Sobia: Saudi Arabia’s Unique Fermented Drink That Tastes a Bit Like Alcohol – A Must-Try Local Experience

When traveling to Saudi Arabia, one of the first surprising cultural differences is the drinking customs. Unlike neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, alcoholic beverages are completely prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, travelers cannot enjoy wine or beer with their meals.

However, even in Saudi Arabia, there is a drink that offers a subtle alcohol-like flavor experience. It’s called “Sobia.” In this article, I’ll introduce what this unique fermented beverage “Sobia” is and how to enjoy it.

Alcohol Situation in Saudi Arabia: Drinking is Completely Prohibited

Saudi Arabia is a country with Islam as its state religion, and strict religious laws support everyday life. In Islam, alcohol is religiously forbidden, so drinking is completely prohibited by law in Saudi Arabia. As a result, you won’t find alcoholic beverages in restaurants or hotels. Possession or bringing alcohol into the country is also strictly regulated, and violations can result in severe penalties.

With this background, Saudi Arabia has a rich variety of non-alcoholic beverages. Among them, a particularly noteworthy drink is the fermented beverage called “Sobia.” This drink is popular during traditional Saudi festivals and Iftar (evening meal during Ramadan) because its appearance and flavor somewhat resemble alcohol.

What is Sobia?

“Sobia” (سوبيا) is a fermented beverage commonly found in western Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Hejaz region including Mecca and Jeddah. It’s made by fermenting grains such as barley, wheat, bread, or rice, and then adding sugar and spices. The drink itself does not contain alcohol, so there are no religious issues, but the fermentation process creates a slight sourness and unique flavor that gives it a satisfying experience similar to alcohol.

The taste of Sobia varies by region and household, and there are many variations. For example, there’s traditional whitish Sobia and fruit-flavored versions in red or pink. The taste ranges from sweet and rich to light and refreshing. Sobia is particularly common during Ramadan, the fasting month, when chilled Sobia is served during evening meals. During this period, many stalls selling Sobia can be seen throughout the city.

Experiencing Sobia at “Sobia.Bar” in Jeddah’s Old Town “Al Balad”

Among the many Sobia specialty stores, I tried Sobia at a shop called “Sobia.Bar” in Jeddah’s old town “Al Balad.” The shop is a unique space filled with artwork and has a distinctive atmosphere. Located in the center of Al Balad, it’s a highly recommended stylish spot for a break during your old town exploration.

Here, two types of Sobia are sold: white Sobia and red Sobia. I was told that the red Sobia has a berry flavor. After some deliberation, I decided to try the original white Sobia.

The Taste of Sobia

I immediately tried the ice-cold Sobia. My first impression was that it was “alcohol-like.” The sweetness, sourness, and indescribable fermented aroma create an exotic harmony, with a fascinating taste that almost invites intoxication. If I were to compare the taste, it’s similar to Maldivian Rukuraa or Korean Makgeolli.

Alternatively, it also has a slight yogurt-like taste, reminiscent of fermented dairy drinks. Its unique flavor is very interesting, distinctly different from ordinary beverages, and difficult to describe in words. Sobia is also slightly carbonated, with a crisp mouthfeel that makes the impression fresher and more refreshing when drinking.

Summary

While alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia, “Sobia” fills that gap as a fermented beverage. Although different from alcohol, this drink with its subtle sourness and aroma from fermentation is particularly valuable in hot climates and after breaking the fast. The Sobia I experienced at “Sobia.Bar” in Jeddah left a strong impression with its unique taste, providing a distinctly Saudi Arabian experience. Sobia is perfect for those who want to experience local culture during their travels or try something different in the heat. Be sure to taste it when you visit Saudi Arabia.