What Food To Try in Manama and Food Prices

Balaleet - Sweet Spiced Noodles - A fragrant dish made with vermicelli noodles, saffron, cardamom, and sugar, often enjoyed at breakfast. Locals love to have it with an egg on top, and it's a comforting start to the day.

Shawarma - Grilled Meat Wrap - Tender marinated meat, typically chicken or lamb, sliced thinly and wrapped in fresh pita with garlic sauce and pickles. You’ll find people enjoying it as a quick lunch on the street, usually around the bustling areas of Manama.

Machboos - Spiced Rice Dish - A flavorful rice dish cooked with spices, chicken, or fish, and garnished with fried onions and nuts. It's a staple family dinner dish enjoyed during gatherings, often served on a large platter for everyone to share.

Harees - Wheat and Meat Porridge - A hearty dish made from wheat, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and seasoned with spices, resulting in a thick, smooth consistency. It's particularly popular during Ramadan, symbolizing communal sharing and togetherness.

Mahashi - Stuffed Vegetables - Zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers filled with spiced rice and minced meat, simmered in a savory tomato sauce. It’s often enjoyed at family gatherings, where everyone participates in the preparation process, creating a fun eating custom.

Qamar al-Din - Apricot Juice and Rice - A refreshing dish made from apricot juice thickened with rice, typically enjoyed during Ramadan. Locals often consume it as a filling iftar dish, sometimes with nuts sprinkled on top for added richness.

Foul Medames - Fava Bean Mash - A creamy fava bean dish seasoned with garlic, lemon, and olive oil, usually enjoyed for breakfast. It's common to eat it with flatbread and is often accompanied by fresh vegetables, making it a delightful morning routine for many locals.

Biryani - Layered Spiced Rice and Meat - A vibrant dish layered with fragrant basmati rice, marinated meat, and a blend of spices, often served with raita on the side. Biryani is a popular choice during special occasions, perfect for communal dining with friends and family.

Karak - كرك (spiced tea) - A robust black tea brewed with evaporated milk, sugar, and a mix of cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Locals love to sip it during afternoon gatherings or at roadside stalls, especially during the cool months when a warm drink is comforting.

Limonana - ليمونادة (mint lemonade) - A refreshing blend of fresh lemon juice, mint, sugar, and crushed ice. Popular during the heat of summer, it's often enjoyed at picnics or beach outings, with locals appreciating the balance between sweet and tartness.

Arak - عرق (anise-flavored spirit) - An alcoholic beverage made from fermented dates or grapes and flavored with anise, traditionally served with water which turns it milky white. Best enjoyed during special occasions or gatherings, it pairs perfectly with a plate of mezze to kick off the evening.

Bahraini Halwa - حلا البحريني (gelatinous sweet) - A unique dessert made from semolina, sugar, ghee, and flavored with rose and cardamom, served at room temperature with chopped nuts sprinkled on top. Often shared during festive occasions such as weddings or Eid, it's a treat that captures the essence of Bahrain's sweet heritage.

Knafeh - كنافة (cheese pastry dessert) - A warm dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry, layered with sweet cheese, and drenched in sugar syrup, served hot. Locals indulge in this gooey delight during Ramadan, marking the end of fasting days with something truly rich and decadent.