Harees (Ramadan Wheat and Meat Porridge)

Introduction: Harees, a slow-cooked porridge of cracked wheat and meat beaten to a smooth, creamy consistency, is one of the most significant dishes served during Ramadan and Eid across Bahrain. Cultural Background: Harees, a slow-cooked porridge of cracked wheat and meat beaten to a smooth, creamy consistency, is one of the most significant dishes served […]

Shorbat Adas (Spiced Red Lentil Soup)

Introduction: Shorbat Adas, a smooth spiced red lentil soup, is a beloved Ramadan opener across Bahrain, traditionally the first dish eaten to break the fast because it is gentle on the stomach and quick to prepare. Cultural Background: Shorbat Adas, a smooth spiced red lentil soup, is a beloved Ramadan opener across Bahrain, traditionally the […]

Machboos Diyay (Bahraini Spiced Chicken and Rice)

Introduction: Machboos is widely considered Bahrain’s national dish, a fragrant one-pot rice dish built on a blend of dried lime, baharat spice and slow-cooked meat. Cultural Background: Machboos is widely considered Bahrain’s national dish, a fragrant one-pot rice dish built on a blend of dried lime, baharat spice and slow-cooked meat. The chicken version is […]

Bahamian Curry Chicken

Introduction: Reflecting Indian and broader Caribbean influence, Bahamian curry chicken is milder and more tomato-flecked than its Indian counterpart, simmered low and slow until the meat is falling off the bone. Cultural Background: Reflecting Indian and broader Caribbean influence, Bahamian curry chicken is milder and more tomato-flecked than its Indian counterpart, simmered low and slow […]

Steamed Bahamian Cabbage

Introduction: A simple, colourful side of shredded cabbage steamed with sweet peppers and a touch of tomato, steamed cabbage rounds out the plate alongside peas ‘n’ rice and fried or baked meats, adding brightness and crunch. Cultural Background: A simple, colourful side of shredded cabbage steamed with sweet peppers and a touch of tomato, steamed […]

Bahamian Conch Chowder

Introduction: A rich, tomato-based chowder thickened with diced potatoes and root vegetables, conch chowder is a cold-day comfort dish (relative to the tropics) enjoyed at fish shacks throughout the islands, often finished with a splash of sherry pepper sauce. Cultural Background: A rich, tomato-based chowder thickened with diced potatoes and root vegetables, conch chowder is […]

Fried Bahamian Chicken Wings

Introduction: Sold alongside cracked conch and fried fish at Nassau’s famous ‘fish fry’ stands, peppery marinated wings are deep-fried to a crackling crust and often finished with a squeeze of lime and a dash of hot sauce for eating on the go. Cultural Background: Sold alongside cracked conch and fried fish at Nassau’s famous ‘fish […]

Peas ‘n’ Rice

Introduction: Peas ‘n’ rice is the Bahamas’ signature side dish, made with pigeon peas, rice, salt pork or bacon, and a rich tomato-tinted base. Cultural Background: Peas ‘n’ rice is the Bahamas’ signature side dish, made with pigeon peas, rice, salt pork or bacon, and a rich tomato-tinted base. It appears on nearly every plate, […]

Bahamian Chicken Souse

Introduction: Souse is a tangy, peppery broth made by simmering chicken (or pig’s feet, or sheep tongue) with lime, onion, celery and whole peppercorns. Cultural Background: Souse is a tangy, peppery broth made by simmering chicken (or pig’s feet, or sheep tongue) with lime, onion, celery and whole peppercorns. Traditionally a hearty weekend or hangover-cure […]

Shah Plov Saffron Rice with Chicken and Dried Fruit

Introduction: Shah plov, or ‘crown pilaf’, is Azerbaijan’s grandest rice dish — saffron-scented rice baked inside a golden lavash crust, layered with chicken, dried apricots, raisins and chestnuts. Cultural Background: Shah plov, or ‘crown pilaf’, is Azerbaijan’s grandest rice dish — saffron-scented rice baked inside a golden lavash crust, layered with chicken, dried apricots, raisins […]