The peaceful city of Makkah welcomes millions of visitors throughout the year, bringing in a diversity of cultures and traditions to the place. When it’s time for any meal, people rush past the streets to grab any food they want.

Accustomed to the area’s best local restaurants, which are home to Middle Eastern, Asian, Pakistani, Indian, and even some Italian flavors, you can relish some of the best delicacies here.

A traditional Arabian or Yemeni dish known as “Kabsa” is a recipe that is cooked with spicy flavored rice and served with grilled or barbeque chicken, lamb, or camel meat. To garnish it pleasantly, nuts are sprinkled, adding an extra crunchy delight. This best Arabic food in Makkah is enjoyed among many Saudi households; although the instructions for cooking might be different, the real essence of a rich blend of aromatic spices remains the same. There is a restaurant named Ojean in Jabal Omar, where Kabsa is served for around 28–30 SR. Another famous place is Hashi Basha near Masjid Quba, which also includes Kabsa in its menu. Al Romansiah also serves Kabsa, which can be found closest to Masjid Al Haram, along with the best-reviewed Mama Ghazel’s Kabsa, which is served near Makkah’s Clock Tower. The thing that is unique about it is the way it’s presented. It is served hot, in a tray shared by a group of people sitting together, usually on the ground (a traditional way of eating), and they enjoy their meal!

This popular dish among many Saudis is reserved for devouring at special events or occasions; it can be found in demand across many restaurant menus. Hashi is a dish that is prepared using baby camel meat, paired with basmati rice. It can be sided with salads or chutneys. It is also known as Madghot Hashi, the word “Madghot” meaning a pressing or pressure-cooking technique used for blending spices, rice, and camel meat together in one pot. Hashi is served at many places across the food streets of Makkah, and a famous place for serving this particular dish is Hashi Basha, which is located at Al Ameer Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Road, Makkah 24372.

Al Mutabbaq is Middle Eastern fame when it comes to eating to satisfy your calories. That being said, Al Mutabbaq is a heavy dish that is prepared by the recipe of making a flatbread that is either folded or takes the form of pancakes that are filled inside. “Mutabbaq” itself means “in folds” or “folded”; the recipe involves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options of fillings. Spiced chicken mince, vegetables like carrots, onions, tomatoes, green onions, and even healthier options such as lentils or chickpeas filling are used and sautéed in unique flavors and then spread across the flatbread, which is folded. It is sometimes prepared in sweet and salty flavors, too, using banana paste or cheese as filling. Either cooked in a deep frying pan or baked as per your choice, Al Mutabbaq delights the taste buds of all. You can best enjoy it at food restaurants or stalls in Al-Misfalah, Ad-Diyafah, and Faiha.

Now, this is a dish we’re going to highlight as it is a Saudi-style porridge that is cooked with yogurt, crushed wheat, and some spices. Resembling “Haleem” in South Asian cuisines, the dish of crushed wheat is cooked in a pot for hours. Often combined with mashed tomatoes for an extra creamy and tangy flavor, it is blended with several spices and then perfected to complete. Served with salads and topped with lemon garnish, it has a deserving place to be announced as the national dish of Saudi Arabia by the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission. This traditional dish is a sought-after food by Makkah’s pilgrims who like to experience Saudi cuisine. It can be spotted around many Saudi restaurants, and one such is “Al Romansiah,” again located near Masjid Al Haram Road, Al Mursalat. It is also easily bought from many food trucks, such as in Rusaifah.

Yes, another dish of rice blended with chicken, Bukhari Rice and Chicken, is served at many Kabsa restaurants or Mat’am Bukhari restaurants. This slow-cooked dish magically incorporates the grilled chicken, giving it a smoky flavor, accompanied by flavorful mixes of spices, vegetables, and rice. It is another of Saudi Arabia’s national dishes, as you can easily find restaurants serving this item across many streets and even highways. Some of the best places to enjoy Bukhari rice are Karawan Al Bukhari and Bukhari Pakistani Restaurant, which are top-rated restaurants.

Shawarma is a popular grab-and-go type of fast food meal that is now spotted across many regions and countries. This Levantine-origin recipe uses pita bread wraps to enclose grilled chicken pieces as filling alongside vegetables like onions, cucumber, and tomato sauce.

Chicken Biryani is a dish that’s hard to forget once you've tasted it. This beloved South Asian specialty has become a symbolic representation of Pakistani cuisine in Makkah, offering a nostalgic and delightful experience for both locals and visitors. While it shares similarities with the local Bukhari rice, Chicken Biryani stands out with its distinctive spices and cooking method.

The dish features tender chicken and basmati rice, combined with aromatic spices like saffron, cardamom, and cumin. The unique cooking technique, where rice and chicken are layered and cooked together, allows the spices to blend perfectly, creating a flavorful, aromatic meal.

For a taste of the best Chicken Biryani in Makkah, head over to Mumtaz Restaurant or Charminar Hyderabadi Indian Restaurant, both known for their delicious biryanis.

Foul and Tamees is a beloved and affordable breakfast option in Makkah, with cultural roots in Egypt and Yemen. Over time, it has become a staple in many Saudi Arabian restaurants as well. The dish consists of foul, which are beans cooked in a savory stew-like gravy, and tamees, a type of flatbread traditionally baked in a tandoor or stone oven, giving it a soft and fluffy texture.

Tamees is often enjoyed on its own or paired with honey, butter, or cheese, adding a variety of flavors to the simple yet satisfying meal. It’s a popular choice for a hearty and filling start to the day, and you can find it easily at local bakeries or specialty foul and tamees restaurants scattered across Makkah.

Meat Qorma is a rich and flavorful dish, beloved by Pakistani food enthusiasts and a staple in their culinary culture. Made with a blend of aromatic Pakistani spices, this hearty meat gravy is typically prepared with chicken, beef, or lamb. The slow-cooked meat absorbs the complex spices, resulting in a tender and deeply flavorful dish.

Qorma can be found in many Pakistani restaurants, often marked by signage in Urdu, making it easy to spot. One popular spot to enjoy this delicious dish is Faisalabad Restaurant, located on Hijrah Street.

No meal in Makkah is complete without a taste of Kunafa, a beloved Middle Eastern dessert. Made with shredded phyllo dough or semolina, Kunafa is soaked in a sweet syrup, layered with cheese or cream, and topped with crunchy nuts. This rich and indulgent treat is a favorite way to end a meal.

For the best Kunafa in Makkah, visit Different Kunafa Restaurant, located at 8303, Makkah, or enjoy a serving at Zamzam Café, among other local spots.