Embark on a flavorful journey through Makkah’s rich culinary heritage, where time-honored recipes and local delicacies offer a true taste of the city’s traditions.

Encapsulating thousands of years of history, Makkah is a melting pot of delicious cuisine and traditional flavors. The streets are filled with a strong aroma of kebabs, saffron rice, and fresh bread, attracting travelers and pilgrims. The options are limitless. From delicious Mutabbaq to sweet Mamoul, every dish here carries a story, culture, and dedication. So, let's start our journey to find the best Arabic food in Makkah, where both soul and body find peace.

Taking the top spot on our list is Kabsa, the national dish of Saudi Arabia, made with chicken and aromatic rice. This dish is best enjoyed in large groups, served on a big platter alongside fresh salad and smoky flavors. This Saudi culinary treasure is mostly enjoyed while sitting on the floor in private booths available at restaurants. The top place to eat Kabsa in Makkah is Al Tazaj and if you want more traditional options, go for Al Romansiah located close to the Holy Mosque.

Another famous traditional yet best food in Makkah is Mandi which has a lot of Yemeni influence. The specialty of this meal is its slow-cooked meat with strong flavors served with rice, and it is mainly prepared for big events and celebratory meals.

Hashi is a distinctive Saudi dish made from a baby camel that is cooked to perfection. Similar to Mandi, this dish is prepared for special occasions and is served with rice. The meat has a flavor exactly like goat or lamb, just the texture is different. If you want the best experience, go to Hashi Basha which is the most popular spot for this dish, and Al Romansiah also serves an authentic version.

Saleeg is a famous creamy rice delicacy that originated in the Hijaz region of Saudi Arabia, which includes Makkah. This dish is made with butter, fresh milk, and either chicken or lamb, and it has a rich flavor with a creamy and smooth texture. It is often served with a side of tomato sauce to temper the creaminess.

Here we are again with another staple Chicken dish with Rice from Saudi Arabia, (After all, you can’t escape rice in Makkah), but this time it's different! The term describes the cooking technique, which is done by putting chicken in the middle of chargrilled Madhbi and Kabsa. This keeps the chicken moist and soft with a slight smokey taste. Shawaya is also a local favorite due to its similarities to Kabsa which has a unique charm of its own. If you want to try some, one of the best places to eat in Makkah is Shawaya House, offering simple meals in a relaxed atmosphere. To make sure you don't miss this regional favorite before you depart, Al Romansiah is also a good spot.

Jareesh is a traditional dish from Saudi Arabia made with wheat, yogurt, and spices. This creamy dish is primarily enjoyed at family gatherings and is beloved for its smooth texture and unique tanginess, featuring two distinct colors: red and white. Jareesh originated in Qassim, a small city in Saudi Arabia, and it shares similarities with Haleem, a dish from South Asia.

And again we come with another rice and chicken dish—but what can we do, that's essentially a food group in Saudi Arabia! Bukhari rice is served in both the more elegant Saudi Kabsa restaurants and the more casual Mat’am Bukhari eateries. These restaurants serve slow-cooked or chargrilled chicken over aromatic rice; take the tip, the smokey chargrilled version is the real deal. To want the best experience, visit the highly regarded Mat’am Al Farsi Al Bukhari, which is close to Khandaq Masjid, or the Al Faris Restaurant which is near the Masjid in Madinah. If you are in a bit of a hurry, this local staple is also served in the food courts of malls.

Commonly available at every corner of Makkah’s street, Mutabbaq is a pastry made from thin flour sheets, stuffed with spicy minced meat, eggs, and vegetables. It is deep-fried till turned golden and is mostly served as a quick evening snack.

Foul, which is essentially fava beans, is an Egyptian specialty highly appreciated by Saudis. This dish is served with bread called Tamsee, which is made fresh on the spot. If you want to try it, it's mostly available in Yemeni restaurants that serve breakfast. This dish is very affordable, costing just 1 Riyal for Foul and 1 Riyal for Tamsee, and it’s often loved as a go-to meal.

Enough with rice, chicken, and meat! Basbousa is a traditional Saudi cake and a popular dessert option. It is prepared from Semolina and is covered in sugar syrup with a topping of coconut and almonds. The cake melts in the mouth and has a strong sweetness to it. Locals love to share this dessert on happy occasions, and it is their favorite.