When we think about culinary experiences, we often envision vast arrays of spices, ingredients, and traditional cooking methods that vary drastically depending on the region. Two countries that offer a fascinating glimpse into their cultures through their cuisines are Saudi Arabia and Canada. While these nations lie on opposite sides of the globe, each offers a diverse range of flavours that reflect their geography, history, and people. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the culinary landscapes of both countries, from the sun-soaked deserts of Saudi Arabia to the snowy peaks of Canada.
Saudi Arabia, with its deep-rooted cultural traditions, has a culinary heritage shaped by its unique position at the crossroads of ancient trade routes. One can almost feel the echoes of history in the spices and aromas that characterise Saudi dishes. A journey through the kingdom often begins in Mecca and Medina, two of the most important cities in the Islamic world. Travelling on the train from Mecca to Medina, one can explore the subtle yet rich differences in food that are offered along the way. In the west of the country, you’ll find dishes influenced by African and Middle Eastern spices, with ingredients such as lamb, rice, and dates playing a central role. The region is known for its hearty stews, kebabs, and flatbreads, all flavoured with fragrant spices like saffron, cardamom, and cumin.
Saudi Arabia’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its regions, with each area offering its own unique specialties. In the central region of Najd, where Riyadh is located, you’ll find dishes that reflect the more arid, desert environment. A standout is “Jareesh,” a comforting porridge-like dish made from crushed wheat and often served with chicken or lamb, seasoned with simple yet fragrant spices. Another staple of the Najdi cuisine is “Mutabbaq,” a stuffed savoury pastry filled with minced meat and vegetables, which showcases the country’s historical ties to trade routes that brought ingredients from across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.
As you move towards the eastern coast, bordering the Arabian Gulf, the cuisine shifts to incorporate more seafood and influences from Persian and Indian culinary traditions. Dishes like “Mofattah Samak,” a spiced rice dish similar to Kabsa but made with fish, are popular here, reflecting the coastal community’s reliance on the bounty of the sea. The region is also known for its use of dates, which are often used not only in desserts but also to balance the savoury elements of many traditional dishes. These regional variations highlight the richness of Saudi Arabia’s food culture, making each part of the country a unique culinary destination.
In contrast, moving across the globe to Canada, the country’s food scene is an eclectic mix of influences, from its Indigenous heritage to European settlers and more recent immigrants from Asia, the Caribbean, and beyond. Travelling from one city to another can reveal dramatic shifts in the flavours and culinary styles. For example, the journey from Toronto to Montreal train offers a chance to witness the differences between two of Canada’s largest cities. In Toronto, the multicultural nature of the city has fostered a diverse food culture, where one can find everything from authentic dim sum to Caribbean jerk chicken. Meanwhile, Montreal, with its French-Canadian roots, is famous for its smoked meat sandwiches, poutine, and traditional dishes like tourtière, a meat pie that reflects the province’s pastoral heritage.
But what about the cuisines of these two countries beyond their iconic cities? In Saudi Arabia, the vast deserts and coastal areas offer equally distinctive flavours. Along the Red Sea coast, seafood takes centre stage, with grilled fish and prawns prepared in a medley of spices and herbs. Coastal regions often embrace lighter dishes, in contrast to the heartier stews found inland. One of the most famous Saudi dishes is Kabsa, a spiced rice dish often made with chicken or lamb. The key to its delicious flavour lies in the blend of spices used – each family may have its own version, passed down through generations.
In the far north of Canada, the cuisine takes a different turn. The Indigenous peoples of Canada have a deep connection to the land, and this is reflected in their food. Game meats such as bison, elk, and venison are common, often served alongside wild berries and root vegetables. Traditional methods of smoking and preserving meat also play a crucial role in northern Canadian cuisine. Meanwhile, on the west coast, the Pacific Ocean provides a bounty of seafood, with salmon and halibut forming the basis of many local dishes.
Both countries have been influenced by their histories of trade and migration. In Saudi Arabia, the ancient trade routes brought spices from India, Africa, and beyond, creating a cuisine that is as diverse as it is flavourful. Canada, on the other hand, has seen waves of immigration from all over the world, resulting in a culinary landscape that reflects the nation’s diversity. From the Middle Eastern shawarma stands of Ottawa to the Chinese dim sum restaurants of Vancouver, each community brings its own flavours to the Canadian table.
Despite their geographical and cultural differences, both Saudi Arabia and Canada share a love for hospitality, with food being a central part of social gatherings. In Saudi Arabia, meals are often shared with family and friends, with large platters of food laid out for everyone to enjoy. Similarly, in Canada, gatherings often revolve around food, whether it’s a summer barbecue in the backyard or a Thanksgiving feast with turkey and all the trimmings.
In conclusion, whether you are travelling across Saudi Arabia or exploring the cities and wilderness of Canada, each bite offers a taste of the country’s soul. From the aromatic spices of the Arabian Peninsula to the comforting, diverse flavours of Canada, food has the power to unite people, tell stories, and create lasting memories. So, the next time you sit down for a meal, remember that the flavours on your plate may have travelled across continents, cultures, and centuries, bringing with them a world of history and tradition.
