Quick Summary
- Saudi Arabia has excellent supermarkets with wide international product ranges
- All meat is halal — pork products are not available anywhere in Saudi Arabia
- Alcohol is completely prohibited — not sold anywhere in the Kingdom
- Major chains: Tamimi, Danube, Lulu, Carrefour, Panda, Al Raya
- Online delivery via Nana, Noon Food and supermarket apps is widely available
- International specialty items available at Tamimi and Danube — best for expat groceries
The Main Supermarket Chains
Saudi Arabia has a well-developed retail grocery sector. The main chains each have their strengths and expats quickly develop preferences based on location and product needs.
| Supermarket | Best For | Price Level | International Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamimi Markets | Western expats, international products | Premium | Excellent |
| Danube | International range, fresh produce | Mid-Premium | Very Good |
| Lulu Hypermarket | South Asian expats, bulk shopping, value | Affordable | Good — especially Asian |
| Carrefour | General groceries, household items, bulk | Affordable | Good |
| Panda | Everyday groceries, convenient locations | Affordable | Moderate |
| Al Raya | Local Saudi products, everyday shopping | Budget | Limited |
Tamimi Markets — The Expat Favourite
Tamimi is widely considered the go-to supermarket for Western expats. It carries an extensive range of international products including many brands from the UK, US, Europe and Australia that you simply will not find elsewhere in Saudi Arabia. Expect to find:
- Full range of UK branded products — Heinz, Digestives, Marmite, PG Tips and hundreds more
- US brands — Heinz ketchup, Kraft, General Mills cereals and others
- European cheeses, cold cuts and specialty items
- Fresh bakery section with Western-style breads
- Good wine alternatives — non-alcoholic wines from France, Germany and Spain
- Organic and health food section
Tamimi is premium priced but the quality and range justify it for expats who value familiar products. Main locations in Riyadh are Al Olaya, Al Nakheel and Hittin among others.
Lulu Hypermarket — Best for South Asian Expats
Lulu is the preferred supermarket for South and Southeast Asian expats. It carries an outstanding range of Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Filipino and other Asian products:
- Extensive Indian spice and dal selection
- Fresh Asian vegetables — bitter gourd, drumstick, curry leaves and more
- Full range of Pakistani and Indian snacks and sweets
- Filipino and Southeast Asian specialty items
- Fresh fish and seafood counter — well-stocked
- Rice in bulk — 5kg to 25kg bags of all varieties
- Very competitive pricing on most items
What You Will Not Find in Saudi Arabia
- Pork and pork products — completely unavailable. No ham, bacon, pork sausages or gelatin from pork. All meat is halal. Beef, chicken, lamb and seafood are plentiful.
- Alcohol — completely prohibited in Saudi Arabia. No beer, wine or spirits available anywhere. Non-alcoholic beer and sparkling grape juice are widely available as alternatives.
- Some Western brands — not every brand you are used to will be available. Equivalents are usually found but exact brands may differ.
Online Grocery Delivery
Online grocery delivery has become very well-developed in Saudi Arabia — particularly since 2020. Main options:
- Nana — the most popular grocery delivery app in Saudi Arabia. Aggregates multiple supermarkets including Tamimi, Danube, Panda and others. Fast delivery — often under 1 hour.
- Noon Food / Noon Daily — online marketplace with grocery delivery including fresh produce and pantry items.
- Supermarket own apps — Tamimi, Danube, Lulu and Carrefour all have their own delivery apps with home delivery available in most major city areas.
- HungerStation and Jahez — primarily restaurant delivery but also partner with some supermarkets for convenience items.
Shopping Tips for New Expats
- Friday mornings are quiet — Friday is the Saudi weekend so Friday mornings before midday are often the most peaceful time to shop. Thursday evenings and weekend afternoons are the busiest.
- Prayer times affect shopping hours — shops close for 20–30 minutes during prayer times. During Ramadan shopping hours shift significantly to evenings. Plan your shopping around prayer times.
- Loyalty cards are worth it — Tamimi and Danube have loyalty programmes that give meaningful discounts on regular purchases. Sign up within your first week.
- Bring your own bags — plastic bags are charged for in most supermarkets. Reusable bags save money and are better for the environment.
- Check expiry dates — particularly on imported products which may have longer transit times. Most products are perfectly fresh but a quick check is a good habit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find specific Indian spices and vegetables in Riyadh?
Lulu Hypermarket is your best bet for Indian spices, pulses, fresh Asian vegetables and specialty items. There are also dedicated Indian grocery stores in areas with high South Asian expat populations — ask colleagues from your community for their local recommendations as these smaller stores often stock very specific regional products.
Is there any way to get alcohol in Saudi Arabia?
No — alcohol is completely prohibited in Saudi Arabia for everyone including non-Muslims. It is not available in any shop, restaurant, hotel or private compound. Attempting to import or produce alcohol is a serious criminal offence with severe penalties including imprisonment and deportation. This is a non-negotiable aspect of living in Saudi Arabia.
What do supermarkets charge for delivery and how fast is it?
Delivery fees vary by platform and order size — typically SAR 5–15 per order with free delivery above certain order thresholds. Speed is impressive by global standards — Nana and the major supermarket apps routinely deliver within 30–60 minutes in major city areas. Same-day delivery is standard, next-hour delivery is common for most items.
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