You may think food is a small part of your journey but neglecting it can affect your health. It’s necessary to consume nutritional support for our body. However, when travelling, food is more than just filling stomach. As a Muslim travelling, Halal food is an important part of your journey, especially when going for Umrah.
Halal food follows Islamic dietary laws, which applies to not just only meals but to all foods and drinks. It also includes that how food is prepared and served. Pilgrims can easily find it during Umrah stay in Makkah and Madina.
If you are a UK Muslim and travelling as a pilgrim for Umrah then you must concern about this. Finding the Halal food options can be challenging particularly when you are unfamiliar with local cuisines and dining options. Here, this post will give a proper guide to UK pilgrims including those booking through London Umrah Packages, on how they can find the best Halal foods during Umrah.
What Makes Food Halal?
You must understand that what makes food Halal before travelling. Let’s see its requirements:
- Halal food must be permissible, pure, clean, and ethical.
- Meat must be slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines.
- No pork and its products are allowed.
- Alcohol and intoxicants are strictly prohibited.
- Blood and blood by-products are not allowed.
- No dead and carnivores animals.
Majority of the food is Halal in Saudi Arabia, but pilgrims should be aware and verify when dining in non-Muslim establishments or chains.
Halal Food Options in Saudi Arabia for UK Pilgrims
Local Saudi Cuisines
Good news is that all food served in Saudi Arabia is Halal by default. Because the KSA has strict food regulations in line with Islamic teachings. As a Muslim, you can eat and drink in the country with the peace of mind. Keep in mind if you have specific dietary preferences developed in the UK that not all the Halal food is the same in terms of quality and taste. So, you should know where and what to eat during Umrah. Here are some must-try popular dishes that you will commonly find:
- Kabsa/Mandi – Rice dishes with chicken or lamb flavoured with spices and fragrance.
- Grilled & Fried Chicken – You can find in many Middle Eastern restaurants.
- Shawarma – A flatbread thinly sliced with meat, sauces, fries, etc.
- Ful Medames – Stew of cooked fava beans that is commonly eaten in breakfast.
- Falafel with Hummus – Tasty vegetarian option!
- Mutabbaq – A stuffed fried pastry or pancake filled with meat, egg, onions, and spices.
- Jareesh – Crushed wheat cooked with meat (chunkier).
- Kunafa & Baklava – These are sweet desserts; you can eat after meals with Arabic coffee.
- Dates – Popular food of Saudi Arabia; its types include Khudri, Sukkari, Ajwa, etc.
International Fast Food Chains
In both holy cities, Umrah pilgrims can easily find international food courts near the Haram, which are offering fast foods and traditional dishes. Some Halal standard for fast food include:
- McDonald’s
- KFC
- Subway
- Pizza Hut & Domino’s
- Texas Chicken
Let’s see some famous and recommended eating options near Haram:
- Al Baik (Makkah & Madinah) – well-known restaurant
- Al Tazaj (Makkah & Madinah)
- Herfy
- Shawarmer
- Starbucks
- Ajyad Street Makkah
- Tamimi and Carrefour supermarkets (packaged foods)
Tips for UK Pilgrims to Ensure Halal Eating
As already mentioned that Saudi strictly promote Halal foods. So, UK pilgrims can easily eat whatever they want. However, for some situations and issues that may come, you can follow these tips:
- It’s best to learn some Arabic phrases so you will be able to communicate. For example, “Hal hadha ta’am Halal?” (Is this food Halal?). You can also use some translation apps.
- Check out the restaurant’s menu if providing separate utensils for Halal and non-Halal foods.
- For a healthy lifestyle during Umrah, it’s better to drink plenty of water in hot climate.
- Don’t eat very spicy foods if you have some sensitive digestive problems.
- You can also bring some Halal certified snacks and energy bars to avoid any irritation.
- If you are a diabetic pilgrim from the United Kingdom, don’t eat excessive sweet Halal foods such as Baklava.
- Explore something like rice-based dishes such as Kabsa (large dish can easily feed 2-3 people) and Mandi.
- Keep enough budget for Halal eating in Saudi Arabia. From local options to international brands, prices are different.
UK pilgrims can easily maintain Halal diet in holy cities during their pilgrimage journey. This will ensure your physical well-being on Umrah trip. But remember to stick on Halal and trusted restaurants that follows Islamic laws regarding foods and eating.
Your goal should be to make your Umrah memorable regardless of your destination in UK either Manchester or using Birmingham Umrah Packages. Hope this guide clears you never compromise on Halal integrity.