Eating in Saudi Arabia During Umrah — Food Guide for African Pilgrims

All Food in Saudi Arabia Is Halal

Good news for Muslim pilgrims — all food served in Saudi Arabia is halal. Every restaurant, supermarket, and street vendor follows Islamic dietary laws. You never need to worry about halal certification.

Familiar Cuisines Available

Makkah and Madinah are cosmopolitan cities with restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. You will find African restaurants (Nigerian, Sudanese, Somali), Pakistani and Indian food, Turkish cuisine, Egyptian food, and international fast food chains.

Budget Eating Tips

Restaurant meals near the Haram are more expensive. Walk 5-10 minutes from the mosque for significantly cheaper options. A filling shawarma costs 10-15 SAR ($3-4), a rice and meat plate 15-25 SAR ($4-7). Hotel restaurants charge 2-3 times more.

Street Food Favorites

Try fresh fruit juices (mango, pomegranate, sugarcane), shawarma wraps, falafel sandwiches, grilled corn, and Saudi dates. Al Baik fried chicken is a beloved Saudi chain — the queue at the Makkah branch is legendary.

Zamzam Water

Zamzam water is freely available at dispensers throughout the Haram. Many pilgrims bring empty containers to fill and take home. You can also purchase sealed Zamzam bottles at shops. It is considered blessed water with spiritual and health benefits.