Arabian's Artisan Breads: Cultural Heritage in Every Bite

From Mullah Bread and Saudi Spelt and Rye Sourdough to Maamoul, Khamir, Kleija, and Khubz Ahmar, each bread is a testament to the artistry of local bakers and the culinary legacy of the Arabian Peninsula. Each of these breads carries its own unique narrative, is a symbol of history, centuries-old traditions and authentic recipes passed down through generations.

Explore more on the Heri-Telling Platform of the project. Click “Discover More” to access detailed profiles of each bread:
dive into the story of every loaf and baker through engaging text, photos, and videos.

Shabura Bread

Jeddah, Kingdom Saudi Arabia

Shabura bread is a type of crispy, dry biscuit, similar to a rusk or a tea biscuit, that is very popular in Jeddah and other regions of Saudi Arabia. Traditionally made with flour, sugar, eggs, and spices like cardamom and sesame, Shabura is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack with...

Aquil Disc

Buraydah, Kingdom Saudi Arabia

Named after the Aqilat merchants, this dense and nutritious bread is made with wheat flour, milk, animal fat, and spices. It’s often enjoyed with coffee, particularly in the morning, offering a hearty and satisfying start to the day..

Sharagif Bread

Jeddah, Kingdom Saudi Arabia

Sharagif is a traditional bread from Jeddah, deeply rooted in the city’s rich maritime and trade history. As a coastal hub connecting the Arabian Peninsula with Africa, India, and the Levant, Jeddah has long been a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity is reflected in its cuisine. Sharagif embodies..

Tamees Bread

Jeddah, Kingdom Saudi Arabia, Madinah, Kingdom Saudi Arabia

A beloved staple in both Jeddah and Madinah, Tamees is a flatbread introduced by Central and South Asian communities. Originally brought to Madinah by Bukhari immigrants, this thick, white flour dough is spread out, pierced with a special tool, and baked in clay ovens. Over time, it has...

Jamara (Khameer bread)

Jazan, Kingdom Saudi Arabia

The scent of Eid in Jazan is a blend of incense, perfume, and the warm aroma of freshly baked yeast bread, a staple deeply woven into the region’s culture and traditions. No Jazani table, regardless of its variety, is complete without at least one golden loaf of this beloved bread..

Red Sorghum

Madinah, Kingdom Saudi Arabia

Red Sorghum, a resilient grain from Madinah, thrives with heritage seeds and organic methods, sustaining local diets and traditions while embodying sustainability.

Khudair

Jazan, Kingdom Saudi Arabia

Hassan Habibi, a former teacher turned farmer in Jizan, dedicates his post-retirement life to cultivating Great Millet and Sesame, preserving the region’s agricultural traditions.

Maiya wheat

Riyadh, Kingdom Saudi Arabia

Maiya wheat, a cherished Saudi grain, has shaped breads like marqooq and masabeeb for generations, carrying the legacy of tradition, craftsmanship, and deep culinary heritage.