Coming all the way from India to the Arab world, meat samosas are a side dish accompanying the main course during most meals at which they are served, but during Ramadan, the pastry is a staple dish on the iftar table.
Although the samosa was originally triangular and deep fried, it can now be cooked in various ways, including by being air-fried or baked, and is made in different shapes like squares and semi-circles.
While there are many stories of how and when samosas arrived in the region, the most famous and unanimously agreed-on story is that about a century ago, Hadrami merchants brought the golden, crunchy triangles from India to Yemen during the English colonization of the two countries, and then, to the rest of the Arabian Peninsula through commerce, or traveling for Hajj and Umrah.
The price of a samosa in a market goes up during Ramadan because of its high demand, not to mention the huge variation in shapes and fillings. Meat samosas are by far the most popular on the iftar table, followed by cheese samosas and vegetable samosas.
Here’s how you can make this simple dish:
To make the tasty meat samosa, you need to have 300g of minced lamb meat, 1½ tbsp of pine nuts, 1 tbsp chopped coriander, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 7 spice, salt, pepper, flour and water paste, samosa pastry sheets, and frying oil.
Put the meat in a pan and fry until the meat turns brown, then add the spices, salt, pepper, pine nuts, and coriander and mix well. Let the meat cool down before filling the samosa.
Fold the wrapping sheet into a cone and add the meat, then fold it into a triangle and close it with the paste. After you are done filling and folding all the samosas, fry them on medium-high heat until they turn golden brown, and serve them on the iftar table.
Ramadan Recipes: Meat Samosa
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Ramadan Recipes: Meat Samosa
- The price of a samosa in a market goes up during Ramadan because of its high demand, not to mention the huge variation in shapes and fillings
Where We Are Going Today: Don Ruben’s Mexican Restaurant
- For something more indulgent, the shrimp fajitas arrived sizzling at the table, filling the air with the aroma of garlic and spices
Tucked inside the Diplomatic Quarter, Don Ruben’s Mexican Restaurant feels like a small slice of Mexico in the Saudi capital.
The moment you arrive, the atmosphere shifts — colorful decor abounds, with upbeat Latin music. The smell of grilled tortillas drifting from the kitchen creates a casual, welcoming space that invites diners to settle in and stay.
The restaurant has built a reputation as one of Riyadh’s go-to spots for Mexican comfort food, serving generous plates of tacos, burritos and fajitas in a lively, easygoing setting.
The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, making it a popular choice for families and groups of friends looking for a fun meal rather than a formal dining experience.
On my visit, the table was quickly filled with some of the restaurant’s favorites. The guacamole, served fresh and bright with lime and cilantro, was a simple but satisfying start. Paired with warm tortilla chips, it was the perfect way to ease into the meal.
The real highlight, however, was the tacos. The beef tacos were packed with flavor, with tender meat tucked into soft tortillas and topped with fresh onions and cilantro.
At around SR35 ($9) to SR45 for a plate, depending on the filling, it felt reasonably priced for the size of the portion.
Another standout was the chicken burrito, a hearty dish loaded with rice, beans and grilled chicken, wrapped in a soft tortilla and served with fries. It was large enough to share — though you may not want to.
For something more indulgent, the shrimp fajitas arrived sizzling at the table, filling the air with the aroma of garlic and spices. Priced at about SR65, it is a satisfying dish that balances bold flavor with generous portions.
Service during my visit was friendly and relaxed, adding to the laid-back vibe that makes the restaurant easy to enjoy with friends or family.
If there is one negative, it is that the restaurant can get quite busy during peak hours, especially on weekends, which sometimes means waiting a little longer for a table and for the food to arrive.
Still, Don Ruben’s delivers exactly what it promises: bold flavors, satisfying portions and a cheerful atmosphere. It remains one of Riyadh’s most reliable spots for tacos, burritos and a casual taste of Latin America.
