Food & Dining in Saudi Arabia
You will not go hungry in Makkah or Madinah. Both cities have an enormous variety of restaurants, from street food stalls to international chains to fine dining. All food in Saudi Arabia is halal, so Muslim travellers never need to worry about this.
Saudi & Arabic Cuisine
Do not miss the opportunity to try authentic Saudi and regional dishes:
- Kabsa: The national dish. Spiced rice with chicken or lamb, often served with a tomato-based sauce (daqqus) and salad. Found everywhere.
- Mandi: Slow-cooked meat with fragrant rice, originally from Yemen but hugely popular in Saudi Arabia.
- Shawarma: Arguably the most popular street food. Sliced meat in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and salad. Cheap and filling (5-15 SAR).
- Foul (Ful Medames): Mashed fava beans with olive oil, lemon, and spices. A hearty breakfast staple, very affordable.
- Mutabbaq: Stuffed savoury pancake, popular as a quick meal or snack.
- Dates: Saudi Arabia produces some of the world’s finest dates. Try Ajwa dates from Madinah - they are mentioned in hadith and make a wonderful gift.
Restaurants Near the Haram
In Makkah, the Abraj Al-Bait complex and surrounding streets have hundreds of restaurants at all price points. Al Baik (Saudi’s beloved fried chicken chain) has a branch near the Haram and always has a queue - it is a Saudi institution. International chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and Hardee’s are also nearby.
In Madinah, the streets surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque, particularly around Bab as-Salam and the Quba Road area, are packed with restaurants. Turkish, Indian, Pakistani, Indonesian, and Arab restaurants cater to the international pilgrim community.
Tip: Eating slightly away from the immediate Haram area (a 5-10 minute walk) will save you significant money. The restaurants right next to the mosque charge a premium for the location. The food a few streets away is often better and cheaper.
Zamzam Water
Zamzam water is freely available throughout both Harams. Large coolers are placed in every corridor, floor, and prayer area. You can drink as much as you like. Bring a small container when you visit the mosque. Zamzam water is also available in bottles from shops, though it is free inside the mosques.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.” (Ibn Majah). Make du’a when drinking Zamzam water.
Practical Dining Tips
- Meal times: Restaurants near the Haram are open very long hours, many 24/7. You can find food at any time of day or night.
- Budget meals: A filling meal (shawarma, rice dish, or set meal) can cost as little as 10-25 SAR. Indian and Pakistani restaurants are often the most affordable.
- During Hajj in Mina/Arafat: Your tour operator will provide meals. However, pack some snacks (dates, nuts, energy bars, biscuits) as meal times may not align with your hunger.
- Hydration: In the Saudi heat, staying hydrated is critical. Drink water constantly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Carry a water bottle at all times.
- Hotel breakfast: Most hotels include breakfast. It is usually a buffet with Arabic and Continental options - eat well before heading to the Haram for worship.