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Al Riffa (Bahrain)
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Fish & Seafood
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
400kcal
12gProtein
48gCarbs
18gFat
4gFibre
350 gServing
* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.
Allergens
🐟 Fish
Mahyawa
How to order / say it
Say it
محياوة — [mah-yah-wah]
Order
I'd like to try Mahyawa, please.
Locally
أود أن أجرب المحياوة، من فضلك.
Say locally
Spicy fermented fish sauce served on bread.
Why try it?
Mahyawa is essential to the culinary scene in Al Riffa, providing a unique taste that represents the city's connection to its coastal heritage and the trade routes that have historically impacted its cuisine.
How it tastes
It has a pungent, spicy, and salty flavor, reminiscent of fermented products, with a soft bread base balancing the intensity.
Origin & History — first documented: 1857
Mahyawa was brought to Bahrain by Persian traders in the mid-19th century, becoming a staple in Al Riffa due to the city’s trading position. This dish is a testament to the exchange of cultural ideas along the Persian Gulf.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🐟 200 g fermented fish paste
- 🌾 2 pieces whole wheat pita bread
- 🧂 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 🧂 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 🫒 3 tbsp vegetable oil
Method
- 1 Grind cumin and fenugreek seeds.
- 2 Mix ground spices with fermented fish paste and minced garlic.
- 3 Spread mixture on pita and lightly fry in vegetable oil.
