Samak Sayadiyah
Spiced Fish (Sayadiyah Style, without Rice)
Yes, with a tweak: request no rice. About 5g net carbs per serving, lower than 7 in 10 Saudi dishes.
What it is
A traditional fish dish where a whole fish or fillets are marinated in a rich blend of spices and then pan-fried or baked to perfection. Sayadiyah typically includes a caramelized onion and spiced rice component; for keto, the flavorful spiced fish is served without the rice, focusing on the succulent fish itself, often with a reduced onion sauce.
Key ingredients
Whole fish (e.g., Hamour, Snapper) or fillets, onions, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, Saudi fish spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, black pepper, chili powder).
How to make it keto
Crucially, request no rice. Ask for the fish to be prepared with minimal onions in the sauce or as a garnish if possible, or just the fish itself. Confirm no sugar is used in the spice rub, marinade, or any accompanying sauce.
Say this to the waiter (Arabic)
سمك صيادية، من فضلك قدمها لي بدون أرز. حضّر السمك بأقل كمية بصل ممكنة في الصلصة أو الزينة، أو فقط السمك لوحده. وتأكد ألا يوجد سكر في التتبيلة أو الصلصة المصاحبة.
For the Samak Sayadiyah, please serve without rice. Prepare the fish with minimal onions or just the fish itself. Confirm no sugar in spice rub, marinade, or sauce.
Watch out for
The caramelized onion base, if prepared in a significant quantity and served with the fish, can contribute carbs. Some restaurants might add a touch of sugar to the marinade or sauce for sweetness or to enhance browning.
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 ›
