Top 10 Places for Affordable Food Near Haram Makkah (Pilgrim Guide)
One of the most common questions I get from UK pilgrims planning Umrah is: “Where can we find affordable food near Masjid al-Haram?”
It’s a fair concern. After a long journey from Heathrow or Manchester to Jeddah, a tiring transfer by Umrah taxi, and the emotional experience of finally seeing the Kaaba, the last thing you want is to worry about overpriced meals or getting stuck in tourist-trap restaurants.
The good news is that Makkah is full of food options — from cheap shawarma stalls to family-friendly Pakistani restaurants, and even coffee shops where you can grab a break between salah. As someone who has travelled with groups of elderly parents, young children, and solo pilgrims from the UK, I know the balance you need: affordable, halal, clean, and close to the Haram.
This guide is written with you in mind — UK pilgrims looking for budget restaurants near Masjid al-Haram that still offer authentic taste and convenience.
👉 Bookmark this page before your trip — it’ll save you time and money while in Makkah.
Why Affordable Food Near Haram Matters for Pilgrims
Let’s be honest: Umrah is a spiritual journey, but practical details like food and transport do matter.
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Costs add up quickly. Meals inside hotel buffets can be 60–80 SAR per person (£12–16) — a lot if you’re travelling as a family. Multiply that by 5–7 days, and it’s a big chunk of your Umrah budget.
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Pilgrims need quick, halal meals. With salah five times a day, you don’t want to waste precious time waiting ages for food.
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Savings mean peace of mind. Spend wisely on meals, and you’ll have more for Zamzam bottles, gifts from Aziziyah market, or reliable family Umrah transport from Jeddah airport.
Top 10 Affordable Food Spots Near Haram Makkah
Below are my personal top picks — places I’ve tried myself or my UK groups swear by. Each is ranked for affordability, convenience, and authenticity.
1. Al Baik – Legendary Fried Chicken Near Clock Tower
If you ask any Saudi or pilgrim, “What’s the must-try food in Makkah?” the answer is always Al Baik.
This fast-food chain is famous for its crispy fried chicken, garlic sauce, and unbeatable prices. A full meal costs around 15–20 SAR (£3–4) — perfect for families. The branch near the Clock Tower is busiest after Isha, so I recommend going at quieter times.
2. Al Tazaj – Affordable Broast Chicken 24/7
When pilgrims arrive late from Jeddah airport pickups, Al Tazaj is my go-to recommendation. Open 24/7, it serves fresh grilled chicken meals at around 18–25 SAR (£4–5).
Great for late-night hunger, especially after Taraweeh in Ramadan.
3. Shawarma Factory – Quick Grab & Go Near Ibrahim Khalil Street
Sometimes, all you need between salah is a quick bite. Shawarma Factory does just that: wraps for under 10 SAR (£2).
It’s popular with young pilgrims and students on a budget.
4. Ajyad Street Food Stalls – Rice & Curry Under 20 SAR
For truly local vibes, head towards Ajyad and Safwa Tower, where small vendors sell plates of rice, curry, and kebabs for 10–20 SAR (£2–4).
I once took a group of brothers from Birmingham here — they were delighted to find spicy daal and roti that tasted “just like back home.”
5. Shouq al Sham – Syrian Mixed Grill for 35 SAR
If you want a proper sit-down meal without breaking the bank, Shouq al Sham is excellent. Their Syrian mixed grill with lentil soup starts from 35 SAR (£7) — far cheaper than hotel buffets.
6. Pak Punjab – Familiar Pakistani Comfort Food
Many UK pilgrims (especially from Bradford, Luton, or Leicester) crave familiar desi food. Pak Punjab serves biryani, daal, roti, and kebabs at reasonable prices.
It’s comforting after a long day of ibadah.
7. Malayali Mess – Hidden Gem for South Indian Pilgrims
A favourite for our South Indian community. Meals cost around 10 SAR (£2) — sambar, dosa, and fish curry.
One of my clients from East London, originally from Kerala, said it felt like “a piece of home in the middle of Makkah.”
8. Romansiah – Affordable Mandi & Kabsa Near Haram
For authentic Saudi food, Romansiah is a solid choice. Mandi and kabsa platters can feed two or three people, making it an excellent value.
Great for families travelling with children or elderly parents.
9. Al Shorfa Express – Budget Buffet with Haram Views
A smaller, more affordable version of the luxury Al Shorfa restaurant. Their buffet offers variety (rice, chicken, salads) for a fraction of the hotel dining price.
It’s ideal if you want a decent spread with a view of the Haram.
10. Brew92° Café – Coffee Break in Tundobawi
Sometimes, especially for younger pilgrims, you just want a decent coffee. Brew92° serves specialty coffee and light snacks for 12–20 SAR (£2–4).
It’s a quiet escape from the crowds — perfect if you’ve had a long day managing kids or elders.
👉 Which is your favourite? Share your go-to food spot in Makkah in the comments below — it may help future UK pilgrims.
Tips for Eating on a Budget Near Haram
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Avoid peak times. Right after salah, the queues are long and the food runs out. Try eating before or a little after.
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Share platters. Many restaurants serve portions large enough for 2–3.
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Carry cash. Not every vendor accepts card payments.
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Look for combo deals. Shawarma + drink combos are cheaper than ordering separately.
Quick Reference Table – Affordable Eats Near Haram
| Need | Best Option | Approx. Price (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Fast food | Al Baik | 15–20 |
| 24/7 food | Al Tazaj | 18–25 |
| Street food | Ajyad stalls | 10–20 |
| Pakistani | Pak Punjab | 15–25 |
| South Indian | Malayali mess | 10–15 |
| Coffee | Brew92° | 12–20 |
Final Thoughts – Eat Well, Pray Well
One of the best pieces of advice I give UK pilgrims is: don’t stress about food. Affordable, halal options are everywhere in Makkah if you know where to look.
By choosing wisely, you’ll save money for essentials like Ihram clothing, Jeddah airport pickups, or even a private family Umrah cab. That peace of mind lets you focus on what matters most — your worship.
👉 Book your Umrah cab now to avoid scams at Jeddah airport. We arrange reliable, air-conditioned family transport from Jeddah to Makkah and Madinah.
👉 If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or family planning Umrah from the UK.
FAQs (for quick answers & voice search snippets)
Q: What’s the cheapest food option near Masjid al-Haram?
A: Street stalls in Ajyad area offer meals from 10–15 SAR — the most budget-friendly choice.
Q: Is Al Baik close to the Haram?
A: Yes, the nearest branch is within walking distance of the Clock Tower, about 5–7 minutes from the Haram gates.
Q: Do restaurants near Haram accept card payments?
A: Larger chains like Al Baik and Al Tazaj do, but many small vendors only take cash.
Q: Is there good coffee near Haram Makkah?
A: Yes — Brew92° Café in Tundobawi is a popular choice for affordable specialty coffee.
Q: Can I find Pakistani food near Haram?
A: Absolutely — restaurants like Pak Punjab serve daal, biryani, and roti at affordable prices, ideal for UK desi families.
