Our Favorite Foods in Bahrain!

Bahrain has a huge immigrant population; over half this country of 1.5 million people consists of non-Bahraini nationals. The largest ethnic groups consist of Bahraini Arabs, Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, and Arabs from other Gulf nations, with sizeable chunks as well from East Africa, East Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Because this ever-evolving agglomeration lives in just the northern half of an island no larger than New York City, the range of delicious food found in every community is mind boggling.

Favorite things to eat and drink.

1. Karak Chai: This is an Indian tea that I may be slightly obsessed with. It is made with a combination of black loose leaf tea, cardamom, saffron, sugar, and evaporated milk. It is sold all over the island and is very affordable (about 300 fils, which equates to about 75 cents per cup).
2. Za’atar croissants: Dried oregano, marjoram, thyme, sumac, salt, and whatever other secret spices they throw into the mix, stuffed into a golden croissant.
3. Shawarma: Meat, vegetables, sauces, and french-fries all wrapped up in a thing, springy pita is perfection. This is found everywhere as well! There is even a street lovingly referred to as Shawarma Alley (Osama Bin Zaid Avenue) that is packed with tons of different Shawarma shops.
4. Machboos: This is a traditional rice and chicken dish with loads of deliciously unique spices… that I have only tried recently but absolutely LOVE.
5. Limon ma Nya-Nya: This is an Arabic lemonade, put simply. It is lemon or lime juice, mint leaves, and sugar all mixed up, and is the perfect refresher on those humid, 110 degree days. It is also sold in grocery stores, cafes, and even Starbucks! Milo and I can’t get enough of this minty concoction.

Favorite Restaurants:

1. Layali Fairouz: Lebanese food with the absolute best experience. This Adliyah neighborhood restaurant has beautiful outdoor seating in a private courtyard, and the owner made Milo his assistant for the night, playing with him and letting run around in the beautiful, warm evening air. Amazing and relaxing for us all.
2. Houseboat. Incredible Indian and Thai Food in a great setting within the Avenues Mall. Houseboat offers delicious food, such kind service, and a great place to walk along the beautiful Bahrain Bay waterfront after dinner.
3. Wok Tok: I put this on the list because this amazing establishment made Milo into the Thai food lover that I always knew he had the potential to be.
4. Al Shoala Turkish Restaurant: This place doesn’t maintain a website, but has incredible Shawarma, and is an easy drive away from Bahrain’s Dino park in the Muharraq Al-Khubra Gardens. It is a quick take-away order, and right next to a great Karak Chai stand. We like to get food at both and then go for an evening picnic beneath the brontosaurus.
5. Nando’s: This is a common global chain, but there are four of them on the island, they deliver, and have the most delicious sweet potato fries ever, so they get to be on our list.

Cafes:

1. Knowhere Cafe: This spot has delicious lattes and the staff have all been so kind to Milo. Every time we visit Milo makes new friends and leaves with great cookies offered by the baristas.
2. Neo Books and Coffee: A great two-story bookshop with a coffee shop outside, surrounded by patio seating. The book selection is impressive, especially the English language options, and there is a terrific kids section upstairs.
3. Tea Time: Back to the aforementioned Karak Chai obsession, this is an island chain where you can get an entire pitcher of the frothy deliciousness!

Milo’s favorite food moments:

1. Rice and Dumplings from Wok Tok
2. Disassembling shawarma french fries from Al Shoala and then feeding them to the stray cats at Dino Park
3. Every juice infused moment involving Limon ma Nya-Nya, Mango flavored Milk, or Passionfruit juice. He is a fan!