Hummus-based ‘Balila’: a popular Hijazi dish during Ramadan

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Khaled Turki has been selling the hummus-based dish, balila, an essential Hijazi tradition during Ramadan, for the past 18 years. (SPA)
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Khaled Turki has been selling the hummus-based dish, balila, an essential Hijazi tradition in Ramadan, for the past 18 years. (SPA)
Updated 04 June 2018
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Hummus-based ‘Balila’: a popular Hijazi dish during Ramadan

  • If you’ve been to Madinah during Ramadan, the street stalls selling balila are an essential scene every night of the holy month, mainly outside the Masjid Nabbawi.
  • Not only the smell of the hummus draws people, but also the songs chanted by the vendors to get the attention of the passerby, a unique facet of the profession.

RIYADH: Balila, a hummus-based salad, is a widely popular Hijazi dish across Saudi Arabia.

And if you’ve been to Madinah during Ramadan, the street stalls selling balila are an essential scene every night of the holy month, mainly outside the Masjid Nabbawi.

Many Saudis and visitors to the city like to stop by right after Taraweeh prayers (evening prayers) to grab a bowl. It mainly consists of boiled chickpeas seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces.

Street vendors dressed in traditional clothes stand in slots dedicated for their carts, which are creatively decorated with lights and Ramadan lanterns to attract customers.

Not only the smell of the hummus draws people, but also the songs chanted by the vendors to get the attention of the passerby, a unique facet of the profession.

A balila vendor in the area, Khaled Turki, said he has been selling the hummus-based dish for the past 18 years.

He said selling balila is an essential Hijazi tradition during Ramadan, as vendors scatter across the city’s streets as soon as the holy month begins.

He says the dish is popular among young and old alike.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Maritime’ in Jeddah

Updated 22 December 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Maritime’ in Jeddah

  • From the soup station, the cauliflower and truffle offering, finished with parmigiano reggiano and a squeeze of lemon, was creamy and satisfying, though slightly mild and would have benefited from stronger seasoning

With cooler breezes and clear skies, a seaside brunch feels especially fitting in Jeddah.

Over the weekend, I visited Maritime at The Jeddah Edition, which offers an international open-buffet brunch on Saturdays, accompanied by views of the Red Sea from the yacht club side.

The salad bar was thoughtfully curated. Standout items included quinoa tabbouleh, smoked salmon with sour cream and capers, and a pesto chicken salad that had a refreshing balance of flavors. It made for a light and enjoyable side.

The main buffet featured a varied selection. The beef tagine with plums impressed with its balance of sweetness and depth, while the Indian tandoori chicken served with spiced rice delivered bold, comforting flavors. A mushroom pasta was appealing in both aroma and presentation.

From the soup station, the cauliflower and truffle offering, finished with parmigiano reggiano and a squeeze of lemon, was creamy and satisfying, though slightly mild and would have benefited from stronger seasoning.

Dessert was a highlight. The spread included an international mix of cakes, mini mille-feuille, tarts and Middle Eastern sweets.

The chocolate ganache tart was rich and indulgent, alongside an Italian-style cream brulee with a coffee twist that stood out for its depth of flavor. The red berries mille-feuille offered a pleasing contrast of crisp pastry and creamy filling, pairing well with a cortado.

The ambience at Maritime is relaxed and inviting.

Outdoor seating offers sunset sea views with live guitar and saxophone performances, while indoor seating provides a quieter but equally comfortable setting. Earthy tones, wooden finishes, greenery and rounded furnishings create a warm atmosphere.

The brunch is priced at SR250 ($67) per person. For more information, visit Instagram @maritimejeddah.