Traditional sweets are the star of iftar meals in Bahrain - in pictures

Artisans hold their ground against dessert franchises

The month of Ramadan is a period of appreciation for traditional sweets in Bahrain. All photos: AFP

Bahrainis with a sweet tooth have long been spoilt for choice with a wide array of dessert franchises, but traditional confectioners still hold their ground.

Workers prepare Halwa, a Bahraini sweet made primarily from sugar, corn starch, saffron and nuts at Hussain Showaiter Sweets at the Muharraq island store in northern Bahrain.

Bahraini confections are a fixture on tables for the iftar meal.

Workers prepare sweet sambosa at Hussain Showaiter Sweets in northern Bahrain.

General manager at the Hussain Showaiter Sweets and 5th generation member of the family-run business Muhana Fouad Hussain Showaiter shows special packaging introduced in the Muslim month of Ramadan, during a factory tour on Muharraq island in northern Bahrain, on April 18, 2022. - Bahrainis with a sweet tooth have long been spoiled for choice, with ample massive dessert franchises, but behind the flashy logos, another brand of confectioners still holds a traditional charm. (Photo by Mazen Mahdi / AFP)

Saleh Al Halwachi, co-owner of Saleh Radhi Al Halwachi Sweets, makes Bahraini saffron and cardamom cakes known as khanfaroosh, at his shop in Jid Hafs village on the outskirts of the Bahraini capital, Manama.

Confectioners are not averse to innovating to appeal to a younger clientele.

An expert in Bahrain's popular heritage said that while innovative twists are popular, people still prefer 'sweets in their traditional form'.

Saleh Radhi Al Halwachi sweet shop in Jid Hafs village on the outskirts of Manama.

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