• 19 Jun, 25
• by Muslims Holy Travel

Local Cuisine to Try During Umrah - A Food Lover’s Guide to Makkah & Madinah

Umrah serves as a gateway for inviting lots of people from across the globe to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Being on this journey, you can seize the golden chance to discover the rich food culture of KSA. From rice dishes to grilled items, sweet Arabic treats, and more, food becomes a part of your holy experience.

Imagine sitting with fellow pilgrims after performing Umrah and consuming Arabian coffee or a quick snack. While it may sound serene, the tantalizing food in Makkah and Madinah stays in your memory even after the journey ends. The local food in Madinah and Makkah cities is far more than nourishment and serves as an ideal reminder of your wholesome Umrah stay in KSA.

This guide will walk you through the best food during Umrah, must-try Saudi dishes, short recipes, and relevant tips that make your entire journey truly special.

Top Traditional Saudi Dishes to Try

If you haven’t tasted the traditional Saudi food yet, your Umrah journey is still incomplete as all of these famous Saudi Arabian foods are closely tied to the Arabian culture. All of these meals are not only generous in serving and highly nutritious but are also meant to be shared, serving as the best reflection of the communal spirit of the region. Here is a glimpse of the top Saudi dishes for tourists that serve as a major draw for them:

#1- Kabsa

Kabsa or Makboos is considered as the national Arabian mixed-Basmati rice dish that features aromatic rice made with lamb or chicken meat, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaves. Most of the time, this dish is served in a huge platter form and those who embark on Group Umrah Packages are most likely to benefit from it. This dish serves as a major hit for group or family gatherings, and you can easily spot it at any eatery across the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, as well as other Saudi cities.

Make it this way:

• Golden-fry some onions in a large pot, followed by adding garlic and cooking it more for a minute or two.
• Add chicken pieces and cook till they turn brown in colour.
• Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and Kabsa spices and stir.
• Add in the stock or water and simmer for 25-30 minutes (until the chicken is tender).
• Take out the chicken and keep it aside. Put soaked rice into the broth and cook over low heat.
• You can also roast the chicken in the oven to get a crispy top as you desire.
• Put rice on a big platter with chicken on the top, and finish off with a raisin or almond topping.

#2- Mandi

This dish that derives its roots from Hadhramaut in Yemen is quite like Kabsa in taste and presentation. Overall, it is infused with spices and then passed on for preparation in a tandoor-like oven that helps lend it the desired texture it is known for, as well as a grilled taste.

Make it this way:

• For the marination of chicken or lamb, you need spices like salt, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and some oil.
• Allow to rest for 1 hour or more.
• Now you need to saute onions, garlic, and spices in oil in a large pot till they turn fragrant.
• Add the marinated meat and brown it all over. Put in water to cover the meat and cook until tender.
• Take out the meat and keep it aside.
• Put some soaked basmati rice in the broth, add salt to taste, and cook the rice until it is cooked.
• Put the meat cooked over the rice and steam it at low heat for around 10-15 minutes.
• Optional: meat can be grilled or air-fried and given a smoky finish before serving.

#3- Samboosa

Samboosa is the local version of what you call “Samosas” in Asian countries. This dish is famous in Saudi Arabia, especially during Ramadan time as an Iftari meal or snack choice. Samboosa is actually a crispy pastry that is filled with vegetables, spiced meat, and cheese, or the filling of your choice. It is mainly served as a common snack or appetizer.

Make it this way:

• To prepare the stuffing, you need to first cook minced meat (or vegetables) in chopped onions, garlic, and spices which include cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper).
• Once it is cooled, then you need to prepare the dough or you can also use ready-made samboosa wrappers just to save time. Properly seal the edges from all sides using water or flour-based paste.
• Now you need to deep fry them in heated oil till they turn golden and crispy.
• Serve them piping hot with chutney, ketchup, or sauce of your choice.

#4- Harees

This dish is a major hit among tourists and locals alike, and made of wheat, meat, and ghee, that are slow-cooked till all the ingredients merge and form a consistency similar to that of porridge. It is highly nutritious and great for diet-conscious people.

Make it this way:

• Put 1 cup of whole wheat (cracked or peeled) in a pan of water overnight.
• Soak wheat and in a large pot add soaked wheat, 500g of boneless meat (chicken or lamb), salt, and add water to cover.
• Bring to a boil, then simmer gently on low heat, stirring occasionally, 23 hours.
• The meat will soften and at this point, shred it using a spoon in the pot and cook until the mixture thickens and turns into porridge.
• Mix it using hand masher or spoon to get the desired texture.
• Garnish it with melted ghee, and sugar/cinnamon, as per your taste.

#5- Mutabbaq

These are easy-to-make and savoury stuffed pancakes that come with delicious fillings of either meat, cheese, or both. Mostly this dish is prepared on large flat grills and is consumed piping hot. A top choice of all foodies! You can also call this dish as a delicious paratha that is further stuffed with any filling of your choice.

Make it this way:

• Make the stuffing by frying minced meat with onion (chopped), garlic, green chilies, spices (such as cumin, coriander, and black pepper), and an egg (beaten).
• Simmer until dry and well blended. Cool it.
• Ready-made spring roll wrappers or thin dough sheets can be used.
• Put a spoonful of filling in the centre of each sheet and fold into the desired shape, sticking the edges together with flour paste or water.
• Shallow-fry the parcels on both sides in hot oil on the flat pan or griddle until they are crispy and golden.
• Serve it alongside lemon wedges or a yogurt dip.

#6- Jareesh

This dish is made of crushed wheat which is cooked alongside meat or veggies for a great taste. Mostly, the meat used is either chicken or lamb. It is a popular cuisine in all major areas of Saudi Arabia and is considered a filling and nutritious meal, being easy to digest and light on the stomach. For pilgrims, it serves as a great choice for enjoying home-style cooking or breaking a fast.

Make it this way:

• Pour 1 cup of crushed wheat (jareesh) in water and soak it for 30 minutes.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a pot and saute 1 chopped onion until golden in colour.
• Put in 300-400g of pieces of chicken or lamb, 2 cloves of finely chopped garlic, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cumin.
• Cook the meat until it turns brown. Put in the soaked jareesh and 4 cups of water or broth.
• Put a lid and simmer in low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is soft and porridge-like.
• Optional: Add a little dried black lime to add an extra flavor.
• Serve warm with melted ghee or fried onions to make it even more rich.

Best Street Food in Makkah & Madinah

The Madinah and Makkah Street food culture is beyond exceptional. Walking through the busy streets, you can literally smell food and fried items, and wonder where it is coming from. The best thing is, that you can also try and test these items without spending much and serve a treat to your taste buds.

Looking for Some Great Options for Street Food in Madinah and Makkah?

Try out the very famous “Shawarma” that serves as an Arabian delicacy and even many people from different countries have already introduced their own versions of Arabic shawarmas. You may find shawarma stalls at almost every other corner of Saudi Arabia around prayer times. It consists of juicy slices of meat that are shaved off a rotating spit and further wrapped to perfection in warm shawarma bread with garlic sauce and veggies.

Falafel is another major food fit among foodies that are actually deep fried chickpeas or fava beans balls served in pita bread in most cases, alongside several dips and sauces of your choice. This is a great option for Arabic food in Makkah, especially if you are a vegetarian and can’t consume any meat-relevant options.

Another go-to snack choice for many travellers is grilled corn on the cob which offers a perfect treat to your tastebuds and is brushed with butter, salt, and spices, for the most comforting flavours. These are mostly found near to the holy mosques where families can enjoy them while relaxing after a tiring day.

Those who love trying out sweet and sugary flavours can also try Luqaimat which are small dough balls deep-fried and sprinkled with ravishing honey or date syrup. You can enjoy consuming them fresh and hot. Being soft from the inside and crispy and crunchy from the outside, these make great munchies for everyone and are often served as iconic Arabic tea-side snack options.

Where to Eat in Makkah Near Haram?

Thinking of where to eat in Makkah and about the best restaurants in Makah near Haram? Eating near to Haram is no doubt a great experience filled with comfort and flavours. As there are lots of visitors there, therefore you can expect the liveliest vibes and food items that fit every taste and budget.

Head to Abraj Al Bait Towers which is located quite near to Haram in Makkah. Here you can find almost all type of food items, ranging from local ones to internationally-inspired food. For quick snacks, meals, and more affordable options, you can also visit eateries such as Kudu, Al Tazaj, and Herfy and get to taste local flavours and on-the-go meals like sandwiches and grilled chicken.

For more exciting flavours, you can try the world-famous food chain Al-Baik which is famous for its crispy spice-injected chicken broast and special Al-Baik sauce. Reaching here, you are going to find long queues of people waiting for their turn, which equally justifies and explains its popularity among both locals and tourists.

For complete meal options, head to Al Deyafa Restaurant located in Swissotel that is quite famous for its unique buffet experience featuring world-famous cuisines as well as Middle Eastern food items. In addition, other small eaters along Ajyad Street and Misfalah include spots where you can enjoy traditional items like Mandi and Kabsa. For maximum ease of pilgrims, many food spots near Haram also offer them pre-packed and ready-to-eat meals, fresh juices, and affordable options.

What to Eat During Umrah? Food Tips for Pilgrims

Maintaining energy throughout the Umrah journey is quite important for keeping things on track, especially when covering long distances during rituals or fasting during Ramadan. The answer to what to eat during Umrah is, it depends on your preferences. Go for halal-friendly and protein-rich items as well as include dates, fresh fruit, yogurt, and dairy items that support digestion and facilitate maximum hydration. Also, these are among the best foods during Umrah that instantly boost your energy and morale, without causing any stomach discomfort.

Pilgrims must ensure a sound intake of water and fluids in the summer months. Try to avoid junk or fried food that may cause you fatigue, bloating, or heaviness. Not to forget, stay clean in all cases, wash your hands, and sanitize after every meal. Those with specific dietary needs can opt for gluten-free and calorie-deficit food which they may mostly find in high-end restaurants. You need to inform the hotel staff in advance to get your meal ready on time.

Dining Etiquette in Saudi Arabia

When in Saudi Arabia’s holiest cities, don’t forget to respect the Saudi food culture and adopt healthy eating habits in Makkah. The entire dining sense here reflects the true Arabic culture and its traditions, where sharing meals is a preferred choice as well as guests and foreigners are valued and respected regardless of their culture and cast.

You need to pay respect to the Saudi food culture and eat the food always with the right hand. There are certain settings where people consume food while sitting on the floor, especially in the case of a shared platter. It’s always great to wait for the host to invite you themselves and then you can start eating by offering others first before starting yourself. Don’t forget to respect the elderly people by offering them first or letting them sit in the most comfortable spot.

In case you are invited by someone at their home, remove your shoes first before entering the dining area. While tipping is not a must at restaurants, still little gestures of generosity are highly appreciated and around 10% tip of the bill can be a good choice if you really like the service and ambience of the respective restaurant.

Bonus: Must-Try Desserts & Drinks

A food adventure in Makkah and Madinah is incomplete without a taste of the traditional Saudi sweets and Arabic desserts in Makkah and Madinah. These Arabian items are quite a famous option as a munchie after Iftar in Ramadan, though they can be eaten at any time one wants.

We hope you would never like to miss out on dates (Khajoor) when in Saudi Arabia.  Not only these are religiously important but also a common snack option in Saudi households. There are more than dozens of types of Khajoor such as Ajwa, Sukari, and Mabroom. They are frequently consumed with Kahwa (Arabic coffee) which is a lightly spiced coffee, free of sugar, and poured out of a traditional pot.

Kunafa is another sweet favourite and is prepared using thin noodles or semolina, filled with cheese or cream, and soaked in sugar syrup. It is usually hot and luscious in flavour. Another dessert that is usually consumed in Ramadan is the Qatayef which is a stuffed pancake usually filled with nuts or cream. As a drink, mint tea is a refreshing option for everyone, and is usually served hot, and sweetened a bit. Fruit juices such as pomegranate, mango, and lemon-mint are also available in the markets in their fresh form.

Most Asked Queries Regarding Saudi Food

What Food Can You Eat During Umrah?

During Umrah, you must keep a check on your food intake and consider light and nutritious meals like Mandi, Kabsa, and Luqaimat. These food options are available in both Makkah and Madinah.

Is Street Food Safe in Makkah?

Yes, in most cases. You should look out for the vendors that not only offer clean food but are also crowded in most cases.

Are There Vegetarian Food Options During Umrah?

Yes, throughout Saudi Arabia, and in the holy cities, you can find many restaurants that offer custom-made and vegetarian meals like falafel, samboosa with vegetable filling, lentil soup, and others.

Can I Find International Food in Makkah and Madinah?

Sure, you can. These cities not only offer the best local flavours, but you can also find Asian and Europe-inspired taste here as well as different food chains.

Is It Expensive to Eat in Makkah and Madinah?

Food prices are not the same at all places. For affordable options, go for street food, and for gourmet food, consider high-end food chains which may be a bit more expensive.

What’s the Wait for? Book Your Umrah Package Now!

Now that you have explored a few tastes of local Saudi food with us, it is the right time to book your Umrah Packages From the UK With Muslims Holy Travel and embark on a journey of a lifetime. Perform Umrah in the most hassle-free manner whilst getting a chance to equally explore the food culture in the most sacred cities of Saudi Arabia. With more than 10 years of experience in arranging hassle-free Umrah journeys for our customers, we are here to serve all your travel and spiritual needs. Contact us at info@muslimsholytravel.co.uk or call 0203 900 0310.