Food and Drink

At a glance

• Are meals included? Check your hotel voucher
• Nearest food: restaurants and food courts around the Haram
• Drinking water: Zamzam or bottled water, not tap water
• Inside the Haram: only dates, Zamzam and light snacks, and keep it clean

Step-by-step guide

1. Check your voucher: find out whether meals are included in your package, and if so which (breakfast only or all three).
2. Find nearby places: on your first day, find the nearest restaurants and supermarket.
3. Plan around prayer times: eat at a time that lets you reach the Haram for the next prayer. Restaurants get very crowded just before prayers.
4. Keep a few things in your room: dates, fruit, biscuits and water, so you don’t need to go out at night or after worship.
5. Drink Zamzam: there are Zamzam coolers all over the Haram. Carry your own bottle and refill it.

Do

• Eat somewhere clean and busy, where the food is fresh.
• Drink plenty of water and ORS in the heat.
• Keep fixed meal times for elderly pilgrims and those with diabetes or blood pressure.

Don’t

• Don’t eat meals on the Haram carpets or leave rubbish there.
• Don’t drink tap water.
• Don’t buy uncovered food from roadside stalls.
• In the first few days, avoid very oily or unfamiliar food; it can upset your stomach.

Common mistakes

• Assuming meals are included when the voucher says room only.
• Going out to eat just before a prayer and missing the congregation.
• Forgetting to eat and drink while busy with worship, which leads to weakness and dizziness.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pakistani food available? Yes, there are many Pakistani and Indian restaurants near the Haram in both Makkah and Madinah.

Can I take food into the Haram? Light things like dates and water are fine, but don’t eat full meals inside the Haram. Take special care to keep it clean.

Can I cook in my room? Most hotels don’t allow cooking in rooms. Check the hotel rules at reception.