Kabsa vs Majboos: what’s the difference?

Kabsa is often called the national dish of Saudi Arabia. The rice is cooked in a rich, tomato-tinted stock with cardamom, cinnamon, clove and black pepper, then topped with roasted chicken, almonds and raisins.

Majboos (also written machboos) is the Gulf cousin, loved in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The secret is loomi — sun-dried black lime — plus saffron and rose water. The result is smokier, more floral and slightly sour.

Which one should you order? If you love warm, comforting spice: Kabsa. If you want perfume and depth: Majboos. Better still — bring a friend and order both.