Your complete go-to-blog for grocery shopping, food, flavor, and familiarity in Saudi Arabia’s bustling capital: Riyadh.

Moving to a new country comes with a rush of excitement, and it also comes with a huge checklist of practical things to figure out. First on the list? Finding a place to call home! And right after that? Finding out where to do your grocery shopping and stock up on everyday essentials.

For expats moving to Riyadh, checking out local supermarkets, learning local shopping habits, and finding familiar products can take some time getting used to. 

Whether you’re hunting for your favorite international ingredients or discovering local delicacies, doing some grocery shopping, you will find a mix of convenience, variety, and cultural flavor in the Kingdom. From well-stocked hypermarkets to neighborhood gems, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying your weekly essentials in the Kingdom’s capital.

Understanding the ‘Grocery Essentials’ in Riyadh as an Expat 

Riyadh is brimming with high-end hypermarkets, local grocery shops, hyperstores, and compact neighborhood stores. The city’s growing expat population means more stores now cater to diverse palates, offering everything from organic produce to halal-certified Western products.

Some of the most popular grocery stores in Riyadh include:

Danube

In Danube, you will find that shelves are neatly arranged, the produce is always fresh, and the store carries everything from gourmet cheeses to international snacks, an, in-house bakery and offers an expansive selection of international products.

Panda Hypermarket

One of the most accessible chains across Saudi, Panda is perfect for budget-conscious shoppers. It stocks everyday essentials, local brands, and international goods at reasonable prices. With a simple store layout and frequent discounts, it’s great for weekly shopping without the stress or the dent in your wallet.

Carrefour

This popular French retailer is spread across Riyadh, offering a dependable mix of price, variety, and quality. Carrefour stocks everything from electronics to bakery items. Carrefour even has a small snack-and-rest corner near the checkout, perfect for a quick recharge before heading home with your haul.

LuLu Hypermarket

A one-stop shop for expats craving global flavors, the LuLu hypermarket offers an impressive range from Pakistani mangoes, Indian coconuts, Thai coconut water, and even Pakistani Rooh Afza during Ramadan. Lulu’s Desi Chaat counter dishes out gol gappas and masala papdi, while their grab-and-go section covers your snack fix. It’s always bustling for good reason.

Tamimi Markets

A longtime favorite among expats, Tamimi is known for its wide selection of American and European brands. From Jif peanut butter and Twinkies to USDA-certified meats, it’s a reliable spot for familiar comfort foods. Many branches are open 24/7, making late-night grocery runs super convenient.

Spinneys

Now open in Riyadh, Spinneys brings a high-end UAE shopping experience to Saudi. Expect immaculate displays, imported goods, and exceptional shelf quality. Though the prices lean higher at Spinneys, the curated product selection and store cleanliness offer a premium, almost boutique-like feel. A solid pick for specialty or indulgent grocery items.

Where to Buy Groceries in Riyadh – The Amazing Online Options

If braving traffic or extreme temperatures isn’t your thing, many supermarkets also offer reliable delivery services. Apps like Noon, Carrefour, and Tamimi Online allow you to shop from the comfort of your home. Most platforms provide English interfaces, accept international cards, and deliver within 24–48 hours depending on your location.

And in case you need some oregano to sprinkle on top of that delicious lasagna you are making, or you just remembered that you forgot the basil again then Saudi Arabia’s super-fast delivery apps like Noon Minutes have your back.

Whether it’s missing cheese for your pasta or a sudden hankering for some good old American chocolate-chip cookies, these lightning-fast delivery services can get your groceries to your door in as little as 15 minutes or 10 minutes if you’re feeling lucky! It’s like having a mini supermarket in your pocket that you just tap, wait, and voilà!

Top Tips for Grocery Shopping as an Expat

• Make a Weekly Grocery Plan: With long working hours and weekend-only outings, planning ahead is key. Create a grocery checklist for expats in Riyadh to avoid mid-week store runs. Most locals shop after Isha prayer, so try mornings or early afternoons for quieter aisles.
• Learn the Local Label: Arabic packaging may feel quite intimidating at first. Familiarize yourself with common terms, or use apps like Google Translate’s camera feature to decode ingredients like checking allergen or halal labels.
• Local Gems: You can now also find Zamzam water at stores like Danube and LuLu making it convenient for those who prefer to pick it up with their weekly groceries.
• Cash, Card, or Mada? Most supermarkets accept both international credit/debit cards and Mada (the local payment system). Some smaller neighborhood shops (commonly known as Baqalas locally) accept cash and cards both.
• Check for International Sections: Most big supermarkets have “world foods” aisles. Here you’ll find everything from Heinz baked beans to Japanese noodles, Filipino condiments, and Indian lentils. These sections are goldmines for anyone missing home.

Grocery Store Etiquette in Saudi Arabia

• Modesty matters: Riyadh’s social norms are more relaxed now, but modest dressing is still encouraged in public spaces.
• Fridays are slower: Many stores close during Friday prayer and reopen later in the afternoon, often getting especially crowded in the evening, particularly popular spots among expats like Lulu and Carrefour.
• Respect cultural norms: Avoid public displays of affection and be courteous to staff. Customer service in Riyadh is generally polite and helpful.

Beyond the Supermarket – Riyadh’s Open Markets & Specialty Stores

If you’re feeling adventurous then Riyadh has excellent farmers’ markets and specialty grocers too:

• Thumamah Organic Farm Market: For organic produce straight from local farms (open on weekends). Organic farm markets are super popular with expats in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia. 
• Baqalas: Small convenience stores located in every neighborhood. Ideal for last-minute items or late-night milk runs. These small stores serve as the ‘staple destinations’ for expats and nationals. 
• Asian & European Specialty Stores: Hidden gems are scattered around the city, particularly in expat-heavy districts like Al Olaya and Al Malaz. Expat grocery shopping in Riyadh becomes a treat with an amazing selection of Asian & European specialty stores across the Kingdom. 

A Grocery Experience Worth Embracing

Living in Riyadh means adjusting to new rhythms, and grocery shopping quickly becomes part of that. It’s not just about stocking your pantry, it’s a chance to connect with flavors from around the world, explore Saudi hospitality, and slowly feel a little more at home.

So, the next time you grab a basket or click “checkout,” remember you’re not just buying groceries, but you’re learning a new way to live, cook, and thrive in the heart of the Kingdom.

FAQs

What are the best supermarkets in Riyadh for expats?
Popular choices among expats include Carrefour and  Lulu Hypermarket. These stores carry a wide range of international products, making grocery shopping in Riyadh easier for expats from various cultural backgrounds.

Are there stores in Riyadh that sell international or specialty products?
Yes! Stores like Tamimi Markets and Danube offer imported goods from the US, UK, and Asia. For South Asian and Filipino expats, specialty shops like Al Jazira Market, Lulu, and small neighborhood stores in districts like Batha are great for spices, snacks, and native essentials.

Can I shop for groceries online in Riyadh?
Many expats in Riyadh prefer the convenience of online grocery shopping through platforms like Noon Grocery, Tamimi Markets online, Lulu, and Carrefour KSA. These Riyadh markets also offer home delivery and easy online payments. Shoppers can also conveniently order groceries from Lulu through the food and grocery delivery app, HungerStation.

What tips can help with weekly grocery shopping in Riyadh?
Plan your meals, avoid peak weekend hours, and take advantage of loyalty programs and discount apps. Many expats also visit local farmers’ markets or baqalas (corner stores) for fresh produce and essentials at lower prices.