Top Halal Food to Try in Makkah and Madinah During Umrah

A pilgrimage to Makkah is undoubtedly about getting closer to the Almighty and having the ideal faith revival journey. These two holy cities are deeply rooted in Islamic spirituality and allow you to learn much about Islamic spirituality and history. But there are some other experiences that these glorious cities offer.

It is also your chance to have the most incredible cultural and culinary retreat. Anyone going for the pilgrimage wants to know about the top halal food to try in Makkah and Madinah during Umrah to ensure a more immersive pilgrimage experience. 

Are you among the countless UK Muslims who have booked Umrah 2026 deals? If so, you will be going for the pilgrimage soon. Now that you have prepared for the journey, it’s time to learn about some delicious halal food options that you must try in Makkah and Madinah.

Mandi

Are you a fan of delicious rice dishes? If so, you will not want to miss out on Mandi. This incredible rice dish is a delight with its fragrant spices and mouth watering flavours. The flavourful rice with melt in the mouth meat, usually chicken or lamb, is cooked in a tandoor like oven.

Various aromatic spices are added to the dish to enhance its flavour. Served with a spicy tomato sauce and a fresh salad, this dish packs a bunch of flavours that will make you feel like you are having a party in your mouth. You will love the smoky-flavoured meat and perfectly seasoned rice. 

Where to Try Mandi?

Some restaurants in Makkah where you can try this delicious dish include Al Tazaj, Mandi House, and numerous family run restaurants in Misfalah and Aziziyah.

Mutabbaq

This street food item in Makkah is quite popular among the locals and pilgrims. The delicious, crispy, stuffed pancake is filled with minced meat, onions, and flavourful spices. If you are a vegetarian, there is good news about trying Mutabbaq. You can also find a vegetarian version of this dish. It is filled with eggs and green onions and is equally delicious. There is no better evening snack than Mutabbaq.

Where to Try Mutabbaq?

Many street vendors sell this delicious snack in Makkah, including numerous vendors around Haram and Al Ghaza. 

Shawarma

This street food item doesn’t need an introduction. You will find many versions of it worldwide, but shawarma in Saudi Arabia hits differently. Delicious chicken or beef with pickles and garlic sauce wrapped in khubz, a delicious Arabic bread, is a treat for your taste buds.

It won’t be wrong to say that it is fast food at its finest, and this delightful treat is something that you must not miss out on. So, if you are making a list of halal food items to try in Makkah while you wait for your Umrah visa, make sure to add shawarma. 

Where to Try Shawarma?

Many roadside eateries and vendors around Makkah and near the Clock Tower sell delicious shawarma. You can also try it at one of the Al Baik restaurants. 

Al Baik Chicken

Al Baik is an iconic fast food chain in Saudi Arabia. Its delicious chicken is famous worldwide. The crispy fried chicken is served with mouthwatering, tangy garlic sauce. Many locals and pilgrims gather at various outlets of Al Baik for a delicious meal. So, get ready to stand in the queues, especially after all five daily prayers. 

Madini Kebabs and Tikka

Madinah’s food scene is unmatched when it comes to grilled meat. The flavourful kebabs, seekhs, and tikka are a delicious delight that everyone falls in love with. They are served with refreshing mint chutney and melt-in-the-mouth flatbreads that add to the experience. You must not miss out on eating delicious grilled meat in Madinah during your Umrah. 

Where to Try Madini Kebabs and Tikka?

Many kebab vendors are on Al Haram Road and King Faisal Street. 

Madghout

Madghout differs from Mandi only in the cooking technique. It is a similar dish with bold spices, rice, and meat, but it is cooked in a pressure cooker instead of an oven. Served with fresh yoghurt/raita, it is an absolute delight for the taste buds. So, if you like such hearty and filling meals, treat yourself to Madghout at least once during your pilgrimage. 

Where to Try Madghout?

You can dine in any local Madghout restaurants near Masjid Quba and Qiblatain. 

Stuffed Camel or Camel Burgers

As you might already know, camel meat is a local delicacy. This lean, flavourful meat is something that you must try if you love trying out new food items. Roasted camel meat and traditional dishes are surely a treat to remember. You will find many stuffed camel items and even delicious camel burgers in numerous diners around Madinah. 

Where to Try Stuffed Camel or Camel Burgers?

You can try camel dishes at Camel House Madinah or other specialised diners. 

No doubt, Umrah’s main goal and focus is to indulge in various acts of worship. But you must also eat good food to maintain your health and stamina. It is also a chance to treat yourself to local delicacies that the holy cities are known for. This is why everyone wants to know about the top Hala food to try in Makkah and Madinah during Umrah.

You can also ask your Umrah travel agency to guide you through some excellent places around the cities, or you can do some research on your own. Get ready to taste some mouthwatering and hearty dishes during your Umrah.