Must-Try Foods In Safa And Marwa (Mecca (Makkah)) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Safa and Marwa, Mecca (Makkah), Saudi Arabia

The regions of Safa and Marwa hold significant spiritual importance in Islamic tradition. Located in the holy city of Mecca, they are best known for their religious significance rather than their culinary history. However, the food in Mecca as a whole is deeply rooted in Middle Eastern and Islamic culinary traditions. Over the centuries, the city has welcomed pilgrims from all over the world, leading to a diverse gastronomic culture influenced by various ethnicities and traditions.

Traditional Saudi cuisine generally features a variety of spices, with rice and meat being staples. As Mecca is a melting pot of cultures, the cuisine here has been enriched by flavors from Egyptian, Indian, Turkish, and Indonesian origin. It is important to note that, in accordance with Islamic dietary laws, pork is not consumed and all meat is halal, slaughtered in a specific, religiously prescribed manner.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Safa and Marwa, Mecca (Makkah), Saudi Arabia

1. Kabsa (Non-Veg) - A flavorful mixed rice dish that typically includes chicken or other meats and is infused with spices.
2. Shawarma (Non-Veg) - Thinly sliced cuts of chicken or lamb, rolled into a large piece of flatbread with vegetables and sauces.
3. Mutabbaq (Veg/Non-Veg) - A stuffed pancake or bread which can be filled with a variety of ingredients including vegetables or minced meat.
4. Hummus (Veg) - A creamy spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
5. Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas and/or fava beans, often served in a pita.
6. Al Harees (Non-Veg) - A traditional wheat and meat porridge that is seasoned and cooked for hours. It is especially popular during Ramadan.
7. Fattoush (Veg) - A Levantine bread salad made from toasted or fried pieces of pita bread combined with mixed greens and other vegetables.
8. Samboosa (Veg/Non-Veg) - A savory pastry filled with spiced vegetables or meat, similar to South Asian samosas.
9. Baklava (Veg) - A rich, sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
10. Mansaf (Non-Veg) - A traditional Bedouin dish of lamb with fermented dried yogurt sauce, served over a bed of rice or bulgur.

Top Famous Restaurants in Safa and Marwa, Mecca (Makkah), Saudi Arabia

• Al Baik

  Address: Multiple locations across Mecca

  Famous Food: Broasted chicken (Non-Veg)

• The Oasis

  Address: Abraj Al Bait, Mecca 21955, Saudi Arabia

  Famous Food: International buffet (Veg/Non-Veg)

• Al Tazaj

  Address: Multiple locations across Mecca

  Famous Food: BBQ chicken (Non-Veg)

• Al Qasr

  Address: Ibrahim Al Khalil, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

  Famous Food: Mixed grills (Non-Veg)

• Al Deyafa

  Address: Al Hajlah, Mecca 24231, Saudi Arabia

  Famous Food: Mixed Saudi and International cuisine (Veg/Non-Veg)

Please note that as Mecca is a holy city, access to the city and its restaurants is limited to Muslims only. The information provided regarding the food and restaurants should be verified for the latest updates, as offerings can change.