A Guide To Bahraini Cuisine

Savour the flavours of the Gulf! Discover authentic Bahraini cuisine, from savoury Machboos to sweet Halwa, with this guide from Wyndham Garden Manama

January 5th, 2026 • 7 min read

Foodies, are you visiting Bahrain? We have the perfect guide to Bahrain cuisine for you. Bahraini cuisine is a mix of Persian, Arabian and Indian influences, creating a distinctive Gulf culinary tradition.

Try these traditional foods in Bahrain:

Machboosh

Machboosh is Bahrain’s national dish. Machboosh is a spiced rice dish. Basmati rice, meat (such as chicken, lamb or fish), as well as spices like clove, cinnamon and black lime are used to make Machboosh. Fried onions are used to garnish this dish.

Jireesh

Jireesh is a traditional Bahraini dish. Jireesh is made with crushed wheat that is cooked with chicken or lamb and spices, with a ghee topping.

Balaleet

Balaleet, a sweet and savoury dish, is sometimes eaten for breakfast. Vermicelli noodles cooked with sugar and spices are used to make this dish. Balaleet is accompanied by a side of fried eggs.

Safi

Try this tasty Bahraini dish: safi and sweet rice. Safi is a rabbitfish and is typically cooked whole.

Samboosa

Samboosa are pastries that have been baked or fried. They have a savoury filling. Chicken, meat or vegetable mixtures can be used to fill samboosa.

Qoozi

Qoozi, a national dish of Iraq, is served during a special occasion or event. Qoozi is made with roasted lamb stuffed with a mix of meat, rice, as well as spices.

Kabab Bahraini

These kebabs are a vegetarian delicacy made with chickpea flour, masalas, as well as finely chopped tomato and onions. Kabab Bahraini are deep fried until they become golden and crispy. These kebabs are eaten during Ramadan.

Halwa Showaiter:

Enjoy this traditional Bahraini dessert. Halwa Showaiter is made from ghee, sugar and cornstarch, and other flavourings like rose water. Nuts are used to garnish this dessert.

Muhammar

Sugar, dates and spices are used to make Muhammar, a sweet rice dish. Muhammar is frequently paired with grilled or fried fish.

Harees

Wheat and meat (typically chicken or lamb) are used to make Harees, a savoury porridge. Harees is usually eaten during Ramadan and other occasions. Harees is slow cooked for more than eight hours until it becomes gooey.

Ghreybah

This traditional Bahraini shortbread cookie has nuts on top.

Ogaili

Ogailii is a traditional Bahraini dessert that is made from both rice and wheat flour. Ogaili is sprinkled with icing sugar and is a bundt-like cake that is infused with saffron.

Baid Tamat

Baid Tamat is a tasty breakfast main dish. Baid Tamat is a mix of eggs and tomatoes that are fried with flavourful spices in a pan. Baid Tamat is served with fluffy Iranian bread and baked beans on the side.

Keema

Keema is a savoury dish that comes from the Southern Asian lands. Tourists and locals in Bahrain really enjoy this dish. Keema is made with minced chicken, lamb or beef and vegetables such as potatoes and peas. Keema is slow cooked until the meat is tender and is served with fried eggs on the side.

Gahwa

Gahwa is a cup of traditional Bahraini coffee that is very popular. Gahwa is spiced in a unique way and is served with dates.

Local Restaurants in Bahrain

Visit these incredible restaurants:

Darseen Cafe

Darseen Cafe is located inside the Bahrain National Museum on the Manama seafront. The cafe has a diverse menu and blends international flavours with amazing Khaleeji dishes.You will love the light breakfast bites, flavourful lunch and supper dishes. The menu gets creative when it comes to traditional Bahraini cuisine and has a contemporary take on classic dishes. Enjoy exquisite sea views and an amazing meal.

Learn more: https://www.bahrain.com/en/darseen-cafe.

Contact Darseen Cafe at +973 77336600 or visit darseencafebahrain.com.

Haji’s Cafe

Visit Haji Cafe in the Manama Souq for a real Bahraini dining experience. Established in 1950, the cafe is popular with royalty and world-class chefs. While there is no set menu, you can enjoy diverse dishes every day, from the traditional breakfast dishes to machboos and hearty grills that are served. Bahraini hospitality is reflected in the generous portions and the flavourful dishes.

Find out more: https://www.bahrain.com/en/haji-cafe.

Contact the cafe at +973 17210647.

Agaily & Karak

Experience a unique culinary experience at Agaily & Karak. Agaily & Kirk does blend the traditions of Khaleeji flavours. Its signature Agaily, a traditional cake, comes in many flavours. Agaily & Karak offers a diverse choice of traditional delicacies with a modern twist. The restaurant also serves a Karak tea that is popular. The offerings like traditional sweets and savoury items reflect the culinary heritage of Kuwait and Bahrain.

Visit Agaily & Karak in the Bahrain Bay area.

Learn more: https://www.bahrain.com/en/agaily-and-karak.

Contact the restaurant at 35358433 or visit https://linktr.ee/agaily_karak.

Naseef

Naseef Restaurant was founded in 1920. Naseef has a diverse menu that has a variety of tasty Bahraini dishes, and is also famous for its mango ice cream. The best of Bahraini cuisine can be enjoyed at Naseef. You will love eating your meal while taking in the exquisite sea view from Muharraq.

Contact Naseef at +973 38966668.

Lanterns Adliya

Lanterns was established in 1987. Locals enjoy this Indian restaurant, which mainly serves Indian cuisine as well as Thai and Chinese dishes. Lanterns can cater to different palates, so it is popular among visitors and locals. Get ready to enjoy classic and contemporary dishes at Lanterns.

Find out more: https://www.bahrain.com/en/lanterns-adliya.

Contact Lanterns at +973 17246777 or visit www.lanternsrestaurant.com.

Masso

Food lovers and critics love Masso, which is located at the Palmyard Hotel in Adliya. Masso has earned its place among the 50 Best Restaurants in the MENA region in 2023. Contemporary Italian cuisine is blended with a Mediterranean touch, creating an amazing dining experience at Masso.

Masso’s contemporary European menu highlights the finest ingredients that come from Europe and beyond. Masso’s organic garden and daily harvests feed into its seasonal menu, elevating its dishes even more.

Read more here: https://www.bahrain.com/en/masso.

Contact Masso at +973 17721061 or visit https://massorestaurant.com/.