If you want a real Bahraini breakfast, head to Al Sana Cafe down in Manama Souk. It’s a new, no-nonsense spot with the best of the best for you to try. Only a few steps away from classic souk haunt, Haji’s.
Here’s what to expect:
• Balaleet
A sweet–savory mix of thin vermicelli scented with saffron, served with a thin omelette on top. Bahrainis eat it for breakfast and it is a highlight of any brekky table!
• Tomato Eggs
Scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, but lighter and simple. Great with bread (and there will be a lot of bread).
• Foul
Mashed fava beans seasoned with spices, lemon, and olive oil. This is the workhorse of the breakfast table: filling, earthy and perfect for scooping.
• Liver
Stay with me. Bahrainis do a mean sauteed liver. If you’ve been liver-shy your whole life, this might convert you. Again scoop it in some flatbread and enjoy!
• Sambosa
Flaky, fried triangles stuffed with cheese, potato or meat. Delicious.
• Labnah with Zaatar
Thick strained yogurt with a generous sprinkle of zaatar. Fresh, tangy, perfect alongside everything else.
• Aseeda
A warm, silky date pudding eaten with ghee. Traditional, comforting and sweet enough to count as your second dessert after balaleet (PS I don’t see this on many breakfast menus around town, as it is more of a home dish, so this was a treat to enjoy it here!)
• Fresh Bread
Tandoor bread comes out nonstop: hot, soft, and the true star of the table. Tear, scoop, repeat.
• Mehyawa Bread
My absolute fave of all time; a salty fish paste bread stuffed with cheese (is the best I can describe it!). A must-try while you are in Bahrain.
• Zinjibari (if you’re lucky)
A sweet, slightly chewy Yemeni-influenced cheese stuffed bread that sometimes makes an appearance. If you spot it, order immediately. They didn’t have it here, but just sharing in case you do see it on a menu.
If you’re exploring the souk in the morning, Al Sana Cafe is an easy, delicious stop: the kind of place where you sit, point at half the menu, and leave very full and very happy.
Instagram: @alsana.cafe
Google maps : here
To check out some of my other favourite souk spots:
