The camel rider or desert rider is a type of sandwich that is popular in Jacksonville, Florida.^[1][2] The sandwich is usually made with lunch meats, Italian dressing, and pita bread.^[1][2] It is often served with tabbouleh and cherry limeade.^[1][3][4]

The camel rider is a product of Arab immigrants who first settled in the Jacksonville area in the 1890s.^[1][2] Since then, Jacksonville has had a large Middle Eastern population.^[3][5] It became popular in Jacksonville in the 1960s.^[2] The Arab immigrants would have grocery stores in predominantly African-American neighborhoods where they would sell the dish.^[4] Although the exact origins are unclear, it is often traced to Joe Assi, a Lebanese-born baker, who owned the Gold Room restaurant where he served the dish.^[2] In the 1970s, it continued to grow in popularity and was served in restaurants like The Sheik, Desert Rider, and Pinegrove Market & Deli.^[2] During the early years of its popularity, pita bread was considered a novelty locally.^[6] Some locals refer to the pita bread as Arabic bread or Syrian bread as a nod to the origins of some of the bakers.^[1]

The name camel rider was initially pejorative but has since been accepted by the Arabic producers and local consumers.^[4] Nevertheless, some have avoided the term or created variations, such as the shrimp rider, veggie rider, and steak-in-a-sack.^[1][2][7] One popular breakfast variation served at The Sheik is pita stuffed with eggs and sausage and served with grits.^[4] It can be found in other parts of the country such as Columbus, Georgia or Birmingham, Alabama, but remains most readily available in Jacksonville.^[1][2] More than 50 restaurants in Jacksonville serve the dish.^[1][2]