EAT 'APPY IN JEDDAH

New food delivery app Lugmety is giving Jeddah visitors the chance to taste authentic local cuisine from the comfort of their hotel room

- GEMMA GREENWOOD

The ancient city of Jeddah is a hidden gastronomic gem, but it’s growing in popularity with residents, as well as visiting foodies, seeking authentic cuisine.

The Jeddah Historic District – known locally as Al Balad – is not only the oldest part of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but has a rich culinary heritage dating back to the 7th century.

Its maze of alleyways are bursting with amazing places to eat and drink, including some of the oldest restaurants in Jeddah.

The kingdom’s Ministry of Culture, which has a vision to preserve Saudi Arabia’s identity and cultural heritage, is ploughing investment into the preservation of the district’s unique character and historical importance. Its many initiatives include reviving and promoting Al Balad’s most traditional and revered restaurants through a range of projects, from introducing new cutting-edge technology to carefully restoring building facades and re-designing restaurant signage.

The ministry recently launched new food delivery app, Lugmety, giving these historic family-run businesses the financial and technological ability to reach new audiences, and – in the era of COVID-19 – an opportunity to capitalise on growing demand for authentic local food delivered to your home, or your hotel room should you be visiting the Red Sea city.

Lugmety, which can be downloaded on the app store, gives visitors access to genuine culinary experiences that might otherwise remain unearthed. From traditional family bakeries and some of the oldest fish restaurants in Saudi, to eateries serving authentic hummus, masoub and foul, ordering via Lugmety gives you a real taste of Jeddah without leaving your hotel.