Food is a big part of any Umrah trip. After long hours of prayer and walking, you get hungry fast. The good news is that almost every restaurant in Makkah and Madinah is halal. You don’t need to search hard or ask twice. Still, some places are better than others as some are cheap and fast, some are made for a slow family dinner, and some serve food you won’t find anywhere else.
This guide will help you know what to eat and where to eat it, in both Makkah and Madinah.
Halal Food in Makkah
The most popular foods in Makkah are Al Baik, Al Tazaj, Al Shorfa, Al Romansiah, Ben Ali, Food Court at Abraj Al Bait and Street Food Near the Haram.
Al Baik (The Famous Fried Chicken)
If you ask any pilgrim about food in Makkah, they will say one name first: Al Baik. This is Saudi Arabia’s most loved fast food chain. People love the crispy fried chicken and the garlic sauce that comes with it. It’s cheap, fast, and tastes great after a long day of Tawaf.
There are several Al Baik branches close to the Haram. Lines can get long around prayer times, so try to go a little before or after Salah if you don’t want to wait.
Al Tazaj (Grilled Chicken Done Right)
If fried chicken is not your thing then Al Tazaj is the next best choice. This chain grills its chicken instead of frying it, so it feels a bit lighter. They also serve Kabsa (rice with spiced meat) and shish tawook. Many pilgrims pick Al Tazaj when they want something filling but not too heavy before heading back to rest.
Al Shorfa (A Proper Sit-Down Meal)
When you want to slow down and eat like it’s a real meal as not just a quick bite, Al Shorfa is a good pick. It’s near the Clock Tower and serves classic Arabic dishes in a calm setting. This is a good option if you’re eating with family and want a comfortable place to sit for a while.
Al Romansiah (For the Best Kabsa)
Kabsa is the national dish of Saudi Arabia, and locals say Al Romansiah makes one of the best versions in the country. The rice is soft, full of flavour, and cooked with tender meat on top. If you only try one Kabsa place in Makkah, this is worth checking out.
Ben Ali
If you want to try something local and a little unusual, Ben Ali is known for camel meat kebabs and grilled lamb. Portions are generous and prices are fair. It’s a good spot if you want to taste food that feels truly local, not just another fast food chain.
Food Court at Abraj Al Bait (Clock Tower)
Inside the Clock Tower mall, there’s a food court with several options in one place. You can find international buffets, grilled chicken spots, and restaurants with views of the Kaaba. This is a good choice on days when your group wants different types of food without walking too far.
Street Food Near the Haram
Don’t skip the small stalls. Shawarma stands, falafel sellers, and sweet luqaimat (small fried dough balls with honey) are everywhere close to the Haram. They’re cheap, quick, and just as halal as any restaurant. If you’re tired and don’t want to sit down for a full meal, this is often the easiest option.
Halal Food in Madinah
In Makkah, you’ll find local Saudi food and spots such as Al Baik, Zaitoon Restaurant, Shawaya House, and Small Eateries, Yemeni breakfast spots, but also a lot of South Asian, Turkish, Yemeni, and even Indonesian restaurants. Since so many pilgrims from those countries visit each year.
Al Baik
Yes, Al Baik is in Madinah too. You’ll find branches along Abu Ayub Al-Ansari Road and near the Taiba Commercial Centre, both close to Masjid an-Nabawi. Same crispy chicken, same fast service.
Zaitoon Restaurant
If you’re missing home-style food from Pakistan, India, or Bangladesh, Zaitoon Restaurant is one of the most popular choices near the mosque. It’s often full of South Asian pilgrims, which says a lot about how well-loved it is. Staff are used to serving large groups and families.
Shawaya House
This spot is known just for one thing: shawaya, a style of grilled chicken. There are branches near Quba and near Qiblatain. If you want simple, well-cooked chicken without anything fancy, this is a solid pick.
Small Eateries Near Masjid an-Nabawi
Just like in Makkah, the backstreets around the mosque are full of small local eateries. Here you can try mutabbaq (a stuffed, folded pastry), foul (mashed fava beans, often eaten for breakfast), and falafel. These dishes are cheap, filling, and very common among locals, not just pilgrims.
Yemeni Breakfast Spots
Madinah has a few well-known Yemeni breakfast places a short drive from the mosque. Yemeni breakfast usually means fresh bread, foul, and honey, eaten slowly with tea. If your schedule allows a relaxed morning, this is a nice change from a normal hotel breakfast.
Dishes You Should Try at Least Once During Umrah
Some of the dishes you can try during Umrah include Kabsa, Mandi, Mutabbaq, Foul and Falafel, Saleeg, and Shawarma.
- Kabsa: This is the dish most linked to Saudi Arabia. It’s rice cooked with warm spices, topped with chicken or lamb, and often finished with almonds and raisins on top.
- Mandi: Originally from Yemen, but now found everywhere in Makkah and Madinah. The meat is cooked slowly, sometimes underground in clay ovens, until it falls off the bone. The rice underneath soaks up the meat juices, which is really where the flavour comes from.
- Mutabbaq: A folded, stuffed pastry usually with meat, egg, or vegetables inside. It’s crispy on the outside and soft inside. You’ll find it at small street stalls more than big restaurants.
- Foul and Falafel: Foul is mashed fava beans, often served for breakfast with olive oil and bread. Falafel is fried chickpea balls, usually stuffed into bread with salad. Both are cheap, halal by default, and found on almost every corner.
- Saleeg: A creamy rice dish that’s a bit like risotto, usually topped with chicken. It’s soft, comforting, and a favourite for breakfast or a light dinner.
- Shawarma: You already know this one, but the shawarma near the Haram areas is worth trying anyway. It’s fast, filling, and available almost everywhere at any time of day.
A Few Simple Tips
Keep these simple food and dining tips in mind to make eating during your Umrah easier and more enjoyable:
- You don’t need to check “is this halal?” almost everywhere in Makkah and Madinah; food is halal by law. This takes away a lot of stress compared to eating out in other countries. All food in Saudi Arabia is halal.
- Go between prayer times. Popular spots like Al Baik and Al Tazaj get very busy right after Salah. A short wait before or after the crowd saves you time.
- Try local spots, not just chains. Chains like Al Baik and Al Tazaj are reliable, but the small local eateries a few streets away often serve food that feels more personal and costs less.
- Use delivery apps if you’re tired. Apps like HungerStation and Jahez deliver halal food straight to your hotel room. This is useful after a long day when you don’t want to go back out.
- Ask your hotel staff. Hotel workers usually know the best and closest food spots for whatever you’re craving, especially if you want something specific like South Asian or Turkish food.
- Mix cheap and comfortable. You don’t have to pick only fast food or only fancy restaurants the whole trip. Many pilgrims eat cheap street food for most meals and treat themselves to one nice sit-down dinner every few days. This keeps costs low without missing out on a relaxed meal with the family.
Don’t Forget Dessert and Drinks in Umrah
Some desserts and drinks you can enjoy during Umrah include dates, Arabic coffee (qahwa), Ma’amoul, and Basbousa.
Dates are everywhere, and for good reason. Fresh dates from local shops are cheap, healthy, and a nice snack between meals. Many pilgrims buy a box to take home too.
Arabic coffee (qahwa) is light, a bit spiced, and usually served in small cups. You’ll see it in hotel lobbies and at many restaurants. It’s not like regular coffee, so try a small cup first before ordering more.
Ma’amoul are small date-filled cookies, soft and not too sweet. Basbousa is a semolina cake soaked in syrup, sweet and simple. Both are common in bakeries around Makkah and Madinah and make a good treat after dinner.
Final Thought
Eating well during Umrah isn’t just about filling your stomach. A good meal gives you the energy to keep worshipping, stay patient during long prayers and enjoy your trip without feeling drained. Try a mix of both as the well-known names and the small local spots and you’ll likely walk away with a few favourites of your own.
