If you’re visiting Makkah for Umrah or Hajj or even living there, one culinary experience you must not miss is Mandi. This traditional Arabian rice-and-meat dish is a total delight. And if you haven’t tried it yet, you are surely missing out. Moreover, there are a lot of Mandi spots in Makkah you can try. But finding the best one can surely be a little overwhelming.
To make your search easy for you, we have this guide. Here is all you need to know about where to find the best Mandi in Saudi Arabia.
Did you know?
Mandi is quite a popular item in feasts and special occasions, not just in Saudi Arabia, but across all Gulf countries.
What are the best Mandi restaurants in Makkah?
Some of the top-reviewed and popular mandi spots in Makkah include:
- Uday Mandi Restaurant, known for tender meat and flavorful rice
- Al Romansiah, convenient because it’s near Haram. Offers consistent quality
- Raydan Restaurants for authentic Yemeni-style mandi
- Al Fanoos Mandi offers an upscale mandi experience
- Waleematy, affordable and traditional taste
Top Mandi Spots in Makkah Worth Trying for Pilgrims & Locals
Whether people are in Makkah for Hajj, Umrah, or a tour, they love trying Mandi. After all, it is the king of local Saudi foods. Besides, the depth of flavor and the delightful textures make it so worth trying. Are you in Makkah looking for a good mandi to try? We have you covered. Here are some top-rated Makkah Mandi places you can explore. This list is great but if you want more options or exact addresses, just hop on to KnowKSA.
Important Note!
Mandi usually comes in a big portion size. So, always take your friends, family, or a group with you when going out for mandi.
– Al Romansiah الرومانسية
When it comes to Mandi in Makkah, Al Romansiah comes on top. It is one of the most famous Saudi restaurants for mandi. It is located conveniently near Masjid al-Haram. So, pilgrims and tourists can easily go there for a great Mandi experience. Al Romansiah also has several other branches in Makkah. The brand is known for its consistent quality, clean environment, and wide seating capacity. Their chicken and lamb mandi are especially popular; both are served with well-seasoned rice and sauces.
Due to its reputation, it is often busy, especially during peak prayer times. And they get sold out quite quickly. So, we suggest you visit early in the day. All in all, if you want Mandi near Masjid al Haram, Al Romansiah is a great choice.
– Uday Mandi Restaurant
Another super popular Mandi place in Makkah is Uday Mandi Restaurant. It is well-known among both locals and pilgrims. The place has a strong customer rating and incredible taste.
People keep coming back to Uday Mandi for its tender meat, fragrant rice, and generous portions. The restaurant offers a comfortable dining experience and reasonable prices. Therefore, it is a must-visit for families and groups looking for satisfying traditional mandi.
– Waleematy
If you are looking for Mandi near the old Makkah Jeddah Road, Waleematay is a great choice.
It is known for offering traditional Saudi dishes, including mandi. Customers love the place for its rich taste, good portion sizes, and overall value for money. The restaurant is suitable for families and groups. After all, it has a clean dining area and fast service. Do come here if you want a reasonable yet tasty mandi experience in Makkah.
– Alsaddah Restaurant at Abdullah Bin Abbas Street
Want mandi near Masjid al-Haram. Another great option is Alsaddah Restaurant. It is, in fact, a long-standing spot in Makkah. The place is quite popular for serving traditional Saudi meals including Mandi. It is quite easy to reach and offers a decent taste. Expect a simpler setting and environment when you get here. Many visitors choose Alsaddah for a quick meal close to the Haram, especially during Hajj or Umrah seasons.
– Mandi Kinda
Mandi Kinda is a small, lesser-known mandi spot. It only has takeaway service. It recently gained a lot of popularity for its flavorful mandi at very affordable prices. This Mandi place is actually ideal for budget-conscious diners who want a quick yet wholesome meal. It is especially convenient for locals and nearby residents looking for simple, traditional food.
– Raydan Restaurants
Raydan is a well-known Yemeni restaurant chain in Saudi Arabia. It serves mandi and other traditional rice dishes. The Makkah branch near the Haram is popular for its accessibility and large seating areas. Many customers enjoy the authentic rice flavors and menu variety. If you are a large group looking for a Mandi spot near Haram in Makkah, you can surely try Raydan.
– Al Fanoos Mandi
If you want to have premium Mandi, you can try Al Fanoor. The place is quite famous for its Mandi as well as other rice dishes. It offers an upscale dining experience and takeaway too. The presentation and quality of food here is always top-notch. It is more suitable for special meals or family gatherings rather than quick budget dining.
With the above list of Mandi places in Makkah, you have plenty of options to try. Whether you are a foodie or not, trying traditional Saudi Arabian dishes is a must. If you don’t, you can’t have a full tourist experience in the country.
What is Mandi?
Mandi is a traditional Arabian dish made of long-grain rice and slow-cooked meat, usually chicken or lamb. It originated in Yemen but is quite popular in Saudi Arabia too. In KSA, it is prepared using aromatic spices and cooked in an underground oven. Mandi is loved for its smoky flavor and tender texture.
Key Things to Know About Mandi:
Origin: Hadhramaut, Yemen
Ingredients: Long-grain rice, Meat (lamb, chicken, or goat), spices such as cumin, cardamom, cloves, and saffron.
Cooking Process: Usually cooked in an underground clay oven (Taboon). Inside it, the meat hangs above rice, and meat juices keep dripping over the rice to flavor it.
Flavor Profile: Rich, aromatic, smoky, and savory
Can I find Mandi near the Haram?
There is an Al Romansiah brand near the Haram too. It is located inside the Jabal Omar complex. So, pilgrims can easily go there for a Mandi experience. It offers the same trusted quality the brand is known for. You can expect well-cooked mandi, fresh rice, and a comfortable, modern dining environment. Because it is in a mall, it is also a great option for a quick mandi meal after prayers.
Why is Mandi so popular in Saudi Arabia?
Mandi is popular in Saudi Arabia because it reflects traditional Arabian cooking. It uses simple ingredients, aromatic spices, and slow-cooking methods. It is filling, flavorful, and suitable for sharing. Mandi is not a one-person meal. It is rather made for family meals, gatherings, and celebrations across the Kingdom.
Why do people love to have Mandi in Makkah?
People love eating mandi in Makkah because it is light yet wholesome. It is the perfect food to have after long prayers and walking. Moreover, it is easily available, affordable, and deeply connected to Saudi culture. Sharing mandi also enhances the spiritual and communal experience for pilgrims.
What is the national dish of Saudi Arabia?
Kabsa is the national dish of Saudi Arabia. It consists of spiced rice cooked with chicken, lamb, or camel meat and is commonly served in gatherings or celebrations.
Is Mandi in Saudi Arabia healthy?
Mandi is a well-balanced meal. After all, it has carbs, protein, and fats too. It is steamed or slow-cooked and uses minimal oil. When paired with yogurt sauce and veggie salad on the side, it becomes even healthier. All in all, it is a lot better than fast food.
Can non-muslims have mandi?
Anyone can have mandi, whether Muslim or non-Muslim. It is a cultural dish, not a religious one. So, people from all backgrounds can enjoy it. Restaurants in Saudi Arabia welcome everyone, from pilgrims to tourists.
Is Mandi like Kabsa?
Mandi and Kabsa are similar but not the same. Both use rice and meat, but mandi is cooked in an underground oven. This gives it a smoky flavor. Kabsa is usually cooked in a pot with spices so it is more aromatic.
What mandi should I have during Hajj?
During Hajj, chicken mandi is usually the best choice. It is lighter, easier to digest, and quicker to serve than lamb. After long rituals and walking, chicken mandi provides energy without feeling too heavy on the stomach.
How is Mandi different from Biryani?
Both Mandi and Biryani are rice dishes. But both are entirely different in cooking style, flavor, and even origin. Mandi uses lightly spiced rice and slow-cooked meat. It has a smoky taste which biryani lacks. Biryani is richer, layered with strong spices, herbs, and oil. Moreover, it is cooked using the dum method.
Can I have mandi during Ramadan?
People in Saudi Arabia can also enjoy Mandi during Ramadan. It will be a great option for Iftar gatherings. You can even go to restaurants in Makkah to enjoy Mandi with friends or family. It is yummy, filling, and convenient to find. Ramadan 2026 is around the corner. So, you should plan a Mandi party this time.
Conclusion
You can’t think of Mandi as just a food item from Saudi Arabia. It is a cultural experience that gives you a flavorful ride of the country with each bite. It is smoky, aromatic, and hearty. Besides, the combination of rice and meat makes it perfect for a filling meal. Popular mandi spots in Makkah include Al Romansiah, Uday Mandi, Raydan, and more. But hey, don’t forget to share it with your family, friends, or pilgrimage group. Experiencing authentic mandi in Makkah is truly memorable.