Cheap Eats in Jeddah: Meals Under SAR 30

Yes — you can eat genuinely well in Jeddah for under SAR 30 a meal, and you don't have to sacrifice flavour to do it. Whether you're new to the city or a long-time resident, the hunt for cheap eats in Jeddah — budget restaurants under 30 SAR per meal — is one everyone enjoys. From the fried-chicken temple that is Al Baik to steaming plates of foul with fresh tamees bread, Jeddah is packed with spots where a satisfying meal costs typically around SAR 15 to 23. Here's your practical guide to where to find them, and how to stretch your riyals even further.

Can you really eat well in Jeddah for under SAR 30?

Absolutely. Jeddah's food scene runs the full range, from fine dining on the Corniche to humble neighbourhood joints that have fed residents for decades. The sweet spot for budget eaters sits around SAR 15 to 23 for a proper meal, with plenty of options at SAR 30 or less once you add a drink or a side.

Prices do vary — portion size, which branch you visit, whether you order delivery, and any add-ons all nudge the bill. But across the board, a filling meal under SAR 30 is easy to find if you know where to look.

The best cheap eats in Jeddah under SAR 30

Al Baik — the Jeddah legend

No list of cheap eats in Jeddah is complete without Al Baik. This home-grown fried-chicken institution is practically a rite of passage for residents and visitors alike, and the queues outside its branches tell you everything.

• What to order — crispy broasted chicken or the famous nuggets, with garlic sauce and fries.
• Price — chicken meals typically run SAR 15 to 30.
• Where — multiple branches across Jeddah, including one on Muhammad Abd Reda Street.
• Hours — one listed branch operates 10:00 to 02:00 daily, so it's a reliable late-night stop.

Shawaya House — kabsa on a budget

When you want a proper Saudi plate rather than fast food, Shawaya House delivers. A generous chicken kabsa — rice, spices and tender chicken — comes in at around SAR 30, which makes it a brilliant shared or solo feast.

• What to order — chicken kabsa; grab extra bread and salad to round it out.
• Price — chicken kabsa meal approximately SAR 30.
• Where — Abdul Rahman Al-Sudairy Street in Al-Salamah, plus other locations around Jeddah.
• Hours — typically Saturday to Thursday 11:00 to 02:00, and Friday from 12:30 to 02:00.

Foul and tamees spots — the breakfast of champions

For the cheapest, most beloved meal in the Kingdom, head to a local foul and tamees restaurant. These no-frills neighbourhood spots serve mashed fava beans, falafel and fresh Afghan-style tamees bread straight from the clay oven.

• What to order — a bowl of foul with olive oil, a side of falafel, and hot tamees to scoop it all up.
• Price — a full meal typically SAR 10 to 20.
• Where — scattered across virtually every neighbourhood in Jeddah.
• Best for — breakfast or a late supper; many open very early and stay open late.

Beach and park food trucks

Jeddah's public beaches and parks come alive after sunset, and the street-food stalls and food trucks that line them are a budget diner's dream. You'll find everything from shawarma and burgers to sweets and hot drinks.

• What to order — shawarma wraps, grilled corn, fresh juices, mini pancakes.
• Price — most items and meals fall between SAR 10 and 30.
• Where — along the Jeddah Corniche, public beaches and family parks.
• Best for — a cheap, breezy evening out; many trucks operate late into the night.

How much does a cheap meal in Jeddah actually cost?

Here's a quick snapshot of what your riyals buy you, so you can plan the week:

• Foul and tamees breakfast — typically around SAR 10 to 20.
• Al Baik chicken meal — typically around SAR 15 to 30.
• Shawaya House chicken kabsa — approximately SAR 30.
• Street-food wrap or snack — typically around SAR 10 to 30.
• Overall budget average — a Jeddah budget meal lands around SAR 15 to 23.

Remember these are indicative. Delivery fees, larger portions and extras can push a bill past SAR 30, so if you're keeping strictly under budget, dine in and skip the add-ons.

Tips to eat cheaply in Jeddah

• Dine in rather than deliver — popular delivery apps like HungerStation and Jahez are convenient, but delivery and service fees quickly eat into your budget.
• Share a kabsa — a single SAR 30 chicken kabsa easily feeds two, bringing the per-person cost right down.
• Make breakfast your main meal — foul and tamees is the cheapest filling meal in the city, and it keeps you going for hours.
• Hit the beach food trucks midweek — quieter nights mean faster service and often friendlier prices than weekend crowds.
• Carry small cash — many stalls and smaller foul spots prefer cash, though most larger restaurants take cards and mada.
• Check the hours before you go — schedules shift during Ramadan, public holidays and around prayer times, and vary by branch.

Best areas in Jeddah for budget eats

Al-Salamah is a reliable hunting ground, home to Shawaya House on Abdul Rahman Al-Sudairy Street and plenty of casual grills and bakeries. For late-night chicken, look for an Al Baik branch — including the one on Muhammad Abd Reda Street. For the cheapest breakfasts, almost any residential neighbourhood will have a foul and tamees spot within walking distance. And when the evening cools down, the Jeddah Corniche and public beaches offer food trucks and sea breeze for the price of a wrap.

FAQs

What is the cheapest meal in Jeddah?

A foul and tamees breakfast is usually the cheapest filling meal, typically around SAR 10 to 20 for beans, falafel and fresh bread.

How much does Al Baik cost in Jeddah?

Al Baik chicken meals typically cost between SAR 15 and 30, depending on the portion and sides you choose.

Can I get a full Saudi meal for under SAR 30?

Yes. A chicken kabsa at Shawaya House comes in at around SAR 30 and is generous enough to share, making it excellent value.

Where can I find cheap street food in Jeddah?

Head to the Jeddah Corniche, public beaches and family parks after sunset, where food trucks and stalls serve wraps, snacks and drinks for roughly SAR 10 to 30.

Do budget restaurants in Jeddah stay open late?

Many do. Al Baik and Shawaya House often serve until around 02:00, and beach food trucks frequently operate deep into the night — but always confirm the branch's hours, as they change during Ramadan and holidays.

Are prices the same at every branch?

Not always. Prices can vary by portion, branch, delivery and add-ons, so it's worth checking before you order.

Hungry for more? Explore restaurants in Jeddah on Saudi Living to find your next budget-friendly meal, or browse our food and dining guides for more local favourites.

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