Bahrain is among Asian countries with rich culinary heritage which reflects their locations and history.
Bahrain is an island country found in the Persian Guff. It is a multicultural country which results to foods from other Arab countries and international cuisine.
Many of the Bahraini local dishes are also found in countries such as Portuguese, Sumerian, Babylonian and Persian.
Let’s explore 12 Bahraini popular food & Health impacts
1. Machbous
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Machbous is a popular food in Bahrain, that can be eaten typically at lunch, and dinner. It offers a satisfactory taste and a nutrient-dense food. Even though, it is a spiced rice dish made with rice, chicken, or fish, blend with saffron, turmeric, and black lime, Machbous is slightly cheaper. It is served alongside tomatoes and salad cucumbers.
Nutrients in Machbous include; Protein, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins, iron, selenium, potassium, magnesium, lycopene, flavonoids, zinc, Beta-carotenoid Curcumin, quercetin
2. Harees
It is a popular food in Bahrain, commonly eaten during holiday months of Ramadan. The porridge-like meal is prepared from wheat flour and chicken or lamb. Once all the ingredients are added and it forms a smooth and creamy texture, harees is set for consumption.
Nutrients found Harees Includes; Dietary fiber, protein, zinc, iron, selenium B vitamins, calcium, flavonoids, vitamin A, vitamin E,
3.Muhammar
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Muhammar can be refers to as sweet rice, Because it is made with sugar and other ingredients like saffron, rosewater, and various spices. Muhammar is served alongside grilled meat dishes. It changes to red immediately it is ready to serve because of the caramelised sugar in the food. Nutrients in muhammar include; zinc
Carbohydrates, B vitamins, selenium, magnesium, potassium, copper, protein
4. Bahraini Fish Curry
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Fish is one of the main food ingredients that remains in the traditional food of Bahrain. Bahraini fish curry is always prepared with a fresh fish, as there are abundance of fish in the island nation. Spices that makes Bahraini Fish Curry more palatable and enjoyable are, tomatoes, garlic, turmeric, though It is often served with rice.
5.Gabout
Is a native Bahraini bread processed with whole wheat flour. You can neither eat it with stews, curries, or grilled meat dishes. The Bahraini indigenes often torn it into pieces to enable them scoop up the main course.
6. Samboosa
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In Bahrain, samboosa is considered as a snack or appetiser, which are offered to guests during special occasions in Bahrain. Samboosa has same feature to samosas. Apart from being a spiced meat, it contains healthy vegetables and cheese.
7. Balaleet
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Balaleet is a delicious meal commonly eaten in the morning. It has a remarkable health benefits due to the presence of herbs and spices in it. Balaleet is cooked with vermicelli noodles, eggs, saffron, cardamom, rosewater, fried onions, and presented with a side of date syrup.
8. Emmawash
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It is highly reverred by Islam not just in Bahrain but other Islamic countries. To cook emmawash, you need rice, shrimps, black-eyed peas, mung beans, and lentils. It offers nutrients like thiamine, riboflavin, potassium, magnesium, and iron
9. Mehyawa
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Mehyawa is a traditional food of Bahrain which can be found in local bakery and restaurants of Bahrain. It provides abundance of nutrients and bioactive compounds owing to the ingredients used in preparing it. Ingredients use are anise, coriander, cumin and anchovies.
10. Baid tamat
This is a popular food of Bahrain, mostly serve as breakfast. It is made from combination of egg, tomato paste and onions. Baid tamat has wide range of nutrients.
11. Zenjabari
It is made from flour, yeast, and black sesame. The dough is very enjoyable especially when added with hot sauce to the cheese.
12. Thareed
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You can find this local dish all year round, but it is also one of the main dishes served during the month of Ramadan for Iftar meal.
12 Bahrain traditional food Health impacts
Source of antioxidant: Some of the ingredients used in preparing traditional food in Palestine include, turmeric, saffron, cardamom, tomatoes among others. These are packed with antioxidant such as capsaicin, flavonoid, quercetin, lycopene, Beta-carotenoid. Science believes they are helpful in elimination of toxic substance in the body.
Maintenance of eye health: consumption of Palestine Popular food earn you natural compounds like Beta-carotenoid, a precursor of vitamin A. Vitamin A is responsible for optimization of cells, and tissues of the eyes.
Immune Boosting; as an excellent source of essential nutrients and phytochemicals, these help enhence immunity.
Promote gut health: Adequate consumption of many Bahraini food possess dietary fiber which help promote strengthen beneficial bacteria in the body.
Source of Energy: They are good sources of energy and nutrient-dense. They provide strength if consumed adequately.
May maintain heart health: They contain dietary fiber, and phytochemicals which help enhence effective functions of the heart. The presence of dietary fiber assist in reducing accumulation of build up on the arterial wall of the blood vessels.
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Conclusion
Bahrain is known for its diverse culinary tradition as well as rich cultural heritage.
12 Bahraini popular food & Health impacts include; Machbous, Harees, Baid tamat,Thareed, Zenjabari among others.
