
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Mecca, Makkah al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia
1. Kabsa (Makkah Style)
A fragrant rice dish cooked with meat and vegetables, served in a large communal pot. A staple meal during special occasions in Mecca.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the traditional Arabian hospitality by sharing this dish with family and friends.
- Unique Ingredients: Savor the flavors of locally sourced spices like saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon.
- Cultural Significance: Understand the importance of Kabsa as a symbolic dish in Saudi Arabian culture.
2. Mansaf (Al-Baik)
A traditional Jordanian dish made from rice, lamb, and fermented dried yogurt sauce called jameed. Served with various side dishes.
- Culinary Diversity: Indulge in a taste of neighboring Jordanian cuisine right here in Mecca.
- Traditional Preparation: Witness the intricate process of preparing this dish, passed down through generations.
- Rich Flavors: Enjoy the combination of tender lamb, flavorful rice, and tangy jameed sauce.
3. Samosa (Al-Shamariya)
A savory pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and lentils. A popular street food in Mecca.
- Street Food Adventure: Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Mecca.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy samosas as a tasty snack or a light meal.
- Spicy Delight: Add some heat to your day with these flavorful, spiced pastries.
4. Harees (Al-Faisaliah Hotel)
A hearty dish made from crushed wheat and meat, usually served during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. A popular comfort food in Mecca.
- Ramadan Tradition: Experience the spiritual significance of Harees during the holy month of Ramadan.
- Comforting Texture: Savor the soft, porridge-like texture of this comforting dish.
- Nutritious Meal: Enjoy a filling and nutritious meal perfect for breaking the fast during Ramadan.
5. Majboos (Al-Balad District)
A flavorful rice dish cooked with meat and spices in a sealed container. A popular dish in the Al-Balad district of Mecca.
- Local Flavor: Savor the distinctive flavors of Mecca's Old Town with this traditional dish.
- Slow Cooked Delight: Experience the patience and skill required to prepare this slow-cooked dish.
- Spice Blend: Taste the unique spice blend used in Majboos, which gives it a distinct flavor.
6. Masgouf (Jabal Al-Nour)
Grilled whole fish seasoned with spices and served with rice and vegetables. A popular dish in Jabal Al-Nour area of Mecca.
- Fresh Seafood: Indulge in fresh, delicious fish caught from the Red Sea.
- Cooking Technique: Witness the skillful technique of grilling a whole fish to perfection.
- Traditional Presentation: Enjoy the presentation of this dish, which showcases the beauty of simple, yet flavorful meals.
7. Kunafa (Al-Medina Bakery)
A sweet, cheese-filled pastry soaked in sugar syrup and topped with chopped nuts. A popular dessert in Mecca.
- Delicious Dessert: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this tasty, traditional Arabian dessert.
- Creamy Texture: Enjoy the creamy texture of melted cheese and crunchy, golden pastry layers.
- Sweet Tradition: Indulge in a sweet tradition that has been enjoyed for generations.
8. Fahsa (Al-Shamariya)
A traditional Arabian dish made from slow-cooked meat served with rice. A popular dish in Mecca.
- Slow Cooking: Witness the patience and skill required to prepare this slowly cooked dish.
- Meat Selection: Choose from various meats, including lamb, beef, or chicken.
- Spice Blend: Taste the unique spice blend used in Fahsa, which gives it a distinct flavor.
9. Mutabbal (Al-Baik)
Grilled eggplant mashed and mixed with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. A popular dish in Mecca.
- Healthy Option: Enjoy a healthy, flavorful vegetarian dish.
- Versatile Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer or enjoy as a side dish with other meals.
- Tangy Flavor: Savor the tangy, rich flavor of this classic Arabian dip.
10. Salta (Al-Shamariya)
A spicy, fermented yogurt sauce made from vegetables and served as a side dish. A popular condiment in Mecca.
- Spice Level: Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference.
- Versatile Condiment: Enhance the flavors of various dishes with this versatile condiment.
- Fermented Delight: Taste the tangy, unique flavor of fermented yogurt in this traditional side dish.
11. Hummus (Al-Balad District)
A creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. A popular dish in the Al-Balad district of Mecca.
- Creamy Texture: Enjoy the creamy texture of this classic Arabian dip.
- Versatile Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer or enjoy as a side dish with other meals.
- Tangy Flavor: Savor the tangy, rich flavor of this classic Arabian dip.
12. Foul (Al-Shamariya)
A dish made from fava beans cooked with garlic, lemon juice, and spices. A popular breakfast dish in Mecca.
- Healthy Start: Start your day with a nutritious, protein-packed meal.
- Flavorful Breakfast: Enjoy a flavorful, traditional Arabian breakfast dish.
- Versatile Ingredient: Taste the versatility of fava beans in this traditional dish.
13. Mixed Grill (Al-Baik)
A variety of grilled meats served on a skewer. A popular dish in Mecca.
- Meat Selection: Choose from various meats, including lamb, beef, and chicken.
- Cooking Technique: Witness the skillful technique of grilling meat to perfection.
- Flavorful Variety: Savor a flavorful variety of meats in one dish.
14. Falafel (Al-Shamariya)
Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas and herbs. A popular street food in Mecca.
- Street Food Adventure: Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Mecca.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy falafels as a tasty snack or a light meal.
- Crispy Texture: Savor the crispy texture of these delicious, fried chickpea balls.
15. Labneh (Al-Balad District)
Strained yogurt served with olive oil, za'atar, and fresh bread. A popular snack in the Al-Balad district of Mecca.
- Healthy Snack: Indulge in a healthy, refreshing snack.
- Traditional Presentation: Enjoy the presentation of this simple yet flavorful dish.
- Versatile Topping: Customize your labneh with various toppings like olive oil, za'atar, or fresh herbs.