I was asking a Saudi co-worker about his nation's obsession with Kabsa, a traditional Saudi dish consisting of a mound of rice with either chicken or lamb thrown on top. He himself admitted to eating it everyday for lunch. And he mentioned that many Saudis eat the same dish for lunch AND dinner.
I remember another co-worker proudly declaring that during Ramadan, he has to have Kabsa for Suhoor, every single morning!
Their simplicity is mind-boggling. No Saudi appetizers, no Saudi side-dishes, and no Saudi desserts.
Just Kabsa.
I'll admit that it took me a while to warm up to Kabsa – I'm used to some curry on top of my rice. But now that I've gotten used to it, I actually like it. But not so much to accept it every single day.
I just don't understand that.
He explained that the mindset, especially with the older generation, is to view food for its utility. The meal is not an experience to be savored or a source of entertainment. The meal is simply a source of energy for the body. The entertainment, if needed, comes from the conversation during the meal, not the meal itself.
I find such an unsophisticated approach to eating commendable. Food ceases to be the goal and returns to its original role of serving as a means to the goal (of sustenance). One relishes the quality of one's company as opposed to the quality of the food.
But maybe the Saudi style of eating has nothing with such higher aspirations. Maybe they're simply too culturally lazy to innovate new dishes. After all, the Saudi men all wear the same dress. ;-)
Finally, it's worth noting that the newer generation does not share the same culinary ideals of their forefathers. Indian and Chinese food are very trendy with the younger families, in addition to the unfortunate habit of fast-food.
So much for higher aspirations.
Just don’t call it genocide
1 week ago
6 comments:
It's actually quite funny... Kabsa isn't even a Saudi dish... it's Bukhaari... hehe... but anyway yeah... it is eaten a lot here. a little too much
Br Naeem, read Mai Yamani's book (former saudi oil ministers daughter) book if you can "Cradle of Islam: The Hijaz and the Quest for Arabian identify) She mentions how before the advent of ibn saud Hijazi's used to have colorful dresses and a vibrant culture. She also talks about the tensions that exist to this day between Hijazis and Najdis ... interesting read.
Some cultures are like that, having the same food in each meal. Korea was very much like that; apparently, rice is served for breakfast, lunch and dinner in traditional meals. (I actually started having rice for breakfast, not every day but often enough.) And I could even argue that despite the wide variety in South Asian foods, its one common denominator is the curry that seems to be added to each and every dish. ;)
khabsa is a little too heavy for each meal.. hmm but i think I can go eating zataar's for brk fast n shawarma's for lunch n dinner for some time..
AA-
@Ali, very true. And of course, most of the rice is thrown away. The serving size for one person is really enough for three, so sadly, so much rice is wasted.
@Zabihanews, good point. In fact, I'm a daily witness to the tension you speak of. My co-worker is from Madina (Hijaz area) and he constantly talks of the difficulties interacting with those from Riyadh (Najd).
@JD,
"And I could even argue that despite the wide variety in South Asian foods, its one common denominator is the curry that seems to be added to each and every dish."
True, but its one thing to have a common denominator (be it rice or curry) complemented with a number of tasty dishes, but its a totally different ballgame when the SAME DISH is all they have.
Surely even the Koreans must have a variety of side-dishes with the rice, no?
@Crazyjogger, zaater and shwarma eh? LOL. I've personally gotten a bit sick of shwarmas after eating for 5 years.
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