Bahrain - Unique & unforgettable

Eats And Treats By Tania Rebello

“I miss Bahrain”, are words spoken by my expat friends who no longer reside here. Whether they stayed for a month or a decade, they felt a sense of belongingness. Bahrain became a part of their very being.

A tiny country with just under 2 million people, Bahrain has won the hearts of scores of people over the years. I have often wondered why people have an attachment to Bahrain. To begin with, Bahrain is home to people from all over the world.

The country’s ability to encourage diversity makes it attractive. People from various nations enjoy freedom here. The freedom to move around securely, practice religious beliefs, enjoy their traditional food at specialty restaurants.

Sourcing ingredients is much easier here too, as Bahrain ensures imports from various countries worldwide. The kingdom has its influence from various countries, and a combination of cultures and traditions make it welcoming and interesting.

Bahraini cuisine is an amalgamation of various cultures including Persian, Indian and neighbouring GCC. Famous Bahraini recipes contain ingredients from these countries.

One commonly used ingredient that has fascinated me is black lemon/ lumee. Black lemon originated in Oman and made its way to Bahrain for use in traditional recipes such as machboos, salona, meat tikka, etc. They are usually prepared in households by sun-drying fresh limes or lemons until they turn black.

Pierced black lemons are added to dishes. This infuses a citrusy, strong tang with smoky and earthy undertones. The resulting dish has a unique zing that is very enjoyable. One cannot discount the health benefits attached to lumee.

It is rich in antioxidants that help to destroy oxidative stress in the body. It aids digestion and is a great source of vitamin C. Use it while cooking stews and rice dishes to impart unforgettable flavour.

Happy National Day, Bahrain!