One of the most common questions tourists ask when visiting any country is about the local food. Trying new and delicious dishes is one of the true pleasures of travel. You travel to discover new things, and regional cuisine offers you the chance to explore and experience unique dishes.
The food in Manama is one of the most exciting experiences in this beautiful city. Bahrainis indulge themselves with excellent meals, and as a tourist, you’ll also enjoy some of the best breakfasts and lunches.
Bahraini Cuisine in Manama
Manama is the beating heart of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and its local dishes carry many influences from Gulf cuisine. Some dishes in Manama are especially known for their rich and fragrant spices. Despite the spread of international cuisine in Bahrain’s restaurants, local food still dominates the table and enjoys a strong presence in both homes and the many traditional restaurants spread across Manama and other Bahraini cities.
Local Food Restaurants in Manama
Haji’s Cafe
Haji’s Traditional Cafe is a family-friendly restaurant offering local cuisine. The setting is calm and relaxing, and you will enjoy delicious traditional meals here. You can also have a tasty breakfast, as they serve dishes like shakshouka, potatoes, hummus, and cheeses.
Address: 150 Government Avenue, Manama, Bahrain.
Location: Haji’s Traditional Cafe
Al Fanar Bahrain Restaurant
Seafood is one of the most popular dishes in Bahrain, especially in Manama. Al Fanar Restaurant offers some of the best seafood dishes, prepared with special Bahraini spice mixes.
Address: Adliya, Manama, Bahrain.
Location: مطعم الفنر البحرين- العدلية
Coco’s Bahrain
Located in the heart of Manama in Adliya, Coco’s Bahrain serves traditional dishes like biryani, lamb curry, and shrimp. They also offer Lebanese and Mediterranean food, as well as fast food.
Address: Road No. 3803, Adliya, Manama, Bahrain.
Location: Coco’s
Biryani House Restaurant
This restaurant specializes in various types of biryani dishes, such as chicken biryani, vegetable biryani, and egg biryani. They also offer many chicken-based dishes.
Address: Abdulrahman Al Dakhel Street, Manama, Bahrain.
Location: Biryani House Restaurant
Famous Bahraini dishes in Manama
1. Balaleet
Bahraini homes frequently prepare this popular dish, which they eat both in the morning and evening. Its main ingredient is barley, mixed with sugar, cardamom, saffron, eggs, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bahraini Jareesh
Bahraini and Manama homes commonly serve this authentic and popular dish. Its main ingredients are wheat and chicken, blended with ghee, onions, yogurt, cumin, black pepper, and cardamom.
3. Bahraini Machboos
One of the most famous Bahraini dishes for lunch, Machboos, consists of fish mixed with a special spice blend. Traditional Bahraini spices prepare it over rice and serve it with a broth.
4. Qoozi
Qoozi is a delicious lunch dish made of lamb cooked with rice and flavored with aromatic Bahraini spices.
5. Bahraini Biryani
An amazing mix of spices cooks chicken, lamb, or mutton to perfection in this dish. The specially prepared rice is served alongside it.
6. Bahraini Kebab
This is one of the most popular dishes that Bahrainis enjoy both at home and in restaurants. It is served with yogurt and a side dish of finely chopped vegetables with onions, tomatoes, and peppers.
7. Mahyawa
This is a special type of bread, topped with mahyawa sauce. Bahrainis typically enjoy it with Karak tea.
8. Shwaiter
A famous and traditional Bahraini dessert, shwaiter is made from cornstarch, saffron, and nuts.
9. Salona
A tasty traditional dish, Salona is made with okra, squash, meat, potatoes, and tomatoes.
10. Hamour Dish
Hamour is a large and popular Gulf fish, and it plays an essential role in Bahrain’s seafood cuisine, especially in Manama.
Manama awaits you with a variety of delicious local meals. Before your trip, learn about the best restaurants in Manama that serve authentic Bahraini cuisine. Engage with the Bahraini community and ask them for suggestions on tasty local dishes. Most of the food in Manama is rich with spices and flavorful herbs, making it a perfect gateway to explore Manama’s culture through its local cuisine.