Traditional cuisine in Al-Ahsa: Winter warmth and a heritage that attracts tourists
With the arrival of winter and the drop in temperatures, traditional dishes in Al-Ahsa center stage, becoming the first choice for both locals and visitors. The importance of these dishes lies not only in their unique flavors but also in their integral role in the cultural identity of the Al-Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Al-Ahsa cuisine reflects the richness of the region's agricultural landscape and its history spanning thousands of years.
A rich history and a bountiful winter feast
Al-Ahsa Governorate boasts a unique culinary heritage closely linked to its environment as the world's largest palm oasis. This environment has played a crucial role in shaping Al-Ahsa cuisine, with most winter dishes relying on palm products, wheat, and dates—ingredients that provide the body with high energy and essential warmth to combat the winter cold. Among the most popular dishes currently experiencing increased demand are: Al-Ahsa rice (Al-Aish Al-Ahsa), porridge, jareesh, harees, and marqooq.
In this context, citizen Fahd Al-Mulhem emphasized that winter dishes in the Kingdom are diverse, but Al-Ahsa stands out with its wide array of traditional dishes. He explained, "Al-Ahsa porridge is one of the most famous winter dishes, prepared from whole wheat flour and date syrup. Some add whole dates, cow fat, and pepper to enhance its nutritional value and provide warmth." Al-Mulhem added that the list is extensive, including "Al-Mabsal, Qurs Al-Hanini, Al-Mufallaq, and Qurs Al-Aqili," stressing that these dishes are not new, but rather a heritage passed down through generations.
Hassawi rice: an icon of the winter table
Al-Ahsa rice (red rice) holds a special place, not only as a staple food but also as a strategic agricultural product for the region. Experts point out that this type of rice is rich in fiber and iron, making it an ideal meal in cold weather. Al-Mulhem also mentioned the popularity of "Al-Ahsa red bread" baked in a traditional oven, and the dish "Kura'een," which sees increased demand in winter due to its energy-boosting properties.
Economic and tourism repercussions
The impact of traditional cuisine extends beyond the social sphere, serving as a significant economic and tourism driver. Sultan Al-Bu Ali, a tour guide, explained that tourists and visitors to Al-Ahsa prioritize sampling traditional dishes. He said, "Tourists are keen not only to taste Al-Ahsa rice, but also to visit the farms where it is grown to learn about its production stages, and to enjoy it in historically significant locations like the Al-Qaysariyah Market.".
For his part, Mishari Saad, a visitor from Riyadh, compared the winter meals in Riyadh and Al-Ahsa, noting that Al-Ahsa is distinguished by a remarkable variety of dishes such as Harees, Asida and Hasawi rice, describing them as the ideal choice to cope with the cold weather.
Market recovery and increased demand
Economically, the markets of Al-Ahsa are witnessing a significant surge in the sale of ingredients for these dishes. Zakaria Al-Qattan, a grocery store owner, explained that demand for Al-Ahsa rice, which sells for between 24 and 25 riyals per kilogram, increases considerably in winter. There is also a rising demand for Saudi whole wheat flour, used in flatbreads and porridge, as well as for special spices and roasted bulgur wheat. Al-Qattan emphasized that this demand is not limited to residents of the province but extends to orders from various regions of the Kingdom and the Gulf countries, thus confirming the regional prominence of Al-Ahsa cuisine.
