saudi arabian cuisine is similar to that of the surrounding countries in the arabian peninsula and the wider arab world, and has influenced and been influenced by turkish, indian, persian, and african food. islamic dietary laws are enforced: pork is not allowed and other animals are slaughtered in accordance with halal. kebabs and falafel are popular, as is "shāwarmā" (shawarma), a marinated grilled meat dish of lamb, mutton, or chicken. as in other arab countries of the arabian peninsula, "machbūs" (kabsa), a rice dish with lamb, chicken, fish or shrimp, is among the national dishes as well as the dish mandi (food). flat, unleavened taboon bread is a staple of virtually every meal, as are dates, fresh fruit, yoghurt and hummus. coffee, served in the arabic style, is the traditional beverage but tea and various fruit juices are popular as well. arabic coffee is a traditional beverage in arabian cuisine. the earliest substantiated evidence of either coffee drinking or knowledge of the coffee tree is from the 15th century, in the sufi monasteries of arabia.