The Ultimate Bahrain Foodie Guide
From traditional Bahraini delicacies passed down through generations to international favorites perfected by world-class chefs, this is your essential eating bucket list.
Bahrain may be the smallest country in the Gulf, but its food scene punches well above its weight. As a trading hub for thousands of years, the Kingdom has absorbed culinary influences from across the globe while maintaining a proud tradition of local dishes that tell the story of its pearl-diving heritage and desert roots.
Whether you're a resident looking to explore beyond your comfort zone or a visitor seeking authentic experiences, this guide covers 50 dishes you absolutely must try in Bahrain. We've organized them by category and included our favorite spots to find each one. Consider this your official Bahrain food bucket list.
Pro tip: The best way to experience Bahrain's food culture is with an open mind and an empty stomach. Some of the most memorable meals happen at unassuming local spots rather than fancy restaurants. Don't be afraid to ask locals for recommendations — Bahrainis love sharing their food traditions.
🇧🇭 Traditional Bahraini
Dishes #1-10: The authentic flavors of the Kingdom
Start your Bahrain food journey with traditional dishes. These recipes have been passed down through generations, reflecting the island's history as a pearl-diving nation and its position at the crossroads of ancient trade routes.
Machboos
$$The national dish of Bahrain. Spiced rice with tender lamb or chicken, dried limes, and fragrant baharat. A must-try for any visitor.
Haji's Café, Bahraini Heritage Restaurant
Harees
$Wheat porridge slow-cooked with meat until silky smooth. Traditionally served during Ramadan but available year-round.
Traditional restaurants in Muharraq
Balaleet
$Sweet vermicelli noodles topped with a savory egg omelette. The sweet-savory combination is uniquely Bahraini.
Haji's Café, local breakfast spots
Muhammar
$$Sweet rice with dates and rose water, often served with fried fish. A beloved Bahraini comfort food.
Bahraini Heritage, Budaiya restaurants
Gabout
$Traditional Bahraini dumplings filled with meat and spices, served in a rich tomato-based stew.
Haji's Café, traditional homes
Qoozi
$$$$Whole roasted lamb stuffed with rice, eggs, and spices. The ultimate celebration dish for weddings and Eid.
Gulf Hotel, major hotel restaurants
Samak Mashwi
$$Fresh Gulf fish grilled to perfection with simple spices. Best enjoyed by the sea at a Budaiya restaurant.
Lanterns, Budaiya seafood restaurants
Luqaimat
$Sweet fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup. These addictive treats are Bahrain's favorite dessert.
Street vendors, traditional restaurants
Khanfaroosh
$Traditional Bahraini saffron rice pancakes, often served at celebrations and during Ramadan.
Local bakeries, home cooks
Chai Haleeb
$Sweet milk tea infused with cardamom and saffron. The essential Bahraini beverage.
Every café and restaurant
🥙 Middle Eastern Favorites
Dishes #11-20: Lebanese, Turkish, and regional classics
Bahrain's large Lebanese and Levantine communities have brought their culinary traditions to the island. These dishes have become so integrated that they're practically local now.
Shawarma
$Slow-roasted meat wrapped in fresh bread with garlic sauce. Bahrain has perfected this street food.
Jasmis, Aroos Damascus, street vendors
Hummus with Lamb
$$Creamy hummus topped with spiced ground lamb and pine nuts. Elevated comfort food.
Al Abraaj, Lebanese restaurants
Mixed Grill
$$An assortment of grilled meats including kebabs, tikka, and kofta with Arabic bread.
Al Abraaj, Bahraini Heritage
Fattoush
$Fresh salad with crispy pita chips and sumac dressing. Refreshing and packed with flavor.
Every Lebanese restaurant
Moutabal
$Smoky eggplant dip with tahini and pomegranate seeds. Essential part of any mezze spread.
Al Abraaj, fine dining restaurants
Manakeesh
$Lebanese flatbread with za'atar, cheese, or meat. Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
Wooden Bakery, Lebanese bakeries
Kunafa
$Cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup with crispy shredded phyllo. The ultimate Middle Eastern dessert.
Habibah, Wooden Bakery
Lamb Ouzi
$$$Slow-roasted lamb served over spiced rice with nuts and raisins. A feast for special occasions.
Gulf Hotel, major hotel restaurants
Falafel Wrap
$Crispy falafel with fresh vegetables and tahini in warm pita. Bahrain's favorite vegetarian option.
Aroos Damascus, street vendors
Shish Taouk
$$Marinated chicken skewers grilled to juicy perfection. A crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Lebanese restaurants, hotel restaurants
🌍 International Highlights
Dishes #21-30: Global flavors done right
Bahrain's cosmopolitan population has created demand for authentic international cuisines. From Indian curries perfected by generations of expats to Japanese omakase from Tokyo-trained chefs, the world is on your plate.
Butter Chicken
$$Creamy tomato-based curry that's become a Bahrain staple. The Indian community has perfected it here.
Zafran, Copper Chimney, Lanterns
Biryani
$$Fragrant rice layered with spiced meat. Hyderabadi and Lucknowi styles are both popular in Bahrain.
Zafran, Saffron, Indian restaurants
Fish and Chips
$$British classic done right at Bahrain's British-style pubs and restaurants.
JJ's Irish Pub, British Club
Sushi Omakase
$$$$Chef's choice sushi experience with premium imported fish. Bahrain's Japanese scene is booming.
Sushi Shin, Bushido, Mirai
Neapolitan Pizza
$$Wood-fired pizza with San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. Authenticity is key.
Masso, Segafredo, Italian restaurants
Pad Thai
$$Stir-fried noodles with tamarind, peanuts, and lime. Thai restaurants in Bahrain don't disappoint.
Thai Express, hotel Thai restaurants
Peking Duck
$$$Crispy-skinned duck with pancakes and hoisin sauce. A special occasion worthy dish.
Dynasty, hotel Chinese restaurants
Wagyu Steak
$$$$Premium Japanese beef grilled to perfection. Several Bahrain restaurants offer A5 grade.
CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Nusr-Et
Tacos Al Pastor
$$Spit-roasted pork tacos with pineapple. Latin American flavors are gaining ground in Bahrain.
Calexico, Mexican restaurants
Pho
$Vietnamese noodle soup with fragrant broth. Comfort in a bowl, especially on cooler evenings.
Vietnamese restaurants, food courts
🐟 Seafood Specials
Dishes #31-40: Fresh from the Arabian Gulf
As an island nation, Bahrain has an incredible seafood tradition. The morning fish markets are a must-visit, and the restaurants along the coast serve catches that were swimming just hours before.
Hammour
$$The Gulf's most prized fish. Mild, flaky, and best grilled with simple spices.
Fish Market, Lanterns, seaside restaurants
King Fish Tikka
$$Marinated king fish grilled in the tandoor. Smoky, spicy, and absolutely addictive.
Indian restaurants, Zafran
Lobster Thermidor
$$$$Classic French preparation with a creamy sauce. Bahrain's five-star hotels excel at this.
La Mer, Gulf Hotel
Jumbo Prawns
$$$Giant Gulf prawns grilled, fried, or in curry. A seafood lover's dream.
Fish Market, seafood restaurants
Fresh Oysters
$$$$Imported oysters on the half shell. Several fine dining spots offer excellent selections.
La Mer, CUT, fine dining restaurants
Seafood Machboos
$$The rice dish made with fresh Gulf fish instead of meat. A coastal Bahraini specialty.
Traditional restaurants, Budaiya area
Crab Curry
$$Fresh crab in rich, spicy gravy. The best ones use local mud crabs.
Indian seafood restaurants
Grilled Zubaidi
$$Silver pomfret, a Gulf delicacy, grilled whole with lemon and herbs.
Lanterns, traditional restaurants
Sashimi Platter
$$$Pristine raw fish from Tokyo's markets, sliced to perfection.
Bushido, Sushi Shin, Mirai
Seafood Tower
$$$$An impressive display of oysters, prawns, crab, and lobster on ice.
La Mer, fine dining restaurants
🍰 Sweet Treats
Dishes #41-50: Save room for dessert
The Gulf has a serious sweet tooth, and Bahrain is no exception. From traditional date-based desserts to French patisserie, there's always room for something sweet.
Umm Ali
$Egyptian bread pudding with cream, nuts, and raisins. Warm, comforting perfection.
Hotel restaurants, Arabic restaurants
Ras Al Abed
$Chocolate-coated marshmallow treats. A nostalgic favorite across the Gulf.
Supermarkets, sweet shops
Arabic Ice Cream
$Stretchy mastic ice cream with pistachios. Unlike any ice cream you've had before.
Bachir, Arabic ice cream shops
Baklava
$Layers of phyllo, nuts, and honey syrup. Turkish and Lebanese varieties are both excellent.
Wooden Bakery, sweet shops
Cheesecake
$$New York style or Japanese fluffy — Bahrain's café scene has perfected both.
Café Lilou, hotel patisseries
Crème Brûlée
$$Classic French dessert with crackling caramelized sugar top.
Fine dining restaurants
Mahalabia
$Rosewater-scented milk pudding with pistachios. Light, fragrant, and refreshing.
Arabic restaurants, hotel buffets
Date Cake
$Moist cake made with Bahraini dates. Sweet, sticky, and utterly irresistible.
Local bakeries, hotel restaurants
Matcha Desserts
$$Japanese green tea in cakes, ice cream, and more. The matcha trend is strong in Bahrain.
Meisei, Japanese cafés
French Macarons
$$Delicate almond meringue cookies in rainbow colors. Bahrain's pastry chefs nail these.
Café Lilou, hotel patisseries
Bonus: Must-Do Foodie Experiences
Friday Brunch
The Gulf's signature dining experience. Unlimited food and drinks at world-class hotels.
Budaiya Seafood Trail
Drive along the coast and stop at roadside fish restaurants for the freshest catch.
Muharraq Heritage Walk
Explore traditional cafés and bakeries in Bahrain's historic heart.
Night Market Food Stalls
Street food from around the world at Bahrain's various night markets.
Eating Like a Local: Top Tips
🕐 Timing Is Everything
Bahrainis eat late. Dinner often starts at 9 PM or later, and many restaurants are busiest around 10 PM. For a more peaceful experience, arrive early. For the authentic vibe, go late.
🍽️ Share Everything
Gulf dining culture is communal. Order multiple dishes to share, and don't be shy about eating with your hands when appropriate. Communal platters are the norm at traditional restaurants.
💬 Ask for Recommendations
Bahrainis are proud of their food culture. Ask servers, hotel staff, or taxi drivers for their favorite spots. Some of the best meals come from recommendations off the beaten path.
Start Your Food Adventure
Ready to eat your way through Bahrain? Explore our restaurant directory to find all these dishes and more.