One of the first things I noticed when I moved to Saudi Arabia was the supermarket culture. It’s huge.

Families spend their Friday evenings strolling through massive hypermarkets, buying everything from fresh mangoes to 85-inch TVs. But for a new expat on a budget, figuring out where to shop can be tricky.

Is Tamimi really that expensive? Is Lulu actually the cheapest? And what on earth is a "Baqala"?

Here is your ultimate guide to grocery shopping in the Kingdom, including a 2025 Price Comparison of staples so you can plan your monthly budget accurately.

1. The "Big Four" Supermarkets: Where Should You Shop?

Lulu Hypermarket (The Expat Favorite)

If you are from India, Philippines, or Pakistan, Lulu feels like home.

The Vibe: Chaotic, loud, and vibrant. They import products directly from Asia, so you will find your specific brand of rice, spices, or snacks.
The Prices: Very affordable. They run massive "10/20 SAR" sales weekly.
Best For: Bulk buying, electronics, and "Hot Food" (their Biryani counter is legendary).

Tamimi Markets (The "American" One)

Walking into Tamimi feels like walking into a Safeway (USA) or Waitrose (UK).

The Vibe: Clean, wide aisles, premium products. They have a partnership with Safeway US, so you will find Kirkland and Signature Select products here.
The Prices: Higher than Lulu. Expect to pay a premium for the clean atmosphere and Western brands.
Best For: Steaks, specialty cheeses, organic veggies, and Gluten-free items.

Panda / HyperPanda (The Local Giant)

You will find a Panda on every corner.

The Vibe: Solid, reliable, standard.
The Prices: Mid-range. They have great weekly flyers (Offers).
Best For: Daily essentials (milk, bread, eggs).

Danube (The Luxury Choice)

Danube is often found in high-end malls.

The Vibe: Fancy. The bakery section is incredible.
The Prices: Expensive.
Best For: Fresh bread, pastries, and high-end imported goods.

2. Price Showdown 2025: Lulu vs. Tamimi

I went to both stores to check the prices of essential items so you don't have to. Here is the breakdown for Late 2025:

Item	Lulu Price (SAR)	Tamimi Price (SAR)	Winner
Fresh Chicken (1kg)	16.95	19.50	Lulu
Basmati Rice (5kg)	34.95 (Lulu Brand)	45.50 (Sunwhite/Store Brand)	Lulu
Sugar (10kg)	36.95	46.95	Lulu
Fresh Milk (1L)	4.50 (Lulu Brand)	6.00 (Almarai)	Lulu
Eggs (Tray of 30)	18.95	22.95	Lulu
Coca-Cola (Can)	2.95	3.00	Tie

The Verdict:

Lulu is about 15-20% cheaper on a standard basket of goods. However, Tamimi wins on quality of fresh produce (fruits/veg) and meat cuts.

(To pay for your groceries, you'll need a local card. Check our comparison of [Best Banks for Expats: Al Rajhi vs SNB]).

3. The "Baqala" Culture (Corner Stores)

You don't always need a hypermarket. Every neighborhood has a Baqala (small grocery store).

What they sell: Bread, milk, eggs, snacks, and phone credit.
Delivery: Most Baqalas deliver for free! Just find their WhatsApp number (usually taped to the window) and text them your order. They will be at your door in 10 minutes.
(Living near a good Baqala is a huge plus. Read our [Guide to Finding Accommodation in Riyadh] to pick the right neighborhood).

4. How to Save Money (The "Flyer" Strategy)

Saudi supermarkets operate on a strict "Weekly Offer" cycle.

The Cycle: New offers usually start on Wednesday.
The App: Download the ClicFlyer app. It collects all the brochures from Lulu, Panda, and Tamimi. You can search for "iPhone" or "Sugar" and see who has the cheapest price this week.

5. Getting There

Riyadh is not a walkable city. You will need a car to do a big grocery run, especially in the summer heat.

Uber/Careem: Easy but adds 30-40 SAR to your bill.
Your Own Car: The best option.
(Don't have a car yet? Read [Buying a Used Car in Saudi Arabia] or start by getting your [Saudi Driving License]).