BY KELLY DOWNING
It may come as a surprise that, despite being a desert city, Riyadh is situated in the most cultivated region in Saudi Arabia. Those who want to eat a balanced diet benefit from access to freshly-grown crops at the regional produce markets scattered throughout the city. Additionally, the organic and natural offerings of local grocers have made healthy eating more attainable. Here, I have highlighted three food markets that are worth a visit from the DQ, as well as grocers that offer a diverse range of goods.
PRODUCE: Saturday Farms Day Market – Al Muruj Driving
Distance from the DQ: 17 km
The Saturday Farms Day Market is a weekly pop-up held in a pavilion adjacent to the North of Riyadh Fruit & Vegetable Market. While the North of Riyadh Market hosts local farms and businesses that sell produce on a daily basis, the Saturday Market brings in farmers from around the country. On a recent Saturday, two friendly farmers from Ha’il sold out of coveted shallots from the Kharj area. The Saturday market brings diversity to us, but its appeal is bolstered by the adjacent mainstay market. Here, you will find watermelon, tomato, onion, squash, eggplant, and cucumber among the many fruits and vegetables for sale. It’s best to arrive earlier in the day when vendors and goods are plentiful.
In the Neighborhood: If you continue north on Almughirah ibn Shuhaba past the markets, you will find a supermarket called Basateen Alqaseem, meaning “Groves of Qaseem.” It provides a convenient collection of produce, meat and dates from Qaeseem.
DATES: Riyadh Seasonal Dates Market – Al Rawabi
Driving Distance from the DQ: 21 km
This seasonal market brings together vendors offering many varieties of dates. The season begins in July, when Barhi are harvested. Barhi are yellow, hard dates distinguished for their crunch. Following in August, the soft, brown dates called Tamer are harvested. Within Tamer are many varieties of dates such as the plump Sukari and the Akhlass, which are commonly manufactured into sticky dates called Dhameed. For the best quality, it is recommended to purchase dates soon after harvesting. However, the air conditioning in this market allows vendors to maintain the quality of their products and extend the selling period. In addition to dates, traditional baked goods such as kleija, ma’amoul, and shaborah are available. Immediately outside is Rabwah Farmers Market, one of the well-known regional produce markets.
In the Neighborhood: To the east of the markets, surrounding the intersection of Unayzah & Az Zubair Ibn Al Awaam Streets, you will find a number of small vegetable and dates stores which receive daily shipments from farmers in Qaseem.
SEAFOOD: Murabba Fish Market – Murabba
Driving Distance from the DQ: 12 km
A newly constructed ship-shaped building is the focal point of this market. Set to open by the end of the year, many vendors are temporarily displaced. However, shops still line the opposing side of the street and are worth a visit. A range of offerings are found including sea bass, crab, shrimp, and more rare items such as octopus and Norwegian salmon. After inspecting and choosing your selection, it will be cleaned to bring home. Alternatively, many shops have a kitchen and will cook according to your order.
In the Neighborhood: Located to the north of the fish market, on King Faisal Road, is Lulu Hypermarket. This hypermarket offers many organic and gluten-free products. In addition to imports from the US and Europe, you can find an abundance of produce from Southern and Eastern Asia during their regional food festivals.
