Bahraini sweets still star of iftar meals – in pictures
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.
Muhana Fouad Hussain Showaiter, general manager at Hussain Showaiter Sweets and fifth generation member of the family-run business, shows special packaging introduced for Ramadan during a factory tour on Muharraq island.
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.
