As the crescent moon appears and the spirit of Ramadan fills the air, the nights in Bahrain come alive with the warmth of community and the cherished tradition of Ghabga. While the Iftar meal nourishes the body, it is the sweet treats served afterwards that truly bring families and friends together over steaming cups of Arabic coffee.
From the aromatic, saffron-infused Bahraini Halwa that has been perfected over generations to modern fusion desserts like Kunafa-inspired cheesecakes, the island’s confectionery scene offers a beautiful bridge between heritage and innovation. Whether you are looking for a sophisticated gift for a host or simply want to indulge in a nostalgic taste of home, Bahrain is home to some of the finest artisans in the Gulf.
Here are exceptional places to find the best traditional and contemporary Ramadan sweets this season:
First opened in Riyadh back in 1976, Saadeddin Pastry sure has the years of experience to deliver quality sweets. It’s been 28 years of great Arabic sweets from them in Bahrain today, since they opened their first branch in 1993.
Um Abdulla, meaning mother of Abdulla, delivers all the popular Bahraini traditional sweets. What’s Ramadan without some tamr?
Showaiter is one of the widely-known names in Bahrain when it comes to traditional sweets. Khulood Showaiter Sweets is a great place to buy a Ramadan gift.
Another widely-known Showaiter, Jamal Showaiter Sweets. Great for celebrations or to just enjoy on a normal day! They make sure their sweets are freshly prepared, well-balanced and cooked to perfection.
When we hear Leaves, our first thought would probably be some delightful milk chocolates, which they are most popular for. But did you know they serve some of the best traditional sweets, too? Their style is quite unique, and their Ramadan offers are definitely ones to try!
Tawazo Sweets have all the traditional and non-traditional Arabic sweets, dried fruit, and nuts — perfect for a post-Iftar meal dessert!
Tariq Pastries is the first Oriental sweet maker in Bahrain. They first opened in 1982, and for over 36 years, they have been preparing delicious, all-natural sweet and savoury foods baked fresh daily.
Lugaimaty add their own twist to the lugaimat, traditionally covered in date syrup and/or sesame seeds, by covering the bite-sized treats with melted chocolate, or even pistachio syrup. It is a go-to for Ramadan sweets.
Araya offers a sophisticated take on Khaleeji flavours, known for their elegant presentation and creative gift boxes. Their signature Rahash cakes and saffron-infused treats are perfect for those looking to bring a touch of luxury to a Ghabga or Iftar gathering.
If you are looking for a fusion of traditional and modern, Sugar Cravings Bakehouse is a must-visit. They specialise in artisanal cakes and pastries, often featuring seasonal Ramadan specials like Date & Walnut cakes and creamy Mango delights that provide a refreshing end to a day of fasting.
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