Madinah’s Gastronomy: A Fusion of Heritage, Sustainability, and Flavor

4 Millions

Date Palm Trees (+130 Date Varieties; +189.000 tons of dates annually)

15.000

Farms and +26 Km2 urban farming

10.123

Employees in Restaurants and Coffee Shops

+418

Bakeries, traditional restaurants, home-based food business in the city

Madinah’s gastronomy heritage is a tribute to its natural resources, agricultural heritage and its historic role as a crossroads for traders and visitors

Indeed, the city thrives as an oasis of diverse crops. Over 4 million date palms produce more than 130 varieties, including the famed “Sihani” and “Ajwa.” Alongside dates, Madinah’s farms yield barley, wheat, grapes, chickpeas, pomegranates, bananas, aromatic herbs, and high-quality honey, forming the base of its distinctive cuisine. Its proximity to the Red Sea also brings seafood into its cherished culinary traditions.

Furthermore, over the centuries, the city has embraced local ingredients alongside those introduced by diverse cultures, such as Asian and African influences, to create a truly unique and evolving gastronomic identity. Traditional recipes, some dating back to ancient times, reflect this blend of history and diversity

Madinah’s cuisine is categorized into four main groups: general recipes, Ramadan specialties, occasion-specific dishes, and traditional drinks, each offering a glimpse into the city’s rich food traditions. Iconic dishes, such as Medini rice, which brings influences from the Indian subcontinent, and Sharik bread, inspired by Levantine flavors, showcase this fusion of cultures and flavors.

A taste of Madinah’s Food and Gastronomy Heritage

The traditions of Madinah’s gastronomy, preserved by its knowledge keepers, are the foundation of our city’s creative and sustainable future.

Gastronomy as engine of sustainable economic growth

Gastronomy drives the sustainable economic, cultural, and environmental growth of Madinah, blending tradition with innovation. With over 6,700 dining establishments supported by traditional bakeries and more than 15,000 farms, the sector creates jobs, sustains local agriculture, and fosters resilience. Women, youth, and farmers thrive within this dynamic ecosystem, which includes 89 traditional restaurants, 205 home-based food businesses, butchers, and beekeepers, all contributing to the preservation of Madinah’s rich culinary heritage. Recognized as a strategic pathway to enhance citizen wellbeing, gastronomy unites a diverse community of creatives—farmers, cooks, chefs, street vendors, and restaurateurs—transforming Madinah’s unique culinary identity into a powerful engine of economic growth.

Madinah’s culinary heritage is celebrated at the Dar Al-Madinah Museum, which showcases traditional culinary tools and the city’s cultural history, underscoring the profound role of gastronomy in Madinah’s identity and its vision for sustainable development.

Events, Fairs and Markets in Gastronomy sector

Madinah’s gastronomy thrives at its vibrant markets, fairs, and festivals, where tradition meets innovation. These events celebrate local culinary heritage while supporting sustainable practices and economic growth. From bustling markets to annual food festivals, they offer a platform for knowledge keepers—chefs, farmers, and artisans—to share their expertise, ensuring that Madinah’s rich gastronomic culture continues to flourish for generations to come.

Al-Madinah festival
Medina Arts Center
Traditional market

Discover Madinah’s UNESCO
Creative City Candidature

Discover Madinah’s UNESCO Creative City candidature and its commitment to creating a resilient, vibrant, and culturally diverse community where tradition and innovation thrive together through its Gastronomy Heritage.