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.
Festival and Events
Dates Festival
September
Established in 2018, this festival attracts 180,000 visitors annually, celebrating Al-Madinah’s renowned dates. The event highlights cultivation practices, packaging innovation, and serves as a meeting point for exporters and agriculture experts worldwide.
Festival and Events
Quba Ramadan Festival
Ramadan
Held on Quba Avenue, this festival features traditional Ramadan foods and drinks. Attracting over 100,000 visitors, it celebrates the culinary spirit of the holy month with vibrant stalls and cultural experiences.
Festival and Events
Honey and Al-Madinah Produce Festival
May
Organized by MEWA, this festival showcases Al-Madinah honey and local agricultural products. Drawing 40,000 visitors, it highlights the diversity and quality of the region’s produce.
Festival and Events
The Medina Heritage Souq
November
The Al-Madinah Food Festival takes place at King Fahad Park, a spectacular eight-day event featuring over 50 traditional dishes across 100 vendors. The festival attracts more than 30,000 visitors. This festival features four unique markets, each with a specific purpose: the Farmer's Market, which promotes youth and businesses run by women and families; the Abazer Market for spices; the Little Trader Market for children; and the Al-Madinah Food Market, which showcases traditional dishes and unique food products to tourists and international visitors.
Festival and Events
Festival of Medina Flavors
March
The Festival of Medina Flavors is an annual event that attracts over 85,000 visitors and is organized by the municipality of Al-Madinah. This vibrant celebration showcases traditional Medina dishes and beverages, highlighting the region's rich culinary heritage. The festival features cooking workshops, food tastings, and sessions on culinary history, providing attendees with an immersive experience of local gastronomy. Additionally, it serves as a platform for local chefs and food artisans to share their knowledge and skills, fostering a deeper appreciation for Medina’s unique flavors and cooking traditions.
Festival and Events
Medina Coffee Festival
March
The Medina Coffee Festival is a vibrant celebration of the region's rich coffee heritage, deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Medina. This annual event highlights the significance of coffee in local traditions, showcasing the diverse varieties grown in the surrounding regions. Attendees can participate in engaging workshops that delve into traditional brewing methods, offering insights into the craftsmanship behind each cup. The festival also features tastings that allow visitors to experience the unique flavors and aromas characteristic of Medina's coffee, often enjoyed in traditional gatherings.
Fairs
Madinah Sustainable Food Fair
March-April
Promotes sustainable farming and food practices, showcasing Medina’s local produce and eco-friendly culinary innovations.
Fairs
Local Spices Fair
Bi-annual
Explores Medina’s rich spice heritage through exhibits and sales of local spice blends, cooking demos, and cultural narratives.
Fairs
Saudi Traditional Cuisine Expo
May
A culinary fair celebrating Saudi Arabia’s diverse food heritage, featuring prominent Medina-based chefs and dishes.
Fairs
International Food Festival
February
Brings together international and Medina-inspired cuisines, offering tastings, workshops, and cultural insights into global food traditions.
Markets
Al-Madinah Date Market
Year-round
This famous market specializes in dates, one of Medina’s most iconic crops. The city hosts four main date markets: Al-Madinah Date Market, Al-Madinah New Date Market, Al Haramain Date Market, and several outdoor markets. These venues serve as vibrant centers for date trading, a local specialty. Visitors can explore numerous varieties, from premium Ajwa to other local types, often available in seasonal fairs.
Markets
Hakaya Heritage Market
Year-round
Hakaya Heritage Market is a vibrant culinary hub in Medina that highlights the region's gastronomy and agricultural traditions. Visitors can enjoy fresh, locally sourced produce and traditional dishes, while engaging in cooking demonstrations that celebrate Medina’s culinary heritage. The market supports local farmers and artisans, creating a lively atmosphere focused on sustainable practices and cultural exchange.
Markets
Dates Souq
Year-round
The Dates Souq is the largest and oldest date market in Medina showcasing premium varieties like Ajwa, Sukkary, and Barhi. Visitors can explore a wide variety of dates while interacting with local vendors who share their knowledge of cultivation. This souq serves as both a shopping destination and a cultural hub, celebrating the significance of dates in Medina’s culinary heritage.
Markets
Quba Market
Year-round
Quba Market is a vibrant hub located near Quba Mosque, renowned for its fresh fruits, vegetables, and traditional snacks. This market offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Medina's local produce while experiencing the city's rich agricultural heritage. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, providing a lively atmosphere where the community gathers to shop, socialize, and celebrate the flavors of the region.
Markets
Haraj Souq
Year-round
A traditional open market featuring local spices, dried fruits, and small-scale culinary goods. A must-visit for authentic Medina flavors.
Markets
Farmers’ Market at Wadi Al-Aqeeq
Weekly or seasonal
A community farmers' market offering fresh organic vegetables, fruits, and culinary items like honey and olives sourced locally. The Farmers’ Market at Wadi Al-Aqeeq is a vibrant community gathering space in Medina that emphasizes local agricultural products and sustainable farming practices. Visitors can find a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and artisanal goods, all sourced from nearby farms.
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.
