My 7th visit to a bakery store, (and a Botanical Salad Bar this time around) at Manuka Bahrain and it is better than ever. In fact, I ate one of my best sweet treats in 2017 so far. Manuka’s head chef Dilli and his merry band have put the bakery and salad bar in a great spot and I think this team are flying right now. The execution is 100% on-point, fully realising the wholesome, hearty, belly-thumping treats of Manuka.
The Entrance to the Botanical Salad Bar & Bakery
I was in there for Friday evening coffee with my friends Pieter and Sandra and were greeted by Hassan, one of the owners of Manuka. I was welcomed with their signature and all time favorite ”The Pistasha” (Pistachio and rose cookie). Things I absolutely loved (at first sight) about the place was it’s engraved rose wall interior that adds a unique character and elegance to the place and the meld of plants, wood, jute and bamboo that connects a natural aesthetic appeal to the place.
Gorgeous Manuka designed Coffee takeaway cups will perk you up immediately
As for eats, they had some amazing bakes in their menu, some of the must try items in their menu are the pistachio and rose cookie, nutella donut, chocolate cornflake crunch, honeycomb chocolate crunchy bars, and calling all coffee lovers..you’ve got to try their Cappuccino and Americano. (Loved the gorgeous Manuka designed coffee takeaway cups, adds some fun!)
Just look, and try to take in the beauty of this hypnotising river of smooth, lustrously luscious pink creamy frosting..sorry it’s half eaten!
Moist, chocolaty perfection. This is the chocolate cake you’ve been dreaming of!
Great selection of Cookie Jars sweeten their countertop
Move over cupcakes, there’s a new trend in town! Mini cakes are making a big statement on today’s dessert tables
Some more treats – Chocolate covered Honeycomb crunchie bars
Espresso Cookies – Looks like all you coffee lovers out there might want to give this one a try
Hello donut lovers!! Nutella Donuts with Nutella Glaze
Chocolate Cornflake Crunch – Our childhood favourite, with a grown-up, healthier twist. Surprising things you can do with cereal
My companion this week..this classic red velvet beauty
The engraved rose wall interior adds a unique character and elegance to the place
Just look at these lovely little take away boxes
Get to know your options!!
Amazing salad joint! Fresh, healthy, friendly, bright
A fundamental offering on the salad bar is the black rice aka the forbidden rice, a rarity in the food world. You might be wondering what black rice is and where you can find it. Here is your place!
What makes this place even more special is the Botanical Salad Bar where you can build your own salad. The salad bar looked ample and appetizing, but we definitely had no room for anything beyond the sweet snacks and coffee. So I decided to take a quick look at the options (for my review). Some of the exciting choices which make Manuka’s salad bar unique are the forbidden rice (aka black rice), wrapped vine leaves, green papaya and water-chestnuts. Next time I Visit Manuka, I will make sure to leave some space in my tummy to stuff in those greens.
So if you are looking for a fresh, healthy, friendly, bright location then this could be the place for you! For this much quality and beauty on the plate, it will be worth every penny.
Pure Baking, Pure Class. Take me back to Manuka!
Details
Manuka Bahrain, Botanical Salad Bar & Bakery
Open everyday
Jamal Al Deen Afghani Ave, Muharraq, Bahrain
(+973) 32111191-17003232
Timings: Sunday-Thursday : 4 pm – 10 pm Friday- Saturday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Instagram @manuka.bh
Some more pictures and notes from my review below.
My welcome Cookie…such a treat to feel welcomed
Perfect for any celebration, it’s moist and fudgy and will keep well for 4-5 days. Let me tell you I’m drooling right now!
Another central ingredient on the salad bar are these little bites of heaven! A great vegetarian appetizer made from tender vine leaves wrapped into little rolls and stuffed with rice and fresh herbs
Pistachio and rose cookies
Their signature and all time favorite ”The Pistasha”
Outside the entrance to the Botanical Salad Bar & Bakery
Nutella Donuts with Nutella Glaze
These healthy Oatmeal Cookies will feed your sweet tooth without sending you overboard into sugar land
Lovely break time treats
Get to know your options!!
The best of the best and an all time favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies
Made with Love Cookies
Mixed Salad Greens
The Salad Galore
Some more colors and nutrition for your Salad
Beautiful from wall to ceiling – the bakery gets a gorgeous makeover with a sweeping bamboo canopy that feels cozy and private without being closed off.
I love this room divider.
The very courteous and camera-shy staff, Jackie.
Mini black forest cake and mini chocolate mousse cake – I absolutely LOVE everything miniature and was so happy to receive all the information about this new trend
The glass shelves of the bakery are always filled with miniature desserts ready to be picked up by visitors
Don’t just hand your cards and tips out – DROP THEM!
Here’s a peek at what we’re making!
Manuka’s adorable, and organised kitchen
The must-have Baking essentials
A peek into a baker’s kitchen
Gastronorm racks aka Bakery Trolley
We cut open a baker’s refrigerator to learn what it looks like inside!
The ever smiling Chef Dilli from Nepal preparing his honeycomb
Photography By Sanchali 