Jeddah’s historical zone — Balad, Bab Makkah district, Bab Shareef district, Souq Al-Badu and Qabel — is filled with the aroma of exotic dishes peculiar to the month of Ramadan, when people show a passion for traditional food and drinks available only during this time. There are many stalls in these neighborhoods that sell all varieties of food that revive nostalgic memories of the past. Relatives and visitors from other parts of the governorate and even from abroad used to flock the area to share the spirituality and happiness of the month.
The special food and drinks of the month include sambosa, soubia, shorba, baleelah, and fried potatoes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The streets are bustling with activities. The activities continue late into the night. The ancient buildings on the streets evoke a sense of heritage that may go back to centuries. Colorful lanterns give an enchanting look to old buildings in the dark nights.
The municipality issues licenses to special Ramadan stalls to sell dates, baleelah, kibdah, perfumes, clothes, country sweets, spices, cheese and trinkets.
An old stall owner, Abdu, said he sold baleelah, which is a very popular dish during the month. People liked to eat it many times between the fast breaking and sahoor.
The balilah in Ramadan has a special recipe with vinegar, cumin, olive oil, lemon juice and some other secret ingredients.
Soubia is a drink that is available only during Ramadan. It is white, red or coffee in color and has the flavor of strawberry or coffee.
The local people also engage in amusements, such as sport tournaments and other games peculiar to these districts during the nights.
