Buying homegrown fruit and vegetables has a host of benefits for your health, the environment and the economy. Visit these markets to get the best local goodies Bahrain has to offer.
There are so many reasons to shop local. Fruit and vegetables have a shorter time between harvest and your table so they taste better, have more nutrients and use less packaging. Supporting local farmers and food businesses encourages sustainable agriculture and enhances food security.
Budaiya Farmer’s Market
This buzzing market takes place at Budaiya Botanical Garden each year from December to April. Open every Saturday from 8am to 2pm, it is brimming with fresh produce from farms across the Kingdom. Visitors can also purchase authentic Bahraini handicrafts, homemade, pottery and art.
First launched in 2012, the seasonal Farmer’s Market is organised by the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, and aims to develop the agriculture sector in Bahrain. Over 16 000 people have already visited the market this year.
Hoorat Al Ali Farmer’s Market
Following the success of the Budaiya seasonal market, a permanent market for locally grown produce was launched in Hoorat A’ali. Open from Monday to Saturday at 8am to 3pm, this retail space enables local producers to sell their wares directly to the public throughout the year.
There are over 50 booths selling plants, fruit and vegetables, cheese, spices and pickles. You can also order a box of fresh local goodies for delivery. Contact 32321880 for more information.
Tasneem Garden
Located behind Country Mall, off the Budaiya Highway, Tasneem Garden grows a range of fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicums, apples, kiwis, and a variety of leafy green vegetables.
As one of the first farms to utilise hydroponic technology, this garden-cum-zoo allows visitors to purchase fresh produce, as well as walk around the farm and interact with farm animals such as tortoises, cranes, parrots, and peacocks. There is also a restaurant that serves traditional Bahraini breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner.
Roots & Shoots
Situated off Hamala Avenue, this organic farm was launched by renowned chef Susy Massetti. The farm harvests over 30 varieties of fruit and vegetables including tomatoes, eggplants, onions, cabbage, broccoli and spinach. The farm also rears goats, sheep, cows and birds that are farmed for milk, eggs, meat and poultry.
Visitors can take stroll to see how the produce is grown and purchase it directly from the farm.
Central Vegetable Market
If you’re willing to brave the crowds, this is the perfect place to score some local goods at a reasonable price. Situated on road number 1406 in the centre of Manama, the marketplace offers retail and wholesale fruit and veggies, meat, seafood, and packaged food items.
It’s open from 4am to 3pm each day and it’s best to visit early in the morning to find parking and have your pick of the best produce.