The festive season is officially here, and it is just so tempting to overindulge during this time of year – but you don’t have to. These recipes will help you jumpstart that New Year’s resolution a little earlier this year without feeling like you’re missing out on all the good stuff. Want more healthy holiday treats? Check out this recipe for Pumpkin Spiced Baked Oats.
Chocolate-Orange Protein Balls
I am a big fan of homemade energy balls. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed full of nutrient-rich ingredients such as oats, dates, and cacao to help boost our energy levels and support good health in general. In this recipe, each ball is filled with protein, heart-healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, fibre, plus a whole host of minerals and antioxidants. Post-holidays, you can enjoy this snack as a quick pick-me-up in the afternoon or alongside your morning tea/coffee to get you going with your day! These chocolate-orange protein balls can be made in larger batches and placed in the freezer so you always have them on standby.
Combine and blend all the ingredients together in a blender.
Blend until everything is crumbly and broken down so it’s easy to form into balls.
Add splashes of water to the blended mixture as needed to allow ingredients to combine with each other.
Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture. Roll into a ball and place in a serving dish that can go into the fridge.
Place the chocolate-orange balls in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Snickers Date Bites
These chocolate-covered peanut butter stuffed dates taste just like Snickers but are so much better for you as they’re naturally sweetened – perfect if the stress of this season prompts you to reach for those candy bars. Besides, once you have a chocolate-covered date, you will not want them any other way! And with only five ingredients, it’s so easy to make. These treats aren’t limited to the holiday season – if you love having something sweet in the middle of the day or after dinner, make a larger batch, store them in the freezer, and enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
Manama, the capital city of Bahrain, is known for its vibrant culture and diverse culinary scene. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the city offers an array of dining options that cater to every taste and preference. From traditional Bahraini cuisine to international flavours, Manama’s cafes and restaurants are a food lover’s paradise for every budget and occasion. It’s easily accessible (about an hour flight from Dubai, or a nine-hour road trip), and it isn’t your typical island getaway. Plus, it’s home to some of the best and innovative creatives in the region, and holds rich significance in the history of the Gulf region since the dawn of civilisation.
In this list are some of some of Manama’s popular and best-loved classics that are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you with an unforgettable dining experience.
Photo credit: Monsoon
Monsoon
Monsoon is an institution that has only gotten better with time; for nearly two decades, it has held its place as one of Bahrain’s top restaurants. From its idyllic and serene atmosphere to authentic Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese dishes and adventurous drinks, Monsoon is perfect for date night, lunch with the girls, or a large gathering with friends and family. The menu has something for everyone, including a set menu, sharing platters, sushi plates, and mains geared towards the adventurous and conventional foodie alike. The drinks menu is innovative and tightly curated with changing specials, and the excellent service elevates the entire experience.
Lumee refers to dried limes, called loomi, which are a key ingredient used in Gulf cooking to season everything from soups, stews, fish, meat, barbecues to tea and desserts. In its powdered form, it’s also a component of baharat, adding a sour and sweet note to dishes. At Lumee Street, this spice is the star in a fast-casual street food concept and though ubiquitously incorporated throughout the menu, it always manages to surprise in a wonderful way without being repetitive. Speaking of which, Lumee’s menu brings together a mixture of Middle Eastern staples interspersed with regional flavours, like the Lumee Achar Hummus, Tikka Lumee, and Chicken Tah Chin.
P.S.: Make sure to leave room for dessert – the Rahash Chocolate Chip ice cream is not to be missed.
Lumee Street, The Avenues at Sea Front, Manama. +973 1743 4300, lumeestreet.com/
Photo credit: Mahnoor Bari
The Orangery
Head down to The Orangery for some amazing coffee and decadent cakes made fresh daily (I loved the San Sebastian cheesecake, signature blueberry and lemon tea cakes, as well as the chocolate cake with creme brulee filling). Whether you want to take in a view of the water at Bahrain Bay or soak up the chill Mediterranean street vibes of Adliya, The Orangery comes through with the dessert fix. If it’s late in the day or coffee isn’t your thing, take the plunge and sample from the wide selection of exotic teas – there are 17 types to choose from. There are also plenty of goodies – macarons, homemade jams, cookies, and specialty coffee – to take home that can also make for great gifts.
The Orangery Tearoom & Patisserie, Adliya and The Avenues Mall, Manama. +973 1736 9696, @orangeryme
Photo credit: Darseen Cafe
Darseen Cafe
Located inside the Bahrain National Museum, Darseen Cafe is great for a bite to eat after touring the museum, but I did it the other way around based on a solid recommendation: arrive early at the museum to have the breakfast platter at Darseen first and then leisurely explore the exhibits. I’m so glad I did it.
The breakfast platter – good for two, but can be done solo if you’re ambitious – consists of an eclectic mix of traditional local breakfast staples: hearty, filling yet light and deeply aromatic foul medammes, qeema, eggs your way, a spiced scrambled egg and tomato, and Bahraini kebabs, served with a side of light, crispy bread and a great iced Spanish latte. The flavours were well-balanced and complementary rather than repetitive; overall, familiar foods done well.
P.S.: If you’re still thinking about the heavenly samboosa at the Expo 2020 Dubai’s Bahrain pavilion (and why wouldn’t you?), you can get your fix at Darseen.
This bright, floral cafe is the perfect cosy spot for those long-overdue catch up sessions, to get some work done on a quiet afternoon, or if you’re looking for a change of pace on a night out in Adliya.
The honey cake is superb, as are the teas, and the breakfast comes highly recommended. Plus, there’s outdoor patio seating if you want to drink in the vibe with your afternoon tea while you people-watch. The eatery is owned by a friendly Bahraini and British couple passionate about food, who have made sure to include authentic English staples like fish and chips and a full English breakfast, along with some delicious fusion fare.
English Rose Tea Room, Unit 200, Road 3806, Adliya, Al Qudhaibiya, Manama. +973 3311 1193. @theenglishrosebh
For some of the best grills with a Turkish flair, head to Iskenderun Grills, a lowkey affair opposite the Marina Beach Garden Park that’s been around since the 1980s. The mixed grill is a star for the high quality of meats, and the hummus is top-notch. Don’t miss the lamb chops, sandwiches, and shawarmas. The starters are great and Iskenderun offers great value for money overall for a budget-friendly meal.
