Central Fish Market — Local services in Makkah Region

The Central Fish Market in Jeddah, which sells endless rows of colorful seafood directly from the sea and serves as the best wake-up call in the city, comes to life early in the morning. The harbor has traditionally served as Jeddah's hub, greatly influencing the expansion and development of the city. Its advantageous location has helped the city thrive as a hub for global trade and a refuge for pilgrims making their way to Makkah and Medina.

Even though the tankers that cruise Jeddah's coasts now are very different from the wooden dhows of the past, the fish market's azure blue walls have kept all of its characteristics. The market is a photographic feast even if you aren't eating because of the amiable clamor and colorful selection of fresh fish, not to mention the port's fascinating significance in Jeddah's history.

Watch fishermen dump their catch onto more than 100 stalls as the sun rises over the coast. The chance to buy the widest selection of fish in Saudi Arabia is up for bid. Since many vendors display English-language labels, it's a good idea to go from market to market and get familiar with the diverse selection of seafood on sale. The on-site restaurant at the fish market allows you to take your fresh catch home or eat it there, and it also provides takeout and eat-in options.

For those eager to sample this loud, immersive experience, fish is cleaned, prepped, and grilled hours after it is caught, making the full-service option enticing. There are many options available, including seabass, tuna, calamari, mountains of crab and lobster, and regional delicacies like the red grouper (also known as 'najil' and the Napoleon wrasse (also known as 'tarabani'). Other fish caught in the area include Egyptian parrotfish and Omani sardines, but if you want to try local cuisine, look for products marked 'Baladi.'

Due to the large number of on-site fishing shops that offer fishing rods, tackle, and other equipment to anyone willing to give it a try, the market is a hub for amateur fishermen. There are various coffee and food sellers, on-site parking, and an ATM in the main market.

Although the fish market is open daily from 5 am to 9 pm early mornings are the busiest. Expect the craziest commotion on Friday mornings when Jeddah's love of fish is displayed in a cacophonous fashion to start...

I recently visited the Central fish market in Balad Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with my experience. Located in the heart of the city, this market is a must-visit for anyone who loves seafood.

The first thing that caught my attention was the cleanliness and organization of the market. Despite the hustle and bustle of a busy fish market, the stalls were spotless and well-maintained. This is a huge plus point, especially when dealing with seafood.

The variety of seafood available was also impressive. From fresh fish to shrimps, crabs, lobsters, and even exotic seafood like octopus and squid, the options were endless. The vendors were knowledgeable about their products and were happy to provide recommendations and cooking tips. I was able to find some rare types of fish that I had never seen before.

What sets this market apart from others is the option to have your seafood cooked right on the spot. There are a few restaurants within the market that offer a variety of cooking styles, from grilling to frying. I opted for the grilled fish and it was one of the best I have ever tasted. The freshness of the fish was evident in every bite.

The prices at the Central fish market are also very reasonable. I was able to purchase a variety of seafood for a fraction of the cost compared to other markets or supermarkets. The vendors were also open to bargaining, making the shopping experience even more enjoyable.

One of the highlights of my visit was the atmosphere of the market. It was bustling with locals and tourists alike, all in search of the freshest catch. The energy and liveliness of the market were contagious, making it a memorable experience.

However, the only downside was the lack of seating and parking space. As the market is always crowded, finding a place to sit and enjoy your meal can be a challenge. The parking lot was also quite small, so I would recommend arriving early to avoid any inconvenience.

In conclusion, the Central fish market in Jeddah is a must-visit for anyone who loves seafood. With its cleanliness, variety, freshness, and reasonable prices, it is definitely one of the best fish markets in the region. I highly recommend a visit to this market for a unique and authentic seafood...

I love this place every time I go buy hamour or salmon but salmon sometimes because it's very costly aprox 70sr/kg

I have good experience in fish market but be careful you have to ask price from minimum 5 shop then buy your own choice .

Why I gave 3 star but not 5 star there is very big week and embarrassed point

Buy fish for example 15sr/kg After clean and weight deduction it will cost 30sr/kg and also cleaning is not 100% you have to clean at home again same procces and time that is a worst part of this market.

The cleaning company take money for cleaning fish and then go to the labor of cleaning company they ask again money 💰 to clean fish if you didn't give them money they will angry on you 🤣 even if you gave 2 riyal they are not satisfied need minimum 5 riyal why if they getting salary again need money if someone Want to give by own choice no problem but they don't have to force Also problem is cleaning is not 100% that is very big worst part I don't like...