Food in Bahrain

Bahrain, an archipelago located in the heart of the Persian Gulf, beckons travelers with its historical richness, diverse culture, and vibrant culinary scene. The Bahraini cuisine, a flavorful blend of Arabic, Persian, Indian, and even East African influences, presents a tantalizing array of dishes that reflect the country's cosmopolitan heritage. For visitors eager to indulge in authentic local flavors, Bahrain offers a culinary journey that ranges from traditional street food to upscale dining experiences. Get ready to discover the must-try specialties and where to find them in Bahrain, ensuring a gastronomic adventure that will be a highlight of your trip to this enchanting Middle Eastern nation.

Bahraini Dishes

Machboos

Machboos is arguably the national dish of Bahrain. This savory rice dish is akin to the biryani found in the Indian subcontinent. It's made with basmati rice, a variety of spices, and typically features chicken, lamb, or fish. The rice is cooked with a fragrant mix of cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves, often garnished with raisins and nuts.

Muhammar

Sweet rice, or Muhammar, is a delightful Bahraini specialty. It's a sweetened rice dish, usually served with fried fish or shrimp. The rice is cooked with dates or sugar and is flavored with cardamom, giving it a unique and indulgent taste.

Qoozi

Qoozi, also known as Goozi or Ghoozi, is a grand dish that's often the centerpiece of special occasions. It's a grilled lamb stuffed with rice, boiled eggs, onions, and various spices. The lamb is typically slow-cooked, resulting in tender meat that falls off the bone.

Balaleet

Often served for breakfast, Balaleet is a sweet and savory dish. It features sweetened vermicelli noodles topped with a thin, savory omelet. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a unique and satisfying start to the day.

Samboosa

Samboosa is a popular snack or appetizer in Bahrain. These are triangular pastry packets filled with a mixture of spiced meat, cheese, or vegetables. They are similar to the Indian samosa and are perfect for nibbling on at any time of day.

Harees

Harees is a hearty wheat and meat porridge that is especially popular during the month of Ramadan. The dish is cooked for several hours until it reaches a smooth consistency and is then seasoned with ghee and local spices.

Grilled Hamour

Hamour is a type of grouper fish that's commonly found in the waters around Bahrain. It's often grilled and seasoned with spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, then served with rice or flatbreads.

Shawarma

While shawarma is enjoyed across the Middle East, Bahrain has its own twist on this street food favorite. The meat, which can be chicken, lamb, or beef, is marinated in local spices and then slow-cooked on a vertical spit. It's served in a wrap or sandwich, often with tahini, vegetables, and pickles.

Margouga

Margouga is a thick tomato-based stew that's made with dumplings and vegetables. It's a warming dish, flavored with a blend of Middle Eastern spices, and is a common feature in Bahraini home cooking.

Stuffat

Stuffat is a term for various stews in Bahrain, and can include fish stuffat, which is a tomato-based stew with potatoes, onions, and various spices, or lamb stuffat, which is a richer, heartier version of the dish.

Bahraini Desserts

Halwa Showaiter

Halwa Showaiter is a sticky, jelly-like confectionery that is a Bahraini dessert staple. Made with cornstarch, ghee, saffron, cardamom, and nuts, it has a distinctive flavor and is often enjoyed with Arabic coffee.

Bahraini Maamoul

Maamoul are small shortbread pastries filled with dates, pistachios, or walnuts. They are often molded into decorative shapes and are particularly popular during religious festivals like Eid.

Khabeesa

Khabeesa is a sweet porridge made from flour, sugar, rose water, and cardamom. It’s a comforting dessert, typically enjoyed during the cooler months or for breakfast during Ramadan.

Lukaimat

Lukaimat are small, sweet dumplings that are deep-fried until golden and then drizzled with date syrup or honey. They are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, often sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Esh Asaraya

Also known as the "Bread of the Harem," Esh Asaraya is a rich cheese dessert. It consists of a sweetened bread base that is topped with cream or cheese, and then garnished with pistachios and syrup. It's a luxurious treat that's not to be missed.