A morning jaunt to the outdoor annual Bahrain Farmers Market in Budaiya is the perfect seasonal delight, and it was lovely to return on the opening day that was held yesterday.
The atmosphere upon entering the Budaiya Botanical Garden grounds is immediately welcoming, and the best part is that entry is free for everyone to enjoy.
Each year I always make sure to go early because the market runs every Saturday from 7am to 1pm, and the freshest produce goes quickly ... and parking spaces can fill up fast!
The variety of things to see and hear made the morning feel like a proper community celebration.
Before the official inauguration, we were treated to a pre-market performance by the Police Band, and my little one was absolutely thrilled by the booming bagpipes and the shiny brass instruments. It added a wonderful sense of ceremony.
Bahraini breakfast and a freshly squeezed orange juice in a fun bottle
Later, a Bahraini band walked around the stalls playing traditional music, making the energy lively and upbeat as people shopped.
What was especially charming for the children was the sight of giant inflatable fruit and vegetables, like enormous bananas and pumpkins, that our toddler thoroughly enjoyed running around with the other children. It is a lovely, simple way to keep the little ones entertained.
The food was truly delicious, showcasing the best of local and traditional flavours. Our daughter was delighted with a freshly-squeezed orange juice, served charmingly with a yellow smiley face ball clipped to the top of her drink.
For ourselves, we indulged in a fantastic Bahraini breakfast including the sweet vermicelli dish balaleet, crispy falafel and comforting shakshouka.
We also found a vendor selling beautiful strawberries which we enjoyed with some rich chocolate, making for a perfect end to the market feast.
Of course, the main reason we came was the produce, and the stalls were overflowing with an abundance of vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers so it would be rude not to walk away with a bag full of greens.
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