Mecca and Madinah are two Islamic places that welcome millions of Muslim pilgrims from all around the world each year. Travellers may satisfy their spiritual needs while simultaneously tasting various cuisines. The following is a list of the most excellent dishes to try while visiting the Kingdom. Plan Umrah packages including flights to enjoy delicious meals while fulfilling your Umrah requirements.
- Kabsa
It is a rice meal that includes spices, chicken or lamb, and vegetables including tomatoes, onions, and carrots. The original kabsa is basmati rice that is cooked with meat, spices, and a pressure cooker. Its unique aroma comes through the use of black pepper, saffron, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, garlic, and other spices. The traditional Kabsa goes well with roasted chicken or lamb. Include a visit to the kingdom’s traditional cuisine while scheduling Umrah packages including flights in groups.
Mandhi / Madfun
Madfun is a dish consisting of soft rice added with butter and various meat stews cooked in non-stocked pots. The tender lamb or chicken is cooked slowly in a tomato sauce for several hours until tender to the bite. Upon taking a bite, Madfun blasts the taste in a few seconds. Many people enjoy it, particularly when it is provided at reasonable prices by street vendors and restaurants. So, choose all-inclusive Umrah packages 2025 and enjoy these delectable foods.
- Shawarma
You cannot come to Saudi without tasting the real shawarma. Similar to Shawarma, a thin fillet of chicken or lamb is grilled on a vertical spit until crisp. These tenderized meat pieces are marinated in spices. The dish is served on khubz flatbread with fried onions, tahini sauce, pickles, and veggies. You have to experience the famous chicken or lamb shawarma common with street vendors. So, get ready to schedule Ramadan Umrah packages 2025 with family and enjoy a variety of foods.
- Ful Medames / Fava Beans
Some of the most popular meals, including full medames, are famous. They are especially consumed during Suhoor during the month of Ramadan. Olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, chile, and cumin are used to dress up those boiled and mashed fava beans. It is a type of carbohydrate product strong in protein that is a common element in Arabic cuisine. Other common fava bean recipes are ful mudammas and fool.
- Halwa
Halwa defines many thick, sweet pastries familiar to Saudi Arabian food. Among the most popular halwas are Umm Ali (“Ali’s mother”), a baked bread pudding with milk, almonds, and raisins. There also is Black halwa with cardamom, Butter halwa which includes ghee in its preparation, Cheese halwa and more. The majority of halwas may be traced back to Turkey. These sweet and calorie products taste good, quite satisfying after the hot spicy meals common in Saudi Arabia.
- Dates
Dates are important in Saudi cuisine since it is hot there. These sweet and sugary fruits come in over 120 types and are highly unique. You can eat it raw, stuffed, in cakes or pastries, shaken, or even in tea. Buy some Medjool or Anbara dates for souvenirs. As a token of appreciation, present your hosts with a box of rare Ajwa dates, which are sacred.
- Arabic Coffee / Qahwa
Arabic coffee or Qahwa, is an essential part of Arabian culture, particularly when it comes to showing good hospitality. The one with cardamoms and saffron is less potent and unpleasant. When you visit a Saudi home, they will offer you traditional qahwa in a little cup without a handle. Thus, accepting coffee means embracing the hospitality of the household. It tastes best right after eating, or even in the morning to give you an extra shot of energy.
- Jareesh / Harisa
Jareesh (or Harisa) is a wheat and beef porridge. According to history, this dish originated in ancient Arabian food culture, when tribes utilized wheatberries with meat for energy. Today’s jareesh is spiced up with cumin, coriander, and chilli flakes, and eaten with yoghurt. One of the residents’ favourite comfort foods is this hearty, nutritious porridge.
- Kunafa / Kanafeh
And finally, Saudi-Arabian Kunafa is a delicious dessert. This delicacy, which resembles thin noodles, is steeped in syrup with a rose flavour. These crunchy shreds have imprinted some Nabulsi cheese, such as Akkawi, mozzarella, or ricotta, between them. Top versions are garnished with crushed nuts or pistachios. Kunafa is a popular Arab sweet that will be available at sweet shops and restaurants at any time of day.
- Basbousa / Namoura
Another wonderful Middle Eastern dessert is Basbousa, which means “small kiss” in Arabic. Semolina cake is a syrup cake with layers and almonds; it is the perfect dessert to complement a biryani meal. Basbousa cakes are simple to make and flexible, with ingredients such as semolina or farina, yoghurt, coconut, and nuts. This cake is most comparable to Arabic tea or Arabic coffee.
- Mixed Grill & Kebabs
Saudi Arabian food enthusiasts would not want to leave without trying their varied grills and kebabs. Here, popular meats include lamb, chicken, beef, kofta, or even expertly grilled camel on swords. Meat, vegetables, or shellfish cooked in coal-fired furnaces until they are luscious and juicy are among the options. Some popular kebabs to try are Shish Taouk. It consists of marinated, chopped chicken brochettes. Furthermore, Kofta kebab is produced from minced seasoned lamb or beef.
- Biryani
Indeed, Saudi Arabia has also imported flavours from its neighbouring countries as well. One of the popular imports includes Biryani, a mixed rice dish. Select meat versions such as Chicken Biryani, Lamb Biryani or Shrimp. Finally, garnish it with fried onions, nuts and saffron. This delicious rice dish is very common in Saudi for a feast and other special occasions.
Final words
These are the most popular meals to have while in Mecca and Madinah. If you’re an adventurous eater, try traditional dishes like kabsa, mandhi, harees, kunafa, grills, and kebabs. Depending on the country, vegetarians can enjoy falafel, fava beans, babaganoush eggplants, fattoush salads, and other dishes. As Saudi Arabia begins to welcome global travellers, you can experience their traditional culture throughout your trip. We know you’ll enjoy the Treat.