Cheap Eats: Budget Food in Makkah
أكل رخيص في مكة
2 min readUpdated 30 Sept 2026
Makkah can be expensive, especially in the hotels right next to the Haram. But eating well on a budget is very possible if you know what to order. The Saudi riyal is pegged at 3.75 SAR to 1 US dollar, which makes it easy to estimate prices.
Here are the most affordable and filling meals in Makkah, and tips to stretch your food budget during Umrah or Hajj.
The most affordable meals
- Shawarma wraps — filling, cheap and available everywhere.
- Falafel sandwiches — vegetarian, crispy and among the lowest-priced meals.
- Ful and tamees — the traditional breakfast is very inexpensive.
- Broast meals — AL BAIK is famous for good value.
- Sandwiches and samosas from small shops.
Money-saving tips
- Share platters: one large kabsa or mandi platter feeds several people for less than individual meals.
- Choose combo meals at fast-food chains — they usually include a drink and fries.
- Drink Zamzam: free water inside the Haram means you spend less on bottled drinks.
- Buy fruit, dates, laban and bread from supermarkets for breakfast and snacks.
- Eat one main meal a day in a restaurant and keep other meals light.
Eating with a group
Umrah groups can save a lot by ordering together. Family buckets, pizzas and rice platters are designed for sharing and are easy to deliver to a hotel.
Budget-friendly restaurants on Feast Makkah
Fajita Falafel, AL BAIK, Shawarma House and The Sandwich are good starting points for affordable meals. Delivery fees and service charges are shown in your cart before you send the order.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest food in Makkah?
Falafel sandwiches, shawarma wraps and ful with tamees bread are among the most affordable meals.
How much is 1 US dollar in Saudi riyal?
The riyal is pegged to the dollar at 3.75 SAR per 1 USD.
How can a group save money on food in Makkah?
Order large sharing platters, family buckets or pizzas instead of separate meals, and drink free Zamzam water in the Haram.
