The 2022 World Cup in Qatar has generated a lot of buzz with the matches played among the best football teams in the world. Regarding Mexico, el tri will play its last group stage match this Wednesday, November 30 at 1:00 PM (CST) at Lusail Stadium against a worthy opponent, the Saudi team, a squad that has shown grit and passion to represent their country.

However, the match that will define the future of the Mexican national team in the World Cup is not the only battle Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia, as both countries have valuable elements with which to face off in the culinary arena. At kiwilimón, we want you to enjoy the World Cup like never before with flavorful dishes and drinks that are perfect for sharing with friends while watching the matches. This time, we share the most iconic Mexican and Saudi dishes with which these countries would confront each other in a battle of flavor. Let the game begin!

Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia. A match full of flavor
This culinary showdown features great stars from both Mexican and Saudi cuisine that every foodie must try. It consists of traditional dishes and unique flavor combinations that make this encounter a memorable event that no one should miss.

Wearing the green jersey, we have traditional Mexican cuisine, which was inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity due to its cultural identity, social cohesion, and community development factor, as noted by the Government of Mexico.

In addition to having a great culinary offering, Mexico also boasts a wide variety of products with Qualified Denomination of Origin, including tequila, mezcal, Ataulfo mango, and Veracruz coffee, to name a few. And let's not forget that Mexican food is not just about the combination of ingredients that result in exquisite dishes, but they are also loaded with symbolism related to culture, adding a greater level of complexity.

Wearing their characteristic green and white jersey, we have traditional Saudi cuisine, whose roots are closely tied to hospitality and the food available in the desert, which translates into dishes that still reflect the ancient practices of caravan trade and the nomadic lifestyle, as noted by the Visit Saudi portal.

Thus, it is common to find foods such as basmati rice, spices, dates, camel milk, qahwa, fruits, and meat as essential elements of traditional Saudi cuisine. An aspect to highlight is the importance of welcoming guests, including foreigners, with great kindness and vast plates of delicious dishes served with love and respect, as noted by the Zam Zam.

You can also read: Winning breakfasts to watch the World Cup

The selection of Mexican cuisine


The selection of Mexican cuisine consists of the following 5 must-try traditional dishes:

Mole
Mole is one of the most representative dishes of Mexican gastronomy. This sauce, of pre-Hispanic origin and perfected during the colonial era, as noted by the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development. This traditional dish, prepared for special occasions, is made with a complex mix of chiles, chocolate, spices, seeds, and fruits that results in an explosion of unmatched flavors. Moreover, it is said that in Mexico there are more types of mole than types of cheese in France. Therefore, mole is a worthy representative of Mexican gastronomy.

Cochinita pibil
Cochinita pibil is a classic dish from traditional Yucatecan cuisine made with pork, lard, achiote, sour orange, garlic, and spices. Everything is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground oven or pib, as noted by Larousse Cocina. This juicy dish, which can be served in tacos, tortas, or other corn snacks, is accompanied by pickled red onion and habanero chili to create a flavor combination like no other.

Tacos al pastor
It is undeniable that tacos are one of the dishes for which Mexican food is a favorite worldwide, and tacos al pastor are a prime example of this. Although their origin comes from Lebanese shawarma, tacos al pastor were adapted to the ingredients and flavors of Mexico – pork, achiote, tortilla, pineapple – resulting in such a delicious dish that it is no surprise they were named the best dish in the world by the platform Taste Atlas.

Carne en su jugo
Carne en su jugo is a typical dish from the state of Jalisco characterized by being made with finely sliced beef steaks marinated in lime juice, soy sauce, and chicken broth, as noted by the Larousse Culinary Dictionary. Served with fried bacon and spring onions, pot bean broth, chopped onion, and cilantro, this appetizing dish is a classic of Mexican cuisine that could not be missing from this contest.

Pozole
This lineup would not be complete without a good plate of pozole, a traditional Mexican dish made with cacahuazintle corn kernels, chicken or pork, various types of chiles, and topped with lettuce, radish, chopped onion, and ground oregano. Whether prepared green, white, or red, it is undeniable that pozole is a worthy representative of Mexican cuisine, as even its colors recall those of the national flag.

You can also read: World Cup snacks for kids and adults

The selection of Saudi cuisine


The selection of Saudi cuisine consists of the following 5 dishes that are definitely worth trying:

Kabsa
Kabsa, considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia, is made with rice and is very popular in the Persian Gulf. Prepared with broth resulting from the cooking of fish or meat, this rice has an irresistible combination of spices and can be accompanied by chicken, lamb, camel, fish, or shrimp. Additionally, this delicious dish is served on platters to share and is eaten with hands, as noted by Taste Atlas.

Tharid
Tharid consists of a spicy lamb stew accompanied by barley flatbread, as noted by Zam Zam. Considered one of the favorite dishes of the Prophet Muhammad, this incomparable dish is now accompanied by halal meat and seasonal vegetables. You can't miss it.

Harees
Harees is a dish that cannot be missed during the month of Ramadan, as noted by Taste Atlas, and it is prepared with a combination of wheat and meat. This ancient dish originating from Saudi Arabia has many variants in different countries today.

Dajaj mashwi
This roasted chicken dish is a delight of Saudi cuisine that every foodie must try. The dajaj mashwi is prepared with ingredients such as paprika, ginger, garlic, onion, black pepper, salt, oil, and lemon juice, resulting in a juicy and spicy dish served with garlic sauce and salad.

Jalamah
To conclude the Saudi selection, we have jalamah, a lamb-based dish typical of the 'Asir region, according to Taste Atlas. Cooked with fat, onion, cardamom, cinnamon, cilantro, and black pepper, this dish is accompanied by rice or flatbread and is specially prepared for celebrations.

As you have seen, both traditional Mexican cuisine and Saudi gastronomy have great dishes in their lineup that make this contest a highly competitive flavor battle. Who do you think will win? If you want to discover more delicious dishes ideal for enjoying the World Cup, at kiwilimón we have a selection that will surprise you.