Makkawis’ favorite baleelah is sold in almost all districts of the holy city. The sale begins after Isha prayers and continues until the time of suhoor.

Saeed Barashi, the 60-year-old baleelah vendor, is allegedly the senior and most popular salesman in the holy city. It is estimated that he used to sell more than four tons of baleelah throughout the Ramadan. Barashi started 33 years ago and continues the tradition every year during Ramadan.

Barashi was employed at the Makkah Post Office, and yet he found time to prepare and sell his famous baleelah. He managed to find time because his shift was in the morning, therefore leaving him time to prepare and sell the popular dish in Makkah.

Barashi is an expert in making baleelah. Even women cannot compete with him in this respect. Hence, there is a huge demand for the baleelah prepared by him. Not only local residents, but also Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the holy city are eager to buy baleelah from him.

Barashi has displayed the popular dish at the annual National Heritage and Culture Festival at Janadriyah near Riyadh more than once. There was a corner for baleelah at the festival.

Barashi draws attention to the problem that he does not have a permanent sales outlet in Makkah. “I do not have a separate shop for baleelah. Therefore, I am forced to carry it on a trolley. I change the location of the mobile sales facility every year in accordance with the permit granted by the municipality,” he adds.

Barashi says that he makes baleelah and then starts selling after Isha prayers. “My average daily income ranges between SR1,000 and SR1,500. On some occasions, the daily revenue hits SR2,000. What distinguishes my baleelah are some types of ingredients that add to the unique flavor and taste of baleelah,” he says, while adding that he has been doing the preparation and the sale of the product after obtaining a permit from the municipality.

A large number of women have learned the art of making baleelah from barashi. However, Barashi is cautious not to disclose the secret of his business when asked for the secret ingredient to his special baleelah.