Guest Blog post by: Haseena
Last Updated: 20 October 2022
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent the views of Halaal Travels. These recommendations are based on our guest blogger’s experiences and not on the experiences of any Halaal Travels team members. These experiences might not be reflective of your personal preferences. This post is provided as a guide. It is highly recommended that you do your own research prior to using any of the information provided on this article.
Makkah:
Food options in Makkah. These are just suggestions of places we had tried out. These suggestions of food and restaurants to try out are not extensive. For South Africans or if you are travelling from any other country that has a weak currency, keep in mind, food is generally expensive. If you are travelling from a country that has a strong currency exchange rate, this might not be the case for you.
Breakfast at Conrad:
Breakfast at @conradmakkah is lovely with much variety and options.
Al Baik:
I was keen to try Al Baik – based on previous experience not too long ago. Unfortunately it was disappointing, the menu has changed and I waited almost an hour for my order. Please be prepared to wait in most of these places if you are going immediately after zohr or after maghrib and Esha to purchase your meals. (Based on the time, Rabiul Awwal 1443). Waiting times may differ depending on the season and time of the year that you’re visiting.
Al Baik in Hyatt mall food court is the one I tried once and that was it. There is a store on the left of Al Baik which I enjoyed. I think it’s called Broast or something similar. Try the crumbed prawns. We really enjoyed them as well as the broast chicken and the shawarma.
Hyatt Food Court:
-Al Tazaj – lovely!!
-Paninos – we love the pizza and pasta, it’s really delicious.
-Krispy Kreme – that iced coffee and the doughnuts taste better than they do here in South Africa. Also if you go after 8 or 9 I think they have a special for a doughnut and coffee for a few riyals.
-There’s a juice spot as well there, for delicious fresh fruit juice.
-Another place we tried is just near the seating area – they have fresh marinated fish which they grill for you as you wait. They serve it with rice or veggies of your choice.
-Baskin Robbins ice cream- always get the hot fudge sauce on top (a necessary yet pricey daily treat)
-Downstairs is Mado – amazing bakery goodies and baklava. I did not try any of the food.
-Bens Cookies is on the ground floor next to Bin Dawood and it’s a must try!
-Bin Dawood has lots of light meal options.
Zam zam Food Court / Abraj:
-Hardee’s is a firm favourite with my family.
-My kids love KFC kids love
-A store just passed Hardee’s on the left corner has fresh fish grilled for you as well as prawns served with a stir fry made fresh.
-Abraj Hyper, this is a lovely store on the top floor –
-Starbucks
Old Hilton/Makkah Towers:
-Al Tazaj
-Pizza shop on the ground floor
-KFC
About the author: Haseena is a food blogger, recipe developer and a food and lifestyle content creator on Instagram. She is also an OT, a wife and a mum. If you would like to get in touch with Haseena please view her Instagram account here.