The scene was set: a balmy Friday morning on the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. The hotel’s Annual Farmers Market, a much-anticipated event, had once again come to life.
Running every Friday from 8.30am to 2.30pm from January 24 to February 14, 2025, it promises a vibrant celebration of flavours, artistry and community spirit.
Arriving on the scene, I was met with an explosion of colour and energy. Stalls groaned under the weight of fresh produce and artisanal goods, while the air buzzed with lively chatter, the earthy aroma of fresh sourdough bread, and the sweet perfume of ripe fruit.
Traditional Bahraini music played softly in the background, adding an authentic charm to the lively gathering.
This event is a gastronomic showcase, impeccably curated by The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s culinary virtuosos, led by executive chef Joergen Sodemann and food & beverage director William Fily.
Naturally, I dove headfirst into the culinary offerings, starting with a delectable spread of cold mezze. The creamy labneh, tangy hummus and smoky mutabal were flavourful odes to the richness of local ingredients.
The live cooking stations, however, were the true heart of the market. Here, chefs brought traditional Bahraini dishes to life with flair.
I watched, entranced, as they conjured up dishes like foul medames, a warming fava bean stew, and shakshuka, with its eggs perfectly poached in spiced tomato sauce. The sizzling Bahraini beef liver was a sensory delight, its aroma alone enough to draw a crowd. And, of course, the shawarma; tender, flavourful, and complemented by traditional sides, was an unmissable treat.
For those craving additional variety, there were also pasta and panini stations serving up global tastes.
“Our farmer’s market is more than just a place to enjoy food, it’s about celebrating our community and showcasing the incredible talent we have right here in Bahrain. We use local honey and spices in our dishes, supporting amazing local businesses,” said Chef Sodemann. “It’s a wonderful family day out, with something for everyone.”
Farmers Market organiser Amani Abuidrees, speaking on the importance of the event, said: “This market showcases local products and opens a channel for these small projects.
“This allows people, like hotels, to buy directly from them. It’s a way for them to start their own businesses and bridge communication gaps.
“I try to facilitate this, even translating for those who don’t speak Arabic. This isn’t a job for me; it’s a vocation. I love to do it and support others in my country.”
Participants were also delighted to be involved in the project.
Early Riser chief executive and founder Aida AlMudaifa, for example, said: “We incorporate a lot of Bahraini inspiration into our handcrafted nutrient-dense delicious granolas and nut butters.
“Participating in the farmers’ market is crucial for us as it allows us to connect with customers face-to-face, gather feedback and engage with the community.
“We’re strong advocates for local products and businesses, and we want to showcase the best of Bahraini talent.”
Barbar farmer Abdulmahdi Alqaidoom echoed these sentiments adding: “The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain rotates the vendors throughout this event and I’m grateful to be able to sell my fruit and vegetables here.”
Food was not the only thing served up at the market. It brimmed with activities to delight visitors of all ages.
My toddler was swept up in the magic of it all. A live painting demonstration left her wide-eyed, the artist’s brushstrokes transforming a blank canvas into a vibrant masterpiece. She marvelled at the intricate patterns of henna art and giggled her way through a pony ride; perfectly suited for little adventurers like her.
Face painting turned her into an adorable unicorn, while a pottery-making station gave visitors the chance to craft a keepsake.
She was enchanted by friendly goats and rabbits at the petting zoo and utterly fascinated by the skill on display at the date collection demonstration where a youngster climbed a palm tree. Of course, no outing with a toddler would be complete without a bouncy castle, where she happily bounded away.
As the market thrummed with energy, a sense of community pervaded the air. Families, locals and tourists alike came together, celebrating Bahrain’s rich cultural offerings. It was impossible not to feel a deep appreciation for the artisans, farmers and organisers who brought this event to life.
The day concluded with a taste of tradition: Gaimat. These delightful, date-filled pastries were the perfect sweet finale to a morning of culinary exploration.
A celebration of local culture, a feast for the senses and a playground for all ages. I left with a full stomach, a heart brimming with joy, and a toddler who, I suspect, will be dreaming of ponies, paint and pastries for weeks to come.
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