12/07/2023
Discovering Bahrain as a Foodie
If you can go to any extent to try delicious food and authentic cuisine then Bahrain is just the place for you. If you have a sweet tooth, you love non-vegetarian dishes, or can’t go a day without having coffee, you must book your ticket to Bahrain right away and indulge in the soul food that it has to offer.
We will be discussing the types of cuisines, and famous dishes, along with other things that you can make a note of to discover Bahrain as a true foodie.
An Overview of the Cuisine
The culinary scene in Bahrain reflects the country's rich history and different cultural influences. The cuisine of the country combines flavors and spices from the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe. Bahraini cuisine is distinguished by its liberal use of aromatic spices, herbs, and flavors. Saffron, cardamom, turmeric, and cinnamon are common ingredients in many traditional recipes.
Traditional Bahraini Dishes
Machboos: Bahrain's national food, is a savory rice meal cooked with meat, usually chicken or lamb, and a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Before being combined with the rice and seasonings, the beef is slow-cooked in a broth with onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
Balaleet: A sweet and savory breakfast dish prepared with vermicelli noodles, eggs, sugar, and cardamom, is another popular traditional Bahraini cuisine. It is typically served with a cup of sweet tea and garnished with almonds or pistachios.
Contemporary Bahraini Cuisines
Aside from traditional Bahraini cuisine, the country has a thriving contemporary culinary scene, with numerous restaurants serving fusion cuisine that combines local ingredients with international flavors.
Fusion cuisine: It is an emerging trend in Bahrain, and it has grown in popularity in recent years. Many restaurants now serve dishes that use native Bahraini ingredients and spices as well as foreign culinary methods and flavors. Popular Bahraini restaurant Meisei, for example, provides "Bahraini Tapas," a small plate menu with a combination of Middle Eastern and Asian flavors.
Vegan: Bahrain also accommodates vegan and vegetarian dining well, with numerous eateries serving plant-based adaptations of traditional Bahraini dishes. Some restaurants, for example, serve vegan Machboos made with tofu instead of meat. Furthermore, numerous inherently vegan or vegetarian meals, such as falafel, hummus, and tabbouleh, are commonly accessible in Bahrain.
End on a Sweet Note: You Can’t-Miss Coffee and Desserts
No trip to Bahrain would be complete without experiencing the country's sweet delights and creamy coffee. Bahraini coffee culture revolves around Gahwa, a strong, aromatic coffee served with dates and little sweet pastries.
In Bahrain, halwa is a famous sweet dessert made from sugar, cornflour, and rosewater and flavored with saffron, cardamom, and pistachios. Halwa is available in a number of flavors, including plain, chocolate, and almond.
Another famous dessert in Bahrain is baklava, which can be purchased in many local bakeries and pastry stores and is commonly served with a hot cup of Gahwa. Luqaimat Balaleet al Rooh is another favorite Bahraini sweet.
To summarize, Bahrain is a foodie's dream, with a rich and diversified culinary culture influenced by the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe. Traditional meals from the nation are a must-try for any foodie. Furthermore, Bahrain's love of sweet delicacies and coffee is obvious in its famous sweets such as halwa and baklava, which are the ideal way to end the meal. Overall, Bahrain's food culture is an important aspect of the country's legacy and a key draw for visitors who want to try the country's cuisine and discover its numerous culinary options.