Shoppers' Paradise: Bahrain's Ultimate Must-Buy Guide

Bahrain is a small island in the Arabian/Persian Gulf, known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and delicious food. It is also a great place to shop, with a wide range of products available, from aromatic spices and fresh seafood to gold and antique jewellery. Here is a list of must-buy items when visiting Bahrain:

- Dates – Dates are a staple in Bahraini cuisine and are known for their health benefits. They can be found fresh in local markets or preserved in souqs and malls.

- Bakhoor – Bakhoor is a type of incense derived from fragrant tree wood chips and is widely used in Arabic culture. It is available in souqs and malls and makes for a great souvenir.

- Persian Rugs – Persian rugs are famous for their intricate designs, beautiful colours, and weaving techniques. Authentic rugs can be found in the Manama souq and other local souqs.

- Gold – Bahrain is known for its premium-quality gold jewellery, with a variety of modern and traditional designs available. Gold City in Manama Souk is a popular destination for gold shopping.

- Pearls – Bahrain was once known as the Gulf of Pearls, and the pearling industry has been a part of the country's economy since the 1930s. Pearl shops can be found in malls and souqs, with popular options including Al Mahmood Pearls, Al Fardan Jewellery, and Mattar Jewellers.

- Pottery – Bahraini pottery is famous for its unique and intricate designs, passed down through generations. The traditional village of A'ali is a great place to find beautifully crafted pots, lamps, and pitchers.

- Abayas and Scarves – Abayas are traditional loose-fitting garments worn by Arab women. They can be found in most malls and souqs, with modern and traditional designs available. Matching scarves are also widely available.

Gold and pearl jewellery

Gold City in Manama's souk is the place to go for gold shopping. Here, you'll find a building full of gold shops, as well as independent retailers in the surrounding lanes. You can buy 21- and 24-carat gold in both modern and traditional designs, with Arabic, Indian, and contemporary styles on offer. Many pieces are studded with diamonds, pearls, and precious or semi-precious stones. You can also opt for custom-made jewellery, such as a gold pendant of your name in Arabic.

When it comes to pearls, Bahrain has been called the Gulf of Pearls due to its thriving pearling industry in the past. Today, there are still a few pearl divers and shops offering local pearls. Most of the gold shops in Manama Souk sell pearl-studded gold jewellery, but remember to purchase from licensed shops only. Popular jewellers include Mannai Jewellery, Mattar Jewellers, Al Mahmood Pearls, and Al Fardan Jewellery.

If you're looking for something truly special, consider a piece of jewellery that combines Bahraini gold and natural pearls. The Manama Pearl Factory, located near Tawawish Road, specialises in manufacturing jewellery made of 21-carat Bahraini gold studded with natural pearls. Their collection includes elegant designs that blend modern and traditional styles, such as a rose-shaped pendant or ring made of gold and 16 natural pearls.

For those who appreciate the finer things, Bahrain offers a range of exquisite gold and pearl jewellery that showcases the country's rich heritage and craftsmanship.

Local handicrafts

Bahrain is known for its local handicrafts, which are widely available in souks (traditional markets) across the country.

Pottery

Pottery is a traditional art form in Bahrain, dating back to the fourth millennium BC. In the village of A'ali, you can meet artisans who make a living from creating and painting pots, pitchers, lamps, coin banks, and other items. You can learn about the ancient traditions of pot-making, and even try your hand at crafting your own pottery under the guidance of a local craftsman.

Woven Baskets, Tapestries, and Wall Hangings

Beautifully woven baskets, mats, wall hangings, and tapestries made from palm fronds are also popular handicrafts in Bahrain. These items can be found in most souks, and you can learn more about the traditional art forms at the Al Jasra Handicraft Centre, a museum dedicated to indigenous Bahraini art.

Stained Glass Mosaics

Stained glass mosaics are another unique handicraft you can find in Bahrain. These colourful creations add a touch of local culture and tradition to any home.

Woodwork

Woodwork is an integral part of Bahrain's indigenous art forms, and you can find a variety of wooden handicrafts, including wooden chests, in the souks.

Cloth Weaving

Cloth weaving is another traditional art form in Bahrain, and you can find beautifully woven textiles and clothing in the souks.

Basket Weaving

The dried leaves of date palm trees are used to create intricately woven baskets, which make for unique and functional souvenirs or gifts.

Antiques

For those interested in antiques, the Souq Al Haraj in Isa Town is a flea market that offers a wide variety of items, including antiques. It's a great place to bargain for unique finds.

Jewellery

While gold and pearl jewellery may not be considered handicrafts in the strictest sense, the intricate designs and traditional techniques used in their creation deserve a mention. Bahrain is known for its premium gold quality, and the country has a long history in the pearling industry. You can find gold and pearl jewellery in most souks and malls, with some shops offering custom-made pieces.

Bahrain's local handicrafts offer a unique insight into the country's rich cultural heritage and traditions. These items not only make for memorable souvenirs but also support local artisans and help keep these ancient art forms alive.

Bahraini sweets

When it comes to Bahraini sweets, there is a whole host of delicious treats to indulge in. Here is a guide to some of the Kingdom's best traditional desserts:

Halwa

Halwa is a popular sweet across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and parts of Europe, but Halwa Bahraini is unique. This gelatinous, jelly-like treat is made with corn flour and comes in a few varieties, including red, green and golden. The most popular red version includes nuts (pistachios, almonds and walnuts), spices (cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg and saffron), rose water and sugar. Halwa Bahraini is said to be very sweet, and is usually served with Arabic coffee. You can buy it from any of the multiple 'Showaiter' shops across the Kingdom, or head to the factory in Muharraq.

Luqaimat

These dessert dumplings are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Drenched in date syrup, these golden fried balls are made using flour, oil and sugar, and are often studded with sesame seeds. You can find them at Emmawash Traditional Restaurant in Budaiya, or try their other branch in Hamala.

Baklava

This rich, sweet pastry is a Turkish import, now popular across the Gulf. It is made with layers of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts) and held together with sticky honey or syrup flavoured with rose water or orange blossom. Tariq Pastries in Qudaibiya has been serving Bahraini baklava since 1983 and is a firm favourite.

Kunafa

Kunafa is the Middle Eastern version of cheesecake, and is especially popular in Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and northern Egypt. The base is a stringy, stretchy cheese, similar to mozzarella, which is then rolled in pastry or shredded phyllo dough and topped with honey or sugar syrup. Kanafawy in Tubli is the place to go for kunafa in Bahrain. They have other branches too, and also offer home delivery.

Ma'amoul

These little shortbread pastries are stuffed with dates, walnuts or pistachios and are perfect with a cup of tea or Arabic coffee. You can find them at Tariq Pastries.

Qatayef

This stuffed mini pancake is a popular choice during Ramadan and Eid. The pancake is folded into a half-moon and filled with unsalted cheese, nuts, raisins, sugar, spices or fruit, then deep-fried and served with syrup. Notable bakery Saadeddin is a good place to try qatayef, with several locations across the Kingdom.

Umm Ali

Umm Ali is an Egyptian dessert, said to be the Middle East's most famous. It's a bread pudding made with puff pastry, condensed milk, cream, nuts, sultanas and shredded coconut. It's available at the popular bakery, Saadeddin, or at the Al Safir daily buffet at the Sheraton Bahrain.

Rangeena

This simple dessert is made with dates, flour, walnuts and spices such as cardamom, nutmeg or cinnamon. It is often served with a cup of Arabic coffee. Try it at Roche Café in Adliya.

Khanfroosh, Rehash, Mahalabiya

And other traditional sweets are available at confectionery shops across the island. Mahalabiya is a custard-type dish, flavoured with rosewater and garnished with chopped pistachios. You can try it at Saffron by Jena in Muharraq or Manama.

Persian rugs

If you are looking for a more contemporary design, Persian Rugs, a brand that specialises in traditional handmade rugs from Iran, offers a wide range of modern-design rugs made in Iran. AmazonBasics and West Elm also offer Persian-style rugs at affordable prices, including machine-made rugs with traditional designs and modern designs inspired by traditional Persian rugs.

When buying Persian rugs in Bahrain, beware of factory-manufactured knock-offs. It is recommended to buy from licensed shops only.

Spices

Bahrain is a paradise for jewellery lovers, but it also offers plenty of opportunities to buy spices.

The archipelago's most typical spice is bzaar, a curry powder that can only be found in the souks of Bahrain. Other typical spices include Arabic cuisine staples such as turmeric, cardamom, cumin powder, saffron, and coriander powder. These can be purchased by the kilo from local vendors in the souks or in packaged form from malls and retail shops.

The Manama Souk, behind Bab Al Bahrain, is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways where traders sell a variety of goods, including heady spices. The Local Ppl guides can help tourists navigate this market and show them the best spots to buy spices and other goods.

For those who want to buy spices and support local farmers at the same time, the Farmers' Market is a great option. This market, held in a pristine and air-conditioned building, offers a colourful array of local organic produce.

For a unique shopping experience, visitors can also try the Al Jasra Handicraft Centre, a handicrafts museum set up by the Tourism Directorate. Here, they can learn about Bahrain's indigenous art forms and purchase woven baskets, mats, and wall hangings made from palm fronds, as well as woven tapestry and stained glass mosaics.

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