Dining options

What to eat in Makkah and Madinah, and how to eat well during the days of worship.

Spiced rice with lamb or chicken, the best-known dishes of the region.

Ful medames with fresh bread and eggs is a filling start before a long day.

Stuffed pancakes and samosa-style snacks are easy to eat on the go.

A cup of cardamom coffee with dates is the usual welcome in Saudi homes and hotels.

Many places near hotels serve biryani, karahi and nihari, a familiar choice for Pakistani pilgrims.

Check what your package includes. Keep meals light before Tawaf and drink water often.

Check opening hours, permits and local rules before you go.