The Hijaz House

The Hijaz House is a breakfast restaurant on Al Alawi Market Street in Al Balad, the historic district of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, close to the landmark merchant house Bait Nassif. It serves a traditional Hijazi sit-down breakfast, a meal that locals treat as a social occasion rather than a quick bite. The core dishes are kibdeh, sauteed liver cooked with spices and eaten with bread; ful, the slow-cooked fava bean dish that anchors breakfast across the Hijaz; and tamees, the thick, oven-baked flatbread often served warm alongside. Bread is central to the experience, and portions are designed for sharing across the table with side plates of cheese, eggs and similar accompaniments typical of Hijazi mornings. Prices are modest at roughly SAR 30-60 (about $8-16) per person. The dining room is informal and in keeping with the character of the old market streets, with a mood that is relaxed and family-oriented and noise levels that rise as the morning fills with customers. Dress is casual, but modest clothing is expected in Al Balad. Tea is the standard accompaniment, along with Arabic coffee and juices; alcohol is not served anywhere in Saudi Arabia. Opening times are not published, so mornings are the safest time to go, and visitors should confirm on the day if the visit is planned around a specific hour. Reservations are generally not needed, and the restaurant operates on a walk-in basis, although groups arriving at weekends or during holidays may face a short wait. A visit works well as the first stop of a day exploring Historic Jeddah, because the surrounding sights, including Bait Nassif and the souq lanes of Al Alawi, are within a short walk and are more comfortable to visit before the heat builds. First-time visitors who are unfamiliar with Hijazi breakfast can ask the staff which combination of dishes is typical, as the sharing format makes it easy to sample several plates in a single sitting.