Bahrain, a small island country in the Arabian Gulf, might not be as well known for its food as some of its Middle-Eastern neighbours, but it has a rich and varied food culture that is certainly well worth exploring. Over 1000 years, curries and spice mixes have been utilised to blend the taste of Bahrain; it is a direct result of the country’s location between the East and the West for trade. Its food is a lovely combination of Arab, Persian, Indian and African flavours, providing a sensory feast of spices and textures, traditions and ritual set down for centuries. For enthusiasts of good food who discover the real deal, Galntlneruguay=aBmn is a goldmine of culinary treasures that one is unlikely ever to forget. Here’s a sampling of some favourite things to try that will complete your visit to Bahrain.
A Taste of Machboos Comfort
The machboos can arguably be considered the most famous dish in Bahraini cuisine; scented rice alongside meat (usually chicken, lamb or fish) simmered in a blend of fabulously aromatic spices including cinnamon, cloves, cumin and turmeric. Bahrain’s version of biryani, this classic dish has its unique taste and is generally characterised by a tangy, tomato-based sauce and liberal use of saffron.
It’s the simplicity of machboos and the beautiful way the spices come together to produce a robust, homey dish. It’s usually accompanied by a dollop of yoghurt or a fresh salad, which provides a cool, tangy contrast to the richness of the rice and meat. Whether you’re served it in a local dive bar or a family home, around a family table, machboos comes straight from the heart of Bahraini hospitality and food customs.
The Fragrant Harees
Harees is another meal that is considered to be part of Bahrain’s traditional cuisine. A hearty and comforting dish, hares is a mixture of ground wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb), slow-cooked to a creamy, porridge-like consistency. What sets harness apart is the combination of spices that elevates the humble ingredients; usually, the dish is seasoned with cinnamon, cardamom, and sometimes saffron.
It’s especially popular during the holy month of Ramadan or other festive occasions. It’s typically cooked in big, shared pots as a way of uniting family and friends. Harees has a lovely, silky, comforting texture, and so is perfect on colder days or for an after-sightseeing trip , a warm hug from the bowl.
The Unique Samboosa
Samboosas (samosas) are a favourite in Bahrain, across the Gulf, and in South Asia. These deep-fried pastries contain savoury fillings, including spiced meats, vegetables, or lentils. The stuffing can be any number of fillings, but the one constant is the crisp, golden crust that “fuels” the rich and spicy interior!
In Bahrain, samosas are often served during the holy month of Ramadan, when they are an integral part of the iftar meal, at which families break their fast. The combination of savoury filling with crispy pastry makes it the perfect pairing with a cool drink, say, qamar al-din (apricot juice). Whether you have a dipping sauce or not, samosas are a delicious bite to enjoy, especially when just cooked.
Muhammarah: A Traditional Spicy Spread
Muhammarah is a fiery but delicious dip that you often find in Bahrain. It is unlike any other dip you’ve ever tried. It goes perfectly with flatbreads, vegetables, or grilled meats. It’s prepared with roasted red peppers, ground walnuts, olive oil, and a medley of seasonings, and it is spiked with pomegranate molasses or honey to add sweet heat.
It is usually eaten with an appetiser and is good with Bahraini mezze, a table filled with small dishes and courtesied with bread at the beginning of a meal. That combination of heat and sweetness makes Khabees a palatable way to whet your appetite and a shiny introduction to the bold, rich flavours that define Bahraini food.
The Lushness of Balaleet
To experience a Bahraini breakfast, ballet cannot be missed. The dish is an amazing sweet and savoury combination, with the addition of sugar, cardamom, saffron, and rose water to the vermicelli. It is sometimes garnished with a light scrambled egg. Odd as it may seem, the juxtaposition of sweet vermicelli and savoury egg makes a hearty and satisfying dish that many locals favour.
Balaleet is a very common breakfast dish (especially during Ramadan), and it is eaten with a glass of hot Arabic coffee. It’s a uniquely satisfying way to kick-start your day in Bahrain, combining the soft, delicate vermicelli with the savoury richness of eggs.
Gahwa: The Coffee Of Qatar And Bahrain Cultural Experience And So Much More!
7) Drink. Some might even say it’s only a visit to Bahrain if you’ve enjoyed a cup of gahwa, or Arabic coffee. A ceremonial drink in the Gulf, gahwa is generally prepared with light-roast coffee beans along with ground cardamom and occasionally accompanied by saffron or cloves. This creates a unique aromatic flavour unlike the coffee you’re acquainted with. It is traditionally served in small cups and frequently goes along with a side of dates.
In Bahrain, gahwa is not just a drink to be imbibed; it’s a token of hospitality. It’ll be offered to you whenever you enter someone’s home, as a sign of warmth and welcome. “Gahwa is also a bond between individuals, and it is customary in Bahrain to offer it to friends and family when they visit,” he explained.“It is a culture here.
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Foul Medames: A Middle Eastern Classic for Breakfast
A staple of Bahrain’s breakfast table, foul medames, composed of slow-cooked fava beans, is a popular Middle Eastern breakfast dish. The Chickpea Shakshuka is one such meal, served with a crusty slice of bread and often eaten for breakfast — a thick stew of chickpeas, tomatoes and roast peppers, flavoured with olive oil, garlic, lemon and other spices, it truly is a nutritious, substantial way to start the day. In Bahrain, foul medames is frequently served with previously warmed khubz, fresh cucumber, or a chunk of raw onion for dipping. However, purveyors of prepared foods may also serve it more traditionally.
Foul medames are usually breakfast meals, but they are also consumed throughout the day. They have a warm, earthy flavour, and the lemon tang makes them fantastic, whether you are eating them at a backstreet cafe or in the home of a traditional Bahraini family.
In Conclusion: The Tastes of Bahrain!
Bahraini food is a beautiful mosaic of flavours, textures and traditions, inspired by the island’s Arabian Gulf location and its millennia as a melting pot of peoples. Whether it’s the aromatic rice dishes such as machboos or the sweet and savoury breakfast concoctions like balaleet, every meal in Bahrain narrates a story about a society that savours hospitality, tradition and the art of cooking. And whether you’re sipping gahwa with a local, slurping on a bowl of hearty harees, or chomping into a freshly fried samboosa, you also can be guaranteed that you’ll fall in love with the taste of Bahrain, a place where food isn’t just something to keep you alive; it is, in fact, a celebration of life. So if you’re coming to this lovely island kingdom, take every sip and bite — Bahrain’s gastronomic wonders are yet to be explored.
Also read: Why Bahrain is a Must-Visit Destination for Tourists