26 February 2026
Share
From traditional favorites to contemporary reinterpretations, the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia selection revealed a vibrant tapestry of flavors across Riyadh. Here, our Inspectors share nine standout dishes, each a reflection of the city’s evolving culinary identity.
SIMILAR: Discover all the highlights from the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia
Join our community of travelers and food-lovers! Create a free account to enjoy personalized recommendations, exclusive hotel rates and the chance to share your feedback with our inspectors!
1. Kunafa with cream
Fi Glbak
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026
Inspector’s notes: A beloved dessert with roots across the Middle East, this rendition impressed with its precision and restraint. Presented as a petite golden disc, the delicate vermicelli-like strands of filo pastry are cooked in butter and honey until crisp, enveloping a layer of cream cheese that lends both richness and a subtle savoriness. Chopped pistachios scattered over the top contribute color and a nuanced nutty finish. Balanced, textural and gently sweet — an exemplary kunafa.
2. Hamour sayadiah
Villa Mamas
MICHELIN-selected, MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026
Inspector’s notes: A quintessential Saudi dish executed with notable finesse. The rice — cooked with tomato, warming spices and a whisper of date molasses — arrives dry, fluffy and fragrant rather than dense or sticky. Crispy onions, garlic slivers and pine kernels add crunch and aromatic depth. The hamour itself, sourced from the Arabian Gulf, features two thick, perfectly cooked fillets with firm, pure white flesh. Lightly coated in an XO-style sauce reminiscent of a refined bisque, the fish sits proudly atop the rice. A side of assertive chili oil adds an extra layer of warmth and complexity.SIMILAR: Villa Mamas' Chef Roaya Saleh on how she leads her team like a mom
3. Omm Ali
Tofareya
MICHELIN-selected, MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026
Inspector’s notes: An Egyptian classic reimagined with sincerity and warmth. This baked milk-and-bread pudding arrives with a lightly caramelized top and a delicate crunch. Beneath lies a surprisingly fluid, almost pourable milk layer and soft bread that retains form without becoming soggy. Toasted pistachios and almonds crown the dish, offering texture and aromatic sweetness. Simple at first glance, yet deeply comforting and exceptionally delicious.
4. Kibda Hijazi
Mirzam
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026
Inspector’s notes: A dish rooted in the Hijazi region, this sautéed lamb liver showcases the ingredient’s popularity across Saudi cuisine. Evenly cut strips of liver are cooked with finely diced onions, tomatoes and peppers, achieving a tender texture with a pleasing hint of characteristic bitterness. Served alongside warm, soft, floury pita breads — ideal for soaking up every last drop of the aromatic juices. A dish of satisfying simplicity; the kind one could happily eat every day.RELEVANT: Discover the full Saudi Arabian restaurant selection now
5. Serar Hael dusted big eye tuna
Taleed by Michael Mina
MICHELIN-selected, MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026
Inspector’s notes: A thoughtful creation from Egyptian-born Chef Michael Mina, elegantly bridging regional influences with refined technique. Three identical portions are presented: a crisp falafel round, soft within and lightly coated with tahini, crowned with a slice of pristine, deep-red big eye tuna. The tuna’s melting texture contrasts beautifully with the falafel’s warmth and crunch. Finished with a fine dice of cucumber and spices, the dish offers a refreshing lift and an interplay of temperatures, textures and flavors that feel meticulously orchestrated.
6. Riz bi halib
Em Sherif Café
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026
Inspector’s notes: Served in a charming glass jar and meaning “rice in milk”, this chilled rice pudding strikes a judicious balance of creaminess and bite. The floral notes of rose and orange blossom add brightness, complemented by pistachios folded into the mixture for subtle crunch. A topping of crisp puffed rice provides an enjoyable contrast. Unpretentious, elegant and deeply satisfying — this is comfort in its most polished form.
7. Wagyu beef striploin
Julien by Daniel Boulud
MICHELIN-selected, MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026
Inspector’s notes: A beautifully executed dish showcasing a tender, evenly pink Wagyu striploin seasoned with precision. The plate is accented with small dollops of smoked mustard, cranberry and carrot purées, accompanied by tender pieces of carrot. A classic reduction jus, infused with sage, ties these elements together with aromatic finesse. French technique meets subtle Asian influence for a harmonious, thoughtfully assembled plate.
8. Sambuseh
Sasani
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026
Inspector’s notes: This elevated take on a beloved Iranian street snack comes in the form of three precisely shaped, golden parcels. Their shatteringly crisp exterior carries the fragrance of dried herbs, while inside lies a generous filling of minced lamb, candied orange, raisins and pistachio — offering savory warmth, gentle sweetness and texture. A citrus-and-rosewater dip with a touch of heat completes the dish beautifully, adding balance and aromatic lift.
9. Instant noodles
The Rubi Room at Hōchō
MICHELIN-selected, MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026
Inspector’s notes: Served in a classic Japanese miso soup bowl, this playful yet refined dish begins with an arrangement of dried Kobe beef neck, shredded wakame, tofu, a touch of red chili and half a Saudi quail’s egg. A piping-hot ramen broth is poured tableside, releasing delicate aromas. A runny tofu mixture is then piped into the broth, transforming into soft noodles before the diner’s eyes — a delightful touch of whimsy. Authentic Japanese flavors are upheld throughout, making the dish both entertaining and genuinely delicious.Illustration image © Carlos Bcassini/The Rubi Room at Hōchō
