Tasting 100-Year-Old Arabic Bread ‘Khobz’ at Jeddah’s Oldest Bakery in Al Balad [Saudi Arabia Food Tour]

The charm of Jeddah’s historic district, Al Balad, lies in its unique atmosphere and traditional food culture that has continued since ancient times. Continuing from my previous article, I visited “فرن الشيخ” (Furn Al Sheikh), Jeddah’s oldest bakery established over 100 years ago, to taste traditional Arabic bread called “khobz.”

Read my previous article here:

Tasting Mandi Head Meat in Jeddah’s Al Balad: A Traditional Local Meal at Baissa Mandi Meat [Saudi Arabia Food Travel]

Khobz and Saudi Arabian Bakeries

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Khobz (خبز) is a type of traditional Arabic bread widely eaten throughout the Middle East. It’s typically flat and round, characterized by a crispy exterior and a soft interior. The khobz dough contains basic ingredients like flour, salt, and water, often blended with spices. The aroma and flavor of these spices give khobz a unique charm that other breads don’t have.

In Saudi Arabia particularly, bakeries play an important role in the local community. Not only do they provide khobz, which is essential for daily meals, but bakeries also serve as gathering places for locals. Especially old bakeries are valued as precious establishments that convey the region’s history and culture, beloved by local residents.

Visiting فرن الشيخ (Furn Al Sheikh)

Walking through the narrow alleys of Al Balad, you’re surrounded by traditional scenery that makes you feel as if time has stopped. My destination was “فرن الشيخ”. This bakery is counted among the oldest in Saudi Arabia, established in 1920. It operates irregularly and often closes during prayer times, so timing your visit requires some attention. If you’re lucky enough to visit when it’s open, you can clearly smell the fragrant aroma of baking bread from a distance.

The bakery was closed when I arrived, so I asked a staff member at the hotel where I was staying. They told me, “It’s almost prayer time now. I think it will open again in about 30 minutes.” So I decided to wait a while and come back later.

The Bread Oven Preserving Tradition

Stepping into the store, what immediately caught my eye was the bread oven that has reportedly been used since the bakery opened. This bread oven is said to be the oldest in Jeddah, and it exudes a deep character that seems to tell its history. The walls show discoloration from years of smoke and heat, giving you a sense of the passage of time.

According to the staff, the khobz dough contains a perfect blend of five kinds of spices, including cumin and cardamom. The aroma of these spices spreads throughout the store along with the heat from the bread oven, stimulating the appetite.

The Taste of Traditional Khobz

When I held the khobz in my hand, I could feel its warmth and soft texture, despite it being some time since it was baked. Taking a bite, the flavor of spices spread throughout my mouth, creating an indescribably deep taste. The outside of the khobz is crispy, while the inside is soft and fluffy, and the more you chew, the more the aroma of spices spreads.

Enjoying it on the spot is one pleasure, but that day I purchased several pieces of khobz in preparation for the next morning. While walking around the streets of Jeddah, enjoying the aroma of khobz, I set out to find my next culinary destination.

Combination with Al Baik Chicken

The next morning, I woke up early, prepared the khobz, and went out to buy chicken from the famous fast-food chain “Al Baik.” Al Baik is a popular fried chicken chain throughout Saudi Arabia, and its juicy and spicy chicken has an unforgettable taste once you’ve tried it.

This combination was recommended to me by local Saudis, and the pairing of khobz with Al Baik chicken is indeed perfect. The spices in the khobz match wonderfully with Al Baik’s spicy chicken, creating a new harmony of flavors in your mouth. The slightly dry texture of the khobz and the juiciness of the chicken maintain an exquisite balance, making it hard to stop eating. The simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a luxurious breakfast.

Along with the Charm of Al Balad

Exploring food in Al Balad goes beyond just enjoying meals; it’s a special experience of feeling history and culture. Walking through old buildings and alleys, smelling the aroma of khobz being baked in traditional bakeries, and interacting with locals enrich your travel memories.

Jeddah’s Al Balad is a place where you discover something new with each visit, making you want to return again and again. Next time, I’ll introduce another shop and share its charm with you all.