There is a good selection of restaurants serving all kinds of food, including American, Arabic, Chinese, European, Indian, Japanese, Lebanese and Mexican. Arabic food is mainly spicy and strongly flavored. Lamb is the principal meat with chicken, turkey and duck. Salad and dips are common. Strong Arabic coffee and tea is also widely available.
Things to know: The sale of alcohol is not encouraged, although it is available to non-Muslims in nightclubs, good restaurants and luxury hotels, except during Ramadan. Muslims in Bahrain are not allowed to drink alcohol at any age. Non-Muslims
over the age of 18 are allowed to drink, but are not allowed to transport any alcohol and must drink their alcohol where they buy it. Even non-Muslim adults are forbidden to drink during Ramadan.
National specialties:•
Machbous is fish or meat served with rice.
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Muchammar is brown, sweet rice served with sugar or dates.
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Baba ghanoush is a delicious dinner of pureed garlic, aubergine, yogurt and sesame paste, usually served with vegetables or pita bread.
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Falafel is widely eaten.
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Shawarma is lamb or chicken carved from a rotating spit and wrapped in flat bread.
• Small fried potatoes are a popular accompaniment.
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Sambousan are crisp pastry cases filled with meat, cheese, sugar or nuts.
National drinks:• Arak (grape spirit flavored with aniseed).
• Beer is commonly drunk.
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Gahwa (coffee) often has cardamom and saffron added to it.
Tipping: 10 per cent is expected by taxi drivers and waiters, particularly when service is not included, and is normal practice. Airport porters expect 100 fils for each piece of luggage.
NightlifeRestaurants, nightclubs and cinemas showing English and Arabic films can be found in the main towns.
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