Abha International Airport

Abha International Airport may be compact, but it punches above its weight when it comes to food. The main terminal's central food court is anchored by a branch of Al Baik, the beloved Saudi fast-food institution whose crispy fried chicken draws queues regardless of the hour. Alongside it, a handful of café kiosks serve strong qahwa — the lightly spiced, cardamom-laced Arabic coffee — paired with soft date pastries that make for an ideal pre-flight ritual.

For something more substantial, look for the small sit-down restaurant near the departure gates where you can order a proper Asiri-style meal. The Asir region has a distinctive culinary identity, and dishes like saleeg — a creamy white rice slow-cooked in broth and served with roasted chicken — occasionally appear on rotating menus here. Honey from the Asir highlands, famous across the Kingdom for its intensity and depth, is sometimes available as both a topping and a packaged gift item, making it the most delicious souvenir you can carry through security.

Temper your expectations for variety — this is a regional airport, not a culinary destination — but the quality of what's available is genuinely solid. The coffee culture in particular is taken seriously, and even the smallest kiosk will produce a respectable cup. Grab a bag of locally sourced mountain honey or a tin of Asiri spice blend from the small retail area adjacent to the food court, and you'll leave with a taste of the highlands even if your layover is brief.