Every Arab family in the Netherlands knows the feeling: you are cooking a familiar dish, and one ingredient is missing. The right spices, the brand of tahini you grew up with, fresh bread, or sweets like the ones back home. Finding them is not always easy, especially if the nearest Arab shop is far away.

This guide explains where to look, what to check before you order, and how to get Syrian, Arab and halal products delivered to your door with MnBaladna. If you have only just arrived, our guide for new Arab expats in the Netherlands covers the other essentials too.

What people usually look for

• Spices and seasonings: seven spices, sumac, za'atar, baharat, dried mint and more.
• Pantry staples: tahini, pomegranate molasses, bulgur, freekeh, lentils, rice and olive oil.
• Dairy and cheese: labneh, akkawi, halloumi and nabulsi cheese.
• Halal meat and poultry: fresh or frozen, from halal butchers and grocers.
• Sweets and snacks: baklava, ma'amoul, halawa, dates and traditional biscuits.
• Ready meals: fresh dishes from Arab restaurants near you.

Where can you buy them?

1. Local Arab shops and supermarkets

Nothing replaces walking into a neighbourhood shop, especially for fresh products. The drawback is that many cities have only a few, and opening hours or stock may not always suit you.

2. General supermarkets

Many Dutch supermarkets have an international or world food section where you can find basics such as rice, chickpeas and some spices. The choice of specifically Arab brands is usually limited.

3. Big delivery apps

Some general delivery platforms include halal restaurants and stores. They are convenient, but the focus is broad rather than specifically Arab.

4. An Arab community platform like MnBaladna

MnBaladna was built for Arab communities in the Netherlands. It brings local Arab stores and restaurants into one place, so you can order groceries, meals and daily essentials from shops that understand what you are looking for. MnBaladna covers 371 delivery zones across the Netherlands; enter your address to see which stores deliver to you.

Shopping with MnBaladna

• One place for many stores. Browse Arab and halal shops and restaurants on the website or in the MnBaladna app.
• Delivery or pickup. Choose the option that suits you, where the store offers it. Delivery costs are shown at checkout before you confirm your order.
• Plan ahead. Schedule your delivery for a time that fits your day, or order now.
• Follow your order. Track your delivery live until it reaches your door.
• Save as you shop. Look out for offers and coupons, collect reward points on qualifying orders, and pay with your MnBaladna wallet if you like.
• Everything in your language. The website, the app and our customer support are available in Arabic, Dutch, English and German.

Tips before you order

1. Check the halal information. Look at the product description and packaging, and ask the store if you are unsure about a specific product.
2. Check expiry dates on fresh products. Dairy, meat and fresh sweets have shorter shelf lives, so order what you will use soon.
3. Compare delivery options. The best option depends on your distance from the store and how quickly you need the order.
4. Order in one go. Combining pantry items in a single order usually makes delivery more worthwhile, especially before busy periods. Our Ramadan shopping guide shows how to plan a bigger shop.
5. Apply your savings at checkout. Enter a coupon code or use your reward points before you pay.
6. Support your local shop. Ordering from local stores keeps small Arab businesses in your community going.

Not sure what to cook with what you already have? Try Our Kitchen, MnBaladna's recipe assistant, which suggests dishes based on ingredients available in local stores.

Frequently asked questions

Can I order Syrian products in the Netherlands?

Yes. Local Arab stores and supermarkets on MnBaladna sell Syrian and Arab products, from spices and pantry staples to cheese and sweets. Search for the product or browse the stores near you.

Do I need to install an app?

No. On Android you can download the MnBaladna app from Google Play. On iPhone, or on any computer, use the web app at web.mnbaladna.com in your browser. An iPhone app is in development.

Can I pick up my order myself?

Where the store offers it, yes. You can choose pickup instead of delivery at checkout.

How can I pay?

The payment options available for your order are shown at checkout. You can also top up your MnBaladna wallet and use it to pay.

Is delivery available in my city?

MnBaladna covers 371 delivery zones across the Netherlands. Which stores deliver to you depends on your address, so enter it on the website or in the app to see the stores near you.

More questions? Visit the customer FAQ or contact our support team in Arabic, Dutch, English or German.

Order the taste of home today

Whether you are stocking your pantry or looking for a ready meal tonight, you can find Arab and halal products from local stores in one place. Start shopping on MnBaladna and get familiar flavours delivered to your door.

Helpful guides from the MnBaladna Help Center

• Place Your First Order
• Using MnBaladna on iPhone (Web App)
• Delivery Zones, Fees and Tracking