A relaxing day out was enjoyed by Lawson Misquitta during his recent visit to Cinnamon In the Souq.

The Manama Souq, with its colourful past and rich history, is part of a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of trade that has served both the Kingdom and the wider Gulf region. Fast forward to today, this remarkable journey is both remembered and celebrated at Cinnamon In the Souq, a café that pays homage to the legacy of this marketplace by honouring not only its rich heritage but also its spirit of hospitality. As we walked into the heart of the souq, only a minute away from the Manama Post Office, we passed an intriguing mix of market stalls still lively as ever, plying their trade, before finally arriving at our destination. Stepping into the stylish café, my dining partners and I were immediately taken by its distinctive dcor with calm and elegant details. The space was intricately adorned with motifs from Bahrain’s past, such as exposed wooden framework on sections of the ceiling, reminiscent of buildings from decades ago, and photo frames highlighting actual scenes of the souq from its heyday in black and white. But standing out were the two massive, floor-to-ceiling tiled walls, each adorned with intricate murals painted in striking shades of cobalt blue, depicting scenes from the souq’s history, inviting guests to lose themselves in its stories.

The café boasts a wonderful outdoor seating area, a spacious indoor section and the place where we chose to sit – an elegant first-floor nook that resembles a luxurious study, complete with cosy bookshelves, soft lighting and plush seating, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation or conversation. Whichever of the three you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a vibrant and laid-back atmosphere.

As we explored the menu, we were warmly greeted by the gracious host, who introduced us to several offerings, helping us make our selections, and also checked in on us throughout our visit. We kicked off our meal with a variety of cold mezze comprising creamy hummus, mutabel and babaganoush, served with warm Arabic bread – simple and satisfying. I must note that the babaganoush was the first bowl to be scooped clean, a clear favourite on the table.

As we finalised our selections for the main course, a round of refreshing, citrusy concoctions of lemon, strawberry and peach graced our table and provided a zing to our taste buds. I particularly enjoyed the Lemon and Basil Iced Tea, a playful mix of sweet and sour, and the Strawberry Mojito, which was delightfully satisfying.

The first round of main course included the Lamb Kofta – a preparation that combined ground lamb with a variety of fragrant spices, sauted onions, garlic and parsley. Chargrilled to perfection, every bite was tender, succulent and bursting with garlicky goodness. Also, the subtle heat of chillies in every bite added a nice kick. It was served along with warm Arabic bread and two dips, a mint chutney and a creamy, spicy harara.

Next, we tried the Butter Chicken, a tasty tomato-based gravy slow-cooked to create a sweet, creamy and buttery preparation. We savoured its comforting depth of flavours, alongside a serving of rice and freshly made parathas.

Finally, we couldn’t resist the Tavuk Skewer – tender, marinated chicken with grilled capsicum and onions, served on flatbread with baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, hummus and a delicious garlicky pepper sauce. A dish bursting with flavour, it was the perfect way to round off our mains.

Approaching the end of our meal, we found ourselves engrossed in conversation and decided to linger a little longer. In an ambience as comforting as this, it felt only natural. We ordered a round of coffees, expertly brewed and paired it with a selection of desserts. The wonderfully decadent Chocolate and Dates Cake was perfectly moist with just the right amount of sweetness and the lovely Baklava, light and crispy, offered a delightful contrast of textures.

As we were leaving, the Afternoon Tea menu on the board outside caught our attention and we knew we had to come back to try it – and that’s exactly what we did!

The Afternoon Tea is a delightful experience with an Arabic twist. Served on a two-tiered decorative golden tray, the savoury treats included Cheese Sambosa, Halloumi Sandwich, Chicken Shawarma Roll and freshly baked Chicken Puff, all paired with the same garlic pepper sauce we had enjoyed earlier. The top tier offered sweet indulgences, such as light and crispy assorted Baklawa, dark and white chocolate-coated dates, Sweet Khamfroush (a saffron sponge cake-like dessert) and the same lovely Chocolate Date Cake from our last tasting. The Afternoon Tea is served with a choice of tea or coffee. We paired ours with Americano and traditional Gahwa, which complemented the treats beautifully.

Cinnamon In the Souq offers a charming blend of delicious food, cosy interiors and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring the bustling souq or catching up with friends, this café promises a memorable visit worth repeating. ✤

GO: CALL 3717 7899 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.