Who knows food better than the people who know the city inside out?
Definitely the ones who grew up in Jeddah’s streets, get creative with their cravings, and appreciate food in every form, whether it’s a tiny treat or a full-on restaurant order. We met with six beloved creatives who let us in on their personal 5-star picks in the city, their very own Jeddah food favorites, and more importantly, the exact way they like to enjoy them.
The answers gave us cravings, traditions, secret hacks, and “trust me, just try it” moments. Some of them may not be everyone’s go-to, and a few might even seem a little unexpected, but these are the combos they swear by, and they just might satisfy your cravings. Together, they paint a delicious picture of Jeddah food favorites done their way.
Hattan Bahadur
Asia’s Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup drizzled on Fried Rice
A multi-passionate creative and the mind behind Hattan Experiments, he’s all about creating intimate moments through food.
For Hattan, food is about sharing moments. His 5-star pick is the Coconut Shrimp Soup from Asia, but he never has it on its own. His way? Pouring the soup over fried rice. Warm, wholesome, creamy, and filling, a combo he swears by, especially when he needs comfort, one of those Jeddah food favorites that feels deeply personal.
“It’s simple, warm, and hits exactly where it needs to.”
Craving more?
Try out the Tom Yum soup, chicken fried rice, and the sautéed beef.
Instagram: @hattan.jpg
Meshal Abu AlHamail
Fries from Albaik with Penguins’ vanilla soft serve
A self-proclaimed creative and matcha loyalist, Meshal finds beauty in everyday flavors. Food, to him, is the connection and the spark behind his content, his memories, and many of his Jeddah food favorites.
Meshal finds art in everything, especially food and matcha. His 5-star pick is Albaik, specifically the fries. And yes, his special twist is a classic, but it never fails: fries with Penguins’ vanilla soft serve. Sweet, salty, nostalgic. It’s the combo he and a friend used to get after uni, and the one he still grabs for long car rides, easily one of his Jeddah food favorites.
“Fries and vanilla soft serve? Chef’s kiss, trust me.”
Craving more?
Albaik’s must-have’s are the Chicken Nuggets and Fried Chicken
Instagram: @meshalabualhamail
Dana Abdulaziz
Indomi BACO with spicy sauce, Mexican Fries, and Spiced Watermelon
A content creator and true foodie with endless curiosity, she loves discovering new flavors, new textures, and new menu items.
Dana’s curiosity leads her to something new every week, but her 5-star ride-or-die is the Indomi Baco from BACO. She orders it with their spicy sauce, a side of Mexican Fries, and the Spiced Watermelon drink. And to complete her ritual, Pumpkin Seed Donuts and Nutella Bites from Dots, a lineup that firmly sits among her Jeddah food favorites.
“I’m always craving something delicious.”
Craving more?
The Brisket Birria Taco, and Crispy Brown Japanese Salad are not to be missed out on
Instagram: @shefoood
Bayan Aledeny
Pink Camel’s Salmon Buddha bowl served medium rare with a crusted top
A personal trainer and Pilates instructor who views food as joy and fuel in equal measure. For her, it’s nourishment, comfort, and a little daily form of art.
For Bayan, food is comfort, beauty, and fuel. Her 5-star favorite is Pink Camel’s Salmon Buddha Bowl, her “drop everything, I need this now” order. She has it medium-well with a well-done crust, eats it slowly, savors every part, and enjoys it best solo, mid-day, when she needs a reset, one of those Jeddah food favorites she always comes back to.
“Slow down and savor every bite of it.”
Craving more?
Don’t skip Pink Camel’s coffee and pastries.
Instagram: @pt.bayan.le
Motaz Alsafh
Section B’s Big C stuffed with B Tots
An industrial engineer and content creator who thrives on discovery, creativity, and good vibes. Food, for him, is exploration, the flavors, stories, and spots that make Jeddah feel alive.
Motaz takes food seriously, especially cheat meals. His 5-star pick is Section B, and his order is always the same: the Big C with B Tots, which he puts inside the burger. Crunchy, saucy, perfect. It’s his go-to after beach days, and a combo he says never disappoints, one of his non-negotiable Jeddah food favorites.
“A good burger is happiness, simple as that.”
Craving more?
End the meal right with their Banana Pudding
Instagram: @motazalsafh
Osama Alrashidi
Score’s Truffle Smash Burger with a few drops of Tabasco
A young barista, Aeropress Champion, and fashion-minded creative who appreciates life’s simple pleasures. He values good company, good energy, and food that hits with both flavor and feeling.
Osama loves the small things, good friends, good energy, and food that feels honest. His 5-star pick is Score Burger’s Truffle Smash. His twist? A few drops of Tabasco for heat that cuts through the richness. Best shared after a long day out with friends, and one of those Jeddah food favorites that hits every time.
“That tiny kick of heat with the truffle? Perfect.”
Craving more?
Add fries and lemonade to the order for the full experience from Score Eatery.
Instagram: @vq.m
Explore Jeddah’s night scene
Jeddah is known for its’ buzzing nightlife and one of the biggest highlights after dark is the food truck scene, which simply can’t be missed. From 7 PM to 3 AM, roaming food trucks across Jeddah come alive, and here are some you definitely need to visit.
