Bahraini Halwa
| Place of origin | Bahrain |
|---|---|
| Associated cuisine | Bahraini cuisine |
| Main ingredients | starch, sugar, nuts, saffron, rose water, and cardamom |
Bahraini Halwa (Arabic: حلوى بحرينية, romanized: Ḥlwá Baḥraynīyah) is a traditional and popular Dessert in Bahrain and the Gulf countries,[1] called the queen of the sweets.[2] It is mainly made from starch, sugar, nuts, saffron, rose water, and cardamom.[3][4] its colour ranges from deep amber to rich brown.[5]
Etymology
The name halwa is derived from the Arabic word (hulw) which translates to sweet.[6]
Background
Bahraini halwa is a traditional sticky sweet that is part of Bahraini culture and hospitality.[7] It differs from sesame halva in that it is made from starch and has a firm, jelly like consistency, and usually served warm or at room temperature.[8] It is traditionally prepared in large copper pots, and cooked over an open fire; the preparation process is laborious, requiring constant stirring for several hours to prevent burning.[8] Its texture is less elastic compared to Qatari Halwa,[9] a direct descendant of the Omani version.[10] The age of this sweet is estimated to be more than 200 years, according to dated utensils in the Bahrain National Museum,[11][5] and it is believed to have been introduced to Bahrain in the mid 19th century, most likely from Iraq, although some experts suggest it may have arrived from Oman.[2]
See also
References
- ^ "The Exclusive Bahraini Halwa – A Workshop at the Showaiter's". dosaikal. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
- ^ a b "On Bahrain's Exhibition Avenue, halwa is the main attraction". gulfnews. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "الحلوى البحرينية بالهيل والزعفران". arabicpost. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "Bahraini Halwa". opendestinations. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ a b "Decadent Heritage: 12 Shops for Traditional Arabic Sweets in Bahrain". bahrain confidential. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "Bahraini halwa: A sweet symbol of heritage, Harmony, And home". newsofbahrain.
- ^ "الحلوى البحرينية رمز الكرم والضيافة". alarabi. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ a b "Bahraini Halwa: The Sweet Heart of Gulf Hospitality". krbooking. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "Qatari Sweet (Halwa)". Ministry of Culture, Qatar. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "Sweet dynasty plans UAE invasion". The National News. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "الحلوى البحرينيّة". culture.gov. Retrieved 2025-12-18.