The
Essence of.....Bahrain
An exploration of the world through food and drink
Essence -ial Information
|
UK Tourist Office |
98 Gloucester Road London SW7 4AU |
|
Currency |
Dinar |
|
Capital |
Manama |
|
Language |
Arabic/English |
|
Main Airlines |
Gulf Air, British Airways |
|
Flying Time from UK |
6hrs 30mins |
|
Visa |
Yes |
PROFILE
Because there is so little agricultural land on the islands, Bahrain produces only a fraction of its own food requirements; its main crops are dates, bananas, citrus fruits, mangoes, pomegranates, tomatoes and cucumbers. The land supports only a few thousand goats, cattle and sheep. Bahrain has to import much of its food. However, the fishing industry provides plenty of fish and shrimps
Bahrain's traditional food include fish, meat, rice, and dates. One of the most famous Bahraini dishes is machboos, which is made up of meat or fish served with rice. Another known food is muhammar , which is sweet rice served with dates or sugar. Since fishes are an important part of the cuisine so there are various dishes prepared with it like frilled fish, fried fish and even steamed fish. The fishes are usually eaten with rice and since the island had seen a century long British rule so the fish has become so popular in the cuisine of Bahrain. The popular fish in Bahrain include Chanad (mackerel), Safi (rabbit fish) and Sobaity. You must also try out another delicacy, the Qozi which is chiefly grilled lamb stuffed with rice along with boiled eggs, spices and onions.
The most popular traditional dessert is Halwa Showaiter, also known as Halwa Bahraini. It is a jelly like halwa made with corn starch, saffron and various nuts. Coffee, called Gahwa locally, is considered a part of the traditional welcome in Bahrain. It is usually poured into a coffee-pot, which is called dalla in Bahrain. It is served in a small cup made for coffee called finjan.
The traditional Sheesha (hookah), containing sweetened and often flavored tobacco, is smoked by many Bahrainis. The sheesha is served in most open-air coffee shops, where local men can be seen whiling away time enjoying the sheesha, and sharing interesting conversation. Nowadays, members of the expatriate population are also found to smoke sheesha in the cafés.