The hardest thing to adjust when going to foreign country is the food. Since food and cooking is part of the everyday habits and lifestyle, it is challenging to adjust to new food, new habits and lifestyle.
Filipinos in Saudi Arabia make up the largest Filipino population in the Middle East. Some of those are contract workers for part time jobs, and some are staying there for good.
Filipinos are used to home cooking, and the taste of the food prepared by their parents, grandparents and other family members. Finding a Pinoy foods and good Filipino restaurants in Saudi can be challenging, but it is possible. Here are some of the top foods.
Kare-Kare
This dish is a combination of stewed oxtail and vegetables (cabbage, eggplant, green beans) and stew flavored with roasted peanuts or peanut butter. In some variations, beef meat can be used instead of oxtail. Several restaurants in Batha serve kare-kare. Another place to look for is Dampa and Peak restaurants in Suleimania.
Sisig
This dish is made from pig?s head and liver. The parts of the pig are seasoned with calamansi and chili peppers. Unlike in the Philippines, Sisig in Saudi Arabia is prepared from beef or chicken meat. The best place for this dish is Blue Ribbon restaurant in Suleimania (serves both chicken and beef options). Another option is La Paz Batchoy.
Pancit
There are lots of varieties when it comes to pancit, the Filipino term for noodles. Literally, every province in the Philippines has its own version of pancit. Some options when going out are Pinoy restaurant in Batha, and the Blue Ribbon Restaurant in Suleimania. Pancit can be paired with salt bread for extra pleasure.
Sinigang
This soup of meat and vegetables is the best option for cold weather. The soup is sour and savory. Best options for trying it are Goodah Soos Restaurant in Suleimania and La Paz Batchoy.
Chicken Barbecue
In its essence, this dish is chicken parts that are marinated and then grilled. Some variations include chicken rubbed with spices, after which the pieces are left in a mix of liquid condiments and grilled. While it is not considered original Filipino dish, some of the Filipino restaurants serve it.
Top Filipino Restaurants in Saudi Arabia
When going to a restaurant in Saudi Arabia, it is convenient to know the conversation rate, just to get an idea of the prices. 1 SR = 11.6 Php.
- Inihaw Kamayan Grill House is a casual Asian Restaurant located in Jeddah. The price for a common dish is 15 ? 30 SR. Besides Filipino, the restaurant serves other Asian dishes. Visitors can choose between an indoor or outdoor seating, as well as single or family section. Both smoking and non smoking areas are available. The restaurant also does delivery and catering services.
- Centennial is a take-away service in Riyadh for Asian cuisine. The price of dishes goes from 5 to 20 SR.
- Wajbah is another take-away restaurant, located in Jeddah. Customers can order genuine Filipino cuisine, but also Asian cuisine. Prices vary from 10 to 50 SR.
- For Filipinos in Khobar, Al Bahar Ramaniah is the option for take away food. Prices go from 5 to 20 SR. New Cabalen Restaurant is another restaurant in Al Khobar, serving Asian cuisine. Prices go from 5 to 20 SR.
- American Corner is an international restaurant in Jeddah, serving European countries cuisine, American and Asian. The price for Filipino dishes is in the range of 15-30 SR. The restaurant is an excellent place for a romantic evening. However, families are also welcomed.
- For those who want to cook at home, groceries can be supplied from Al Rajhi Supermarket in Riyadh.
