JEDDAH: This Eid Al-Fitr, Jeddah’s locals are taking to the streets in a way that emphasizes community, empowers small businesses, and celebrates quick cuisine.
From Al-Balad all the way up to North Obhur, food trucks and bastas (food stands) are lined up with crowds of all ages surrounding them.
These setups grow in popularity over Ramadan in particular, with many taking to Tiktok to create viral trend videos, and are here to stay for the Eid holiday.
Lining up in residential neighborhoods as well as recreational spots, the food trucks and their owners are contributing to creating a social avenue for friends, families, and couples to enjoy.
Most trucks specialize in a certain food item; from cookie scoops to tacos, there is a food truck in Jeddah for every Eid craving.
Speaking to Arab News, Shahla Nazer, a Jeddah local, said: “It’s kind of inevitable during Eid in Jeddah. After family visits and dinners everyone wants to go out, so food truck spots are usually the easiest and most fun option.”
On her favorites, she added: “I always end up getting burgers or loaded fries, but during Eid I’m mostly excited about desserts. Crepes, waffles, soft serve … I feel like Eid nights automatically require something sweet … Triple 3, for example, has one of the best matcha drinks in town.”
Tamara Abulfaraj, another Jeddah local, shared some of those favorite sweet spots Eid, telling Arab News: “I really enjoy Riche, which presents cheesecake in a creative way that makes it a light and enjoyable dessert … Cookie Scoop is another favorite for warm, comforting desserts.”
On her favorite neighborhood for food trucks, Nazer said: “My favorite spot would be the food trucks in Al-Mohammadiyyah district. The vibe there is really nice at night and during Eid it’s always full of people walking around, trying different spots, and just enjoying the atmosphere.”
Abulfaraj echoed Nazer’s enthusiaism towards Al-Mohammadiyyah district’s ambience for food trucks this Eid. “It’s a great spot because there are many trucks in one place, so you can walk around and try different things while enjoying the lively Eid atmosphere.”
As the hype for food trucks has built up momentum from before Ramadan and throughout the month, the trend seems to be here to stay, as many are looking forward to visiting them between family and friend gatherings during Eid.
Offering sellers flexibility in tenancy and customers the choice of a quick pick-up experience, food trucks seem to have earned their spot as an activity to make time for during the Eid holiday.
Abulfaraj said: “In recent years, food truck culture has really grown in Jeddah, and it’s become part of how people enjoy Ramadan and Eid nights.
“The city feels very alive during the holidays, and food truck areas give people a casual place to gather, walk around, and try different foods. It’s a modern tradition that reflects the social and food culture of Jeddah today.”
