Welcome to Bahrain
Shopping and Dining in Bahrain
Stars and Stripes
February 3, 2026
There are many incredible options for shopping while you are stationed in Bahrain. (keleny | 123rf.com)
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.
Chicken Machbos is a delicious traditional dish to try in Bahrain. (stas71 | 123rf.com)
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.
Local workers in a restaurant of the Central Market. (Giuseppe Masci | 123rf.com)
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.
Smoking tobacco from a waterpipe goes back centuries as a way to show hospitality. (corradobarattaphotos | stock.adobe.com)
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.
The Seef Mall in Manama is so large it contains an amusement park. (Ali Awartany | stock.adobe.com)
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.
With modernized architecture, you may not realize that Manama Souq is the area’s oldest market. (Jantira | stock.adobe.com)