After my first few days of prayer and reflection in Mecca, I started to discover the daily life around the Holy Mosque. Many people focus only on the religious side, but there is also a very modern and social side to Mecca that I found very interesting. I want to tell you about two specific experiences: a beautiful cafe visit and my dinner at the most famous fast-food chain in the country.
A Sanctuary with a View: The Holy Cafe
In Mecca, the heat and the crowds can be very intense. Sometimes, you need a place to sit quietly and just process everything you are seeing. I found a cafe that felt like a hidden gem. It was located very close to the Masjid al-Haram. In fact, it was so close that when I sat down at my table, I was looking directly at the walls of the Kaaba.
The interior of the cafe was very modern and stylish. It had large glass windows that offered a panoramic view of the holy area. Sitting there with a hot drink in my hand, watching the thousands of people circling the Kaaba, was a very emotional experience. It made me realize how small we are in this world, yet how connected we all are.
One of the best things about this cafe was the price. Usually, when you go to a place with the "best view in the city," you expect to pay a lot of money. However, in this cafe, the prices were very reasonable. I shared some photos of the menu so you can see for yourselves. It wasn't just a place to drink coffee; it was a place to find peace while staying connected to the heart of the city. I spent a long time there, just observing the architecture and the movement of the crowd. It was much better than staying in the hotel room because even while resting, I was still part of the atmosphere.
The Al Baik Mystery: Is It Really That Good?
If you ask anyone in Saudi Arabia where to eat, they will tell you "Al Baik." It is a legendary fast-food brand here. People wait in long lines, and everyone talks about it like it is the best chicken in the world. Naturally, I was very curious. I had to try it.
When I arrived at the Al Baik branch, the first thing I noticed was the organization. The culture here is very different from Turkey or Europe. There are completely separate sections for men and women to order. As a woman, I went to the ladies' section to get my food. It was very crowded, which made me think, "Okay, this must be amazing."
However, when I finally got my food, I was a little disappointed. To be very honest with you, it tasted like a normal chicken nugget. It was good and fresh, but it wasn't the "legendary" taste I was expecting. I think it might be a bit overrated because of the fame.
The way they serve the food was the most interesting part for me. In most places, if you order a meal, it comes as a sandwich or everything is in one box. At Al Baik, they give you everything separately. They give you the chicken nuggets in one package, the bread rolls in another, the French fries in another, and the garlic sauce in a separate container. It’s like a DIY (Do It Yourself) meal. You have to put it together or eat them one by one. It was a very different fast-food experience. While I didn't find the taste to be life-changing, I'm glad I tried it because it is such a huge part of the local culture in Mecca and Medina.
Reflections on Local Life
Being in Mecca taught me that life there is a balance. You have the most sacred place on Earth at the center, but right next to it, you have modern cafes, shopping malls, and busy restaurants.
I preferred spending my time in these public spaces rather than sitting in the hotel. Even though the hotels are very nice and comfortable, they feel isolated. By sitting in that cafe or visiting a local restaurant like Al Baik, I felt more connected to the people. I enjoyed watching families from different countries eating together and pilgrims from all over the world taking a break.
Mecca is a city that never sleeps. Whether it is 3:00 AM or 3:00 PM, the streets are full, the cafes are open, and the energy is high. This energy is what allowed me to survive on only 3 or 4 hours of sleep. You don't want to miss a single moment.
In my next post, I will take you with me to Medina. The vibe there is completely different—much more quiet and peaceful. But for now, I will cherish these memories of the busy, magnificent, and surprising streets of Mecca. Thank you for following my journey!