Bahraini food is an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern, African, Indian and European cuisines. Much of the food is imported, reflecting Bahrain’s history as a hub for trade.

Foods to try:

Machbos – This is Bahraini comfort food. Using a Bahrat spice blend and lime to flavor rice, it is cooked with chicken and saffron and often has a side of green chili sauce called Daqoos.

Shawarma – One of Bahrain’s most popular street foods, this is a wrap containing spiced chicken or beef mixed with shredded veggies and sauces to your liking.

Harees – Often associated with Ramadan, this slow-cooked savory porridge is hearty and filled with lamb and clarified butter. 

Balaleet – This is a breakfast dish made with sweetened noodles and often served with an omelet on top.

Halwa – Try this sweet jelly dessert made from cornstarch and sugar flavored with saffron, rosewater, cardamom and nuts.

Tips for dining:

·     Restaurants are open during customary American hours, but many of the Bahraini people eat dinner later in the evening so most will stay open until midnight.

·     Many people in Bahrain drink bottled water. The tap water on the installation is filtered and safe to drink. 

·     Some restaurants may not serve alcohol and pork due to Muslim religious practices.

·     While tipping isn’t always expected, it is welcome as a nod to good service.

Smoking is common in Bahrain, especially for men. Shisha cafes are prominent and the tradition of smoking tobacco from a waterpipe goes back centuries as a way to show hospitality. 

Shopping in Bahrain is top notch. There are massive modern malls with high-end designer brands, traditional open-air markets (souqs) and custom clothing and furniture designers.

Malls to visit:

·      Seef Mall Bahrain – Has an amusement park inside.

·      Dragon City Bahrain – Large selection of home goods primarily imported from China.

·      The Avenues – Mall designed to look like an outdoor shopping town.

·      City Centre Bahrain – The biggest mall in Bahrain, complete with amusement and water parks.

·      Moda Mall – Luxury, high-end shopping destination.

Souqs to visit:

·      Manama Souq – Bahrain’s oldest souq with specialty areas for spices, rugs, gold, clothes and souvenirs.

·      Gold City – A modern indoor mall dedicated to jewelry.

·      Al Qusayrya Market – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its pearl sales.

When you are off the installation, you will see local men and women in traditional Bahraini attire. Service members may not dress in traditional host nation attire, except those of the Muslim faith or when visiting a mosque.

Local Men:

·     Thobe — a loose, ankle-length robe made from cotton.

·     Ghutrah — a red checkered or white head covering.

·     Agal — a strong cord to hold the Ghutrah in place.

Local Women:

·     Abaya — a traditionally black, but sometimes colorful, ankle-length garment with long sleeves and a high neckline.

·     Hijab — a religious head covering.

·     Niqab — a long garment that covers a woman’s entire body and face.

Acceptable Attire for U.S. personnel and dependents

Base personnel and their dependents should follow the Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) instruction regarding clothing.

Uniforms are not permitted to be worn off base.

Clothing should be neat and conservative.

Approved:

·     Ball caps, beanies, visors

·     Collared shirts, casual or dress shirts that cover shoulders, midriff and chest

·     Sleeves that cover at least three inches from shoulder seam

·     Shorts, skirts, dresses worn at or below the knee

·     Slacks, jeans, capri pants, leggings past the knee and not frayed or torn

·     Dress shoes, sneakers, running shoes

·     Flip-flops with leather or cloth straps, or wooden sole

·     Always carry your ID card out of sight.

Prohibited:

·     Cloth head coverings like bandanas and du-rags

·     Sheer or see-through items

·     Male piercings, more than two female ear piercings per ear.

·     Undershirts, tank tops, halter tops, tube tops, or any shirt that exposes shoulders, midriff or cleavage.

·     Items that identify you as an American like military-issued objects, backpacks, command-related wear, etc.

·     Offensive slogans, graphics or text related to politics, religion, nudity or sex, drugs, alcohol, gangs or other offensive material.

Welcome to Bahrain