In Makkah and Madinah, food finds its way to you. It greets you on the walk back from prayer, in the aroma of fresh bread or the sweetness of tea shared with strangers who quickly feel like friends. The food here celebrates comfort, energy, and the simple joy of sharing something good.
If you’re visiting for Umrah, you’ll never run out of snacks and foods to try. From fresh kunafa in Madinah to crispy broast in Makkah, here’s a complete list best snacks and foods to try during Umrah in Makkah and Madinah, where to find it, and what locals and pilgrims love most.
Sweet Treats and Desserts
Rashat Kunafa (Madinah)
Rashat Kunafa is where dessert lovers gather. The menu is full of warm, golden kunafa trays topped with cream and sauces. They make mini circular pieces and full rectangular trays with flavors like pistachio, Nutella, Lotus, and Galaxy. The soft crunch of the pastry with melting cream is exactly what you crave after evening prayers.
B Laban
Across both cities, B Laban has made a name for its creamy desserts. You’ll find mango milk cake, caramel cream, plain milk cake, and rich rice puddings topped with Kinder, Lotus, or pistachio. Try the Kinder Bueno pudding or El Habba pistachio chocolate. Each one feels like a small celebration in a cup.
Mecca Mix Ice Cream
When the heat rises, stop at Mecca Mix. It’s sold near Ajyad Street in Makkah and Taiba Shopping Centre in Madinah. Flavors like mango, chocolate, and melon are simple but refreshing. It’s the perfect break after hours spent inside the Haram.
Global Food Village (Madinah)
This outdoor food market near Gate 336 is a good spot for something unique. The viral rose ice cream. It’s soft, fragrant, and light. They also have a date-flavored version that’s just as popular.
Local Meals and Quick Restaurants
Samak Market (Madinah)
If you love seafood, you’ll enjoy Samak Market. It’s near Haram Park and known for its fresh fish mandi. You pick your fish, they cook it in front of you with local spices, and it comes served over steaming rice. It’s clean, flavorful, and a favorite among locals.
Karak Express (Madinah)
Located behind Taiba Shopping Centre, Karak Express is always busy with pilgrims and locals. Their biryani roast is full of spice and warmth, and their curry and rice combinations make an easy, filling meal. Don’t leave without a cup of karak chai. It’s strong, sweet, and somehow always comforting.
Al Romasiah (Makkah)
Al Romasiah is famous across Saudi Arabia for traditional rice dishes. The branch near Masjid Al Haram serves chicken with Bukhari rice, mandi, and madghut. The rice is fragrant, the portions are generous, and the food always tastes freshly made.
Mama Ghazzel (Clock Tower Food Court)
Inside the Clock Tower, Mama Ghazzel is your go-to for a proper Arabic shawarma platter. The meat is juicy, the garlic sauce is smooth, and the bread is always warm. It’s great for lunch or a quick meal before heading back to the mosque.
Broast Al Farooj (Makkah)
On Ibrahim Khalil Road, Broast Al Farooj serves spicy broast chicken that’s crispy outside and tender inside, injected with spices for the ultimate burst of flavors. They also have sandwiches and combo meals, perfect for families.
Al Tazaj
You’ll find Al Tazaj all around the holy cities. Try their spicy injected broast, crispy roll, or kabsa nuggets. The food is fresh and light, especially good for travelers who want something quick but filling.
Al Baik
No visit to Saudi Arabia is complete without Al Baik. The wait in line is part of the experience, but once you taste the spicy chicken nuggets, fish nuggets, or chicken burger, you’ll understand the hype. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and just hits the spot every single time.
Papa Johns Pizza
When you’re craving something familiar, Papa Johns is easy to find near hotel areas. Their pizzas arrive hot, and the delivery is fast if you’d rather stay in.
Krispy Kreme Donuts
Krispy Kreme is a favorite for something sweet and simple. Grab a glazed donut and coffee before Fajr or between prayers. It’s one of the few global chains that truly feels at home in Makkah and Madinah.
Lahori Restaurant (Near ODST Hotel, Makkah)
For South Asian pilgrims, Lahori Restaurant is comfort food at its best. Their chana puri and spicy Pakistani-style curries taste like home. It’s a small, welcoming spot where you’ll find groups of travelers sharing breakfast after Fajr.
Snacks and Drinks for the Journey
Between prayers, it helps to have small snacks that give you energy and keep you refreshed. You’ll find these everywhere from convenience stores to hotel lobbies.
Al Batal and Tasali Chips
Local chips brands that everyone knows. Al Batal’s chili and salt flavors are classics, while Tasali’s ketchup chips are nostalgic for many Saudis. They’re cheap, crunchy, and great to keep in your bag.
Almarai Drinks and Mini Treats
Almarai’s laban is a lifesaver in the heat. Their crème caramel cups, Mini Bites ice creams, and fruit juices are easy to find in every store. The caramel and vanilla flavors are especially good when you want something small but sweet.
Kinza Drink
This colorful fruit cocktail is a Saudi favorite. It’s sold chilled and makes a refreshing break from water or tea.
Milaf Cola
If you spot Milaf Cola in a small shop or vending fridge, grab one. It’s a proudly Saudi-made drink that has become a favorite among locals. It tastes like a familiar cola but with an earthy sweetness drawn from dates, giving it a natural depth. The fizz hits first, followed by that sun-ripened flavor that feels both comforting and refreshing.
Anguria Ice Cream
A local gem by Ice Queen, Anguria is watermelon-flavored ice cream that’s light and fruity. You’ll find it in most supermarkets and convenience stores.
Fresh Juices
Juice vendors line the streets near both Harams. Try mango, orange, or mixed fruit juice. Always made fresh and affordable. In Madinah, Juice Farm is known for its thick, icy drinks that cool you down fast.
Street Food Around the Holy Mosques
Evening is the best time for street food. As the crowds spill out after prayers, the smell of grilling meat and frying dough fills the streets.
Try shawarma wraps with garlic sauce, mutabbaq (stuffed pancake with egg or meat), and sambusa (crispy triangles filled with cheese or minced beef). They’re all affordable, hot, and made right in front of you.
Pair your snack with a cup of karak chai, the drink that keeps pilgrims going. You’ll find it bubbling in metal pots at almost every corner, served in small paper cups that somehow always taste perfect.
Tips for Eating During Umrah
- Choose busy stalls. It means the food is fresh.
- Keep small cash handy for quick payments.
- Carry snacks like dates, laban, or biscuits for long prayer hours.
- Stay hydrated, especially during the day.
- All food in Makkah and Madinah is halal, but ask if you have allergies.
Moments Served Warm in Makkah and Madinah
The food in Makkah and Madinah tastes familiar and comforting, even when it’s your first time trying it. That’s because it’s filled with the warmth of the people serving it, the late-night chatter around small tables, and the joy of sharing a meal after prayer.
From Rashat Kunafa’s golden trays to Al Baik’s crispy nuggets and the sweetness of rose ice cream in Madinah, every flavor carries a memory. These snacks and foods to try during Umrah in Makkah and Madinah remind you that the journey is as much about what nourishes the heart as what fills the stomach.
So eat well, try everything, and let these moments feed your soul as much as your appetite.
FAQs
What are the best snacks and foods to try during Umrah in Makkah and Madinah?
Some of the best snacks include Rashat Kunafa’s cream kunafa, Al Baik’s spicy chicken nuggets, Almarai’s laban and crème caramel, and fresh juices from local vendors. Each city also has its own favorites like shawarma, sambusa, and mutabbaq that you’ll find near the Harams.
Where can I find affordable food near Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Nabawi?
You’ll find plenty of affordable meals around both mosques. In Makkah, Al Romasiyah, Broast Al Farooj, and Al Tazaj are popular choices. In Madinah, Karak Express and Samak Market serve filling, flavorful meals at fair prices.
What healthy snacks should I pack for Umrah?
Dates from Madinah, laban drinks, Almarai juices, and nuts are great for staying energized during long hours of prayer. They’re light, nutritious, and easy to carry.
Are there any must-try desserts in Makkah and Madinah?
Yes, try Rashat Kunafa in Madinah for cream kunafa, B Laban for milk cakes and rice puddings, and Global Food Village for rose ice cream. Mecca Mix ice cream is another refreshing option after long days in the heat.
Is street food safe to eat during Umrah?
Yes, as long as you choose busy stalls with a steady flow of customers. Shawarma, sambusa, and karak chai are local favorites and generally safe when freshly made. These might be considered one of best snacks and foods to try during Umrah (and in Makkah and Madinah).
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