Samak Mashwi
Grilled Fish
Yes, keto as served. About 3g net carbs per serving, lower than 9 in 10 Saudi dishes.
What it is
A whole fish (e.g., hammour, snapper, seabream) or large fillets, marinated simply with lemon, garlic, olive oil, and spices, then grilled until flaky and tender.
Key ingredients
Whole fish/fillet, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper.
Optional tweaks
Request 'bidoun rozz, bidoun khobz' (without rice, without bread). Ensure no sugary glazes or excessive tomato-based sauces. Ask for a simple side salad (cucumber, tomato, lettuce) with olive oil and lemon.
Say this to the waiter (Arabic)
سمك مشوي بدون أرز وبدون خبز من فضلك. تأكد لي أنه لا يوجد طلاء سكري أو صلصات طماطم زائدة. أريد سلطة جانبية بسيطة بزيت الزيتون والليمون.
Samak Mashwi, please without rice and without bread. No sugary glazes or excessive tomato sauces. I'd like a simple side salad with olive oil and lemon.
Watch out for
Sugary marinades or glazes (less common for plain grilled fish but possible). Heavy use of tomato sauce/relish as a topping with hidden sugars. Served with high-carb sides.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
More on the Saudi menuAll 156 Saudi dishes ›
