimated cost - $15, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Asir National Park: Estimated cost - $5, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Local Coffee Shop: Estimated cost - $5, Time spent - 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For foodies looking to explore off the beaten path, make sure to visit Al Qaryah Al Ula, a hidden gem in Ula known for its traditional Saudi Arabian dishes served in a cozy and authentic setting. Don't miss the opportunity to try dishes like saleeq and jereesh. Another local favorite is Al Khayam Restaurant in Jizan, famous for its seafood platters offering a variety of freshly grilled fish and shrimp. These hidden gems provide a unique and authentic culinary experience for adventurous food lovers.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.

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