Self-guided morning-to-lunch route linking Hejazi breakfast shops with the Chefs Market.
This self-guided route has no operator and nothing to book. Start soon after Fajr at one of the small Hejazi breakfast shops on the side streets behind the main hotel blocks, which open around 04:00 and serve ful (slow-cooked fava beans) with tamees bread, eggs and cream cheese; if locals are eating there, the food is likely good. Later in the day, take a taxi to Souq Al-Tabbakha, the Chefs Market, where more than 40 restaurants serve manto, yaghmosh, mandi, harees, kebabs and kabuli rice. A March 2025 Saudi Press Agency report says the market moved from beside the Prophet's Mosque to the Al-Magharba district about a kilometre away on Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Road, while older listings place it in Al Jumuah, so ask the driver for "Souq Al-Tabbakha" and confirm the location. Budget about SAR 40-90 (~$11-24) per person. Everything is paid at the counter.
| Price | SAR 40-90 (~$11-24) (estimate) per person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 to 4 hours |
| Address | Madinah (breakfast shops near the Haram; Chefs Market 1 km from the Prophet's Mosque) |
What is included
- Ful and tamees breakfast
- Lunch at the Chefs Market
Location
Madinah (breakfast shops near the Haram; Chefs Market 1 km from the Prophet's Mosque)
24.4593, 39.6110 View on map
Highlights
- Ful and tamees breakfast served from about 04:00
- More than 40 traditional restaurants at the Chefs Market
- Manto, yaghmosh and harees
- No booking or guide needed
Tips for visiting
- Eat between prayers; shops pause for 20-30 minutes at each adhan.
- Carry small riyal notes for cash-only counters.
- Confirm the Chefs Market location with the driver, as it has recently moved.
- Eat with the right hand and tear tamees by hand.
When to visit
Breakfast soon after Fajr; the market at lunchtime. November to March is the most comfortable season.
Accessibility
Small shops may have steps and narrow doors; use a taxi between stops.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a guided tour?
No. It is a self-guided route; visitors pay at each stop.
How much does it cost?
About SAR 40-90 (~$11-24) per person, an estimate.
Is it vegetarian-friendly?
Ful with tamees is vegetarian; the Chefs Market is mostly meat and rice, so ask at each counter.