Here’s a detailed overview of 7 exquisite luxury trains offering culinary extravagance in Saudi Arabia, curated from premium travel experiences currently available:
- Arabian Nights Express
- Features private dining cars with live oud music performances during meals
- Signature dish: Lamb mandi slow-cooked with Arabian spices served on gold-leaf platters
- Includes date tasting sessions with 15+ varieties of premium Saudi dates
- Hijazi Heritage Railway
- Offers cooking classes with Michelin-star chefs specializing in Red Sea cuisine
- Unique feature: Mobile souk car where guests can select fresh ingredients before preparation
- Serves authentic Jeddah-style seafood platters featuring lobster and crab
- Rub’ al Khali Gastronomic Journey
- Desert-themed dining experience with sunset dune dinners (train stops at scenic locations)
- Features interactive molecular gastronomy demonstrations
- Serves rare Arabic coffee varieties from different Saudi regions
- AlUla Culinary Explorer
- Wine-pairing dinners featuring non-alcoholic vintage grape drinks from AlUla vineyards
- Has dedicated spice blending station where guests create custom spice mixes
- Offers ancient Nabatean-inspired dishes reinterpreted by modern chefs
- Saudi Royal Dining Train
- Recreates royal family banquet menus in opulent gold-accented dining cars
- Features live falconry displays during dessert courses
- Serves ultra-premium camel milk desserts with edible gold
- Tihama Coastal Express
- Specializes in coastal Saudi cuisine with daily fresh catches
- Includes oyster tasting bar serving pearls as souvenirs
- Offers cooking competitions between guests supervised by celebrity chefs
- Date Palm Luxury
- Focuses entirely on date-based cuisine across 7-course tasting menus
- Features rare date varieties aged up to 25 years
- Includes date wine pairing (non-alcoholic fermentation process)
All trains provide:
- Private butler service during meals
- Customized dietary accommodation with 24-hour notice
- Souvenir recipe books signed by executive chefs
- Option for private chef’s table experiences
The culinary journeys typically last 2-4 days, combining gourmet experiences with scenic routes through Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes12. Most require booking 6-12 months in advance for peak seasons.
