Cuisine in Bahrain

Signature dishes

Machboos

Bahraini version of rice pilaf with spiced rice topped with lamb or fish.

Region: Territory-wide
Main ingredients: Basmati rice, Meat or fish, Cardamom, Saffron

Muhammar

Reddish-brown rice sweetened with date syrup.

Region: Around Manama
Main ingredients: Rice, Date syrup, Ghee, Cardamom

Bahraini Biryani

Indian-style biryani reconstructed with local spices.

Main ingredients: Rice, Chicken, Tomatoes, Mint, Spice blend

Ghuzi (Khuzi)

Festive dish of whole roasted lamb presented lavishly with pilaf.

Main ingredients: Lamb, Basmati rice, Nuts, Raisins

Sambusa

Triangular fried pastry. Ramadan staple appetizer.

Main ingredients: Wheat flour, Vegetables, Meat, Spices

Balaleet

Breakfast dish of sweet vermicelli layered with spiced omelet.

Main ingredients: Vermicelli, Sugar, Saffron, Eggs

Harees

Porridge-like dish of wheat grains and meat simmered for hours.

Region: Ramadan period
Main ingredients: Cracked wheat, Chicken, Salt, Ghee

Falafel (Bahraini Style)

Fried chickpea snack. Stronger cumin flavor.

Main ingredients: Chickpeas, Cumin, Tahini

Karak Chai

Rich spiced tea with condensed milk.

Main ingredients: Black tea, Cardamom, Sugar, Evaporated milk

Dates and Fish Curry

Coastal traditional dish combining sweetness and spiciness.

Region: Northern coast
Main ingredients: Fish, Dates, Tamarind, Spices