Travelling as a vegan in Saudi Arabia is easier today than many people expect - the country is opening its doors to tourists, and food options are growing fast! For American travellers, planning a halal and vegan-friendly journey is now possible with the right guidance.
If you're looking for an Umrah travel agency USA based operators can help arrange trips that respect both faith and lifestyle needs. This guide explains where to eat, what to expect, and how to travel smoothly as a vegan tourist in Saudi Arabia.
Yes, Saudi Arabia is becoming more vegan-friendly every year! The country offers many plant-based dishes rooted in traditional cuisine. Most meals are built around rice, lentils, vegetables, and flatbreads. Although meat is unfortunately very common, vegan travellers can easily find suitable options in cities and holy areas.
Moreover, international restaurants are expanding across the country so vegan tourists can now enjoy more choices than ever before. With simple planning, you can eat well and travel comfortably too!
Many traditional Saudi dishes are naturally plant-based and full of flavour. Classic foods like foul, tamees bread, and lentil soups contain no animal products. These dishes are common in breakfast cafes and local restaurants, meaning: they are also affordable, filling (and easy to find!).
In addition, salads made with cucumbers, tomatoes and herbs are widely served. You can also enjoy rice dishes cooked with vegetables and spices too! A let's not forget about hummus and falafels, widely available.
Holy cities now offer more vegan choices than in the past. In Makkah and Madinah, pilgrims from all over the world create demand for diverse food. Many hotels serve vegetable-based meals for international guests. Some restaurants will also prepare simple vegan plates on request!
Is Saudi Arabia Vegan-Friendly for Tourists?
Yes, Saudi Arabia is becoming more vegan-friendly every year! The country offers many plant-based dishes rooted in traditional cuisine. Most meals are built around rice, lentils, vegetables, and flatbreads. Although meat is unfortunately very common, vegan travellers can easily find suitable options in cities and holy areas.
Moreover, international restaurants are expanding across the country so vegan tourists can now enjoy more choices than ever before. With simple planning, you can eat well and travel comfortably too!
Traditional Saudi Dishes That Are Naturally Vegan
Many traditional Saudi dishes are naturally plant-based and full of flavour. Classic foods like foul, tamees bread, and lentil soups contain no animal products. These dishes are common in breakfast cafes and local restaurants, meaning: they are also affordable, filling (and easy to find!).
In addition, salads made with cucumbers, tomatoes and herbs are widely served. You can also enjoy rice dishes cooked with vegetables and spices too! A let's not forget about hummus and falafels, widely available.
Vegan Food Options in Makkah and Madinah
Holy cities now offer more vegan choices than in the past. In Makkah and Madinah, pilgrims from all over the world create demand for diverse food. Many hotels serve vegetable-based meals for international guests. Some restaurants will also prepare simple vegan plates on request!
Travellers booking through a USA Umrah travel agency can ask for vegan-friendly hotel arrangements. This makes religious travel easier for plant-based visitors! Some of the best restaurants for vegans in Makkah and Medina are:
Big cities in Saudi Arabia are leading the vegan food movement: Riyadh, Jeddah, Hail and Dammam now host vegan cafes and international chains. You'll be able to find falafel wraps, vegetable burgers, and plant-based bowls easily (some places even label vegan items clearly on menus now, yay!)
Ordering vegan food becomes easy with a few simple phrases. Learning words like “without meat” and “no dairy” helps a lot. Most restaurant staff understand basic English, especially in tourist areas so you'll be able to politely ask for vegetable-only dishes.
Makkah:
- Hamed Ya Onab — حامض يا عنب (dedicated vegan restaurant)
- Food courts in Abraj Al Bait & Makkah Mall (salads, wraps, juice bars)
- Local Lebanese/Middle Eastern spots (falafel, hummus, mezze)
Medina (Al Madinah)
- Arabesque restaurant (Mediterranean veg/vegan choices)
- Indian/Asian places with vegan-friendly dishes (dal, veg curries)
- Casual cafés & eateries with salads/veg options (as noted on listings)
Modern Vegan Restaurants in Major Saudi Cities
Big cities in Saudi Arabia are leading the vegan food movement: Riyadh, Jeddah, Hail and Dammam now host vegan cafes and international chains. You'll be able to find falafel wraps, vegetable burgers, and plant-based bowls easily (some places even label vegan items clearly on menus now, yay!)
How to Order Vegan Food in Saudi Arabia
Ordering vegan food becomes easy with a few simple phrases. Learning words like “without meat” and “no dairy” helps a lot. Most restaurant staff understand basic English, especially in tourist areas so you'll be able to politely ask for vegetable-only dishes.
Important note: before ordering, confirm cooking methods and ingredients! Many chefs are willing to customise meals. This small effort prevents confusion and improves your dining experience. Local food delivery apps can also help locate vegan meals quickly in Saudi - here are some tips:
Supermarkets offer many plant-based options across Saudi Arabia. Large grocery stores sell fruits, vegetables, nuts, hummus, and flatbreads. You can also find soy milk and vegan snacks in bigger cities. This is helpful for travellers staying in apartments or long-term hotels. Buying simple foods lets you control your diet and save money so grocery shopping is a smart option for vegan tourists! Here are some tips for vegan shoppers in Saudi:
Good planning makes vegan travel smooth and stress-free. If you book through an Umrah travel agency USA, do inform them about your dietary needs early. Many agencies now offer flexible meal arrangements for special diets. This helps avoid problems after arrival!
Also, it’s worth researching restaurants near your hotel before travelling! Saving locations on your phone saves time later.
Religious travel can also support veggies and lifestyles. Some travellers look for Umrah packages online that include customised meal plans. While not all packages advertise vegan options, many hotels adjust menus upon request! In addition, a few agencies now offer all inclusive Umrah packages with flexible dining services. Asking clear questions before booking ensures better service during your trip.
Understanding culture improves both travel and dining experiences. Saudi hospitality is warm and respectful. If you explain your diet politely, people usually try to help. Avoid openly criticising local food traditions and focus on appreciation. Also, make sure to dress and respect prayer times in restaurants. This cultural awareness builds positive connections and smooth travel experiences.
Some challenges exist, but they are easy to manage. Limited vegan labelling can be confusing in small towns s sticking to simple foods like rice, vegetables, and bread reduces risk. Carrying snacks also helps during long journeys! Staying flexible and patient makes vegan travel enjoyable in Saudi Arabia.
Vegan travel in Saudi Arabia is practical, rewarding, and improving fast. With traditional plant-based foods, growing restaurant options, and helpful locals, vegan tourists can travel comfortably. Whether visiting for tourism or religious purposes, planning ensures success.
- Talabat: has the best built-in vegan/vegetarian filters (when accessible);
- HungerStation: has the largest variety + cuisine filters including 'vegetarian';
- Jahez: has a large selection with many plant-based menu items (keyword search works well).
- Careem NOW: is good for healthy/plant-based picks with nutritional emphasis.
Grocery Shopping for Vegan Travellers
Supermarkets offer many plant-based options across Saudi Arabia. Large grocery stores sell fruits, vegetables, nuts, hummus, and flatbreads. You can also find soy milk and vegan snacks in bigger cities. This is helpful for travellers staying in apartments or long-term hotels. Buying simple foods lets you control your diet and save money so grocery shopping is a smart option for vegan tourists! Here are some tips for vegan shoppers in Saudi:
- Larger hypermarkets like Danube and Tamimi usually have dedicated health food or organic aisles with clearer labelling;
- Lulu Hypermarket is often recommended by expats/local vegans for a wider international vegan selection;
- Don’t hesitate to explore produce sections and imported goods aisles: many vegan staples are stocked there even if not labelled specifically!
Travel Planning Tips for Vegan Tourists from the USA
Good planning makes vegan travel smooth and stress-free. If you book through an Umrah travel agency USA, do inform them about your dietary needs early. Many agencies now offer flexible meal arrangements for special diets. This helps avoid problems after arrival!
Also, it’s worth researching restaurants near your hotel before travelling! Saving locations on your phone saves time later.
Vegan Travel and Umrah Packages
Religious travel can also support veggies and lifestyles. Some travellers look for Umrah packages online that include customised meal plans. While not all packages advertise vegan options, many hotels adjust menus upon request! In addition, a few agencies now offer all inclusive Umrah packages with flexible dining services. Asking clear questions before booking ensures better service during your trip.
Cultural Tips for Vegan Travellers in Saudi Arabia
Understanding culture improves both travel and dining experiences. Saudi hospitality is warm and respectful. If you explain your diet politely, people usually try to help. Avoid openly criticising local food traditions and focus on appreciation. Also, make sure to dress and respect prayer times in restaurants. This cultural awareness builds positive connections and smooth travel experiences.
Common Challenges and How to Handle Them
Some challenges exist, but they are easy to manage. Limited vegan labelling can be confusing in small towns s sticking to simple foods like rice, vegetables, and bread reduces risk. Carrying snacks also helps during long journeys! Staying flexible and patient makes vegan travel enjoyable in Saudi Arabia.
Final Thoughts: Is Vegan Travel in Saudi Arabia Worth It?
Vegan travel in Saudi Arabia is practical, rewarding, and improving fast. With traditional plant-based foods, growing restaurant options, and helpful locals, vegan tourists can travel comfortably. Whether visiting for tourism or religious purposes, planning ensures success.
For American travellers, working with a trusted US Umrah travel agency and choosing suitable Umrah packages for 2026 makes the journey even easier. Saudi Arabia is ready to welcome vegan travellers with open arms!
