Showcasing Bahrain’s top culinary talents in one delicious space:
SOUL, Eathai, Doña by Margarita Mexicana, Zen by China Garden, and Kāju
are confirmed to join Time Out Market when it opens at City Centre Bahrain
30 October 2024: As Time Out Market Bahrain prepares to open later this year, further additions have been unveiled to its impressive lineup of award-winning chefs, up-and-coming restaurateurs and much-loved local gems.
Time Out Market is a food and cultural market bringing the best of the city together under one roof, based on editorial curation: its best chefs, restaurateurs and cultural experiences. It will bring a new culinary and cultural experience to Bahrain as guests will have the opportunity to explore a variety of cuisines and high-quality dining, all at accessible prices. Whether that’s modern Middle Eastern, authentic Persian or Japanese-inspired food or more casual options such as burgers and more. Spread across over 3,000 sqm, the uniquely designed space will offer eleven kitchens, dessert counters, a coffee hub, a stage for entertainment and an al fresco rooftop – making Time Out Market a place that caters to every taste from breakfast and lunch to dinner, and anytime in between.
Bahrain has a rich and diverse tapestry of culinary traditions and Time Out Market is dedicated to celebrating this vibrant and constantly evolving food scene. By showcasing the best local talents – including several female chefs and restaurateurs – and giving them a platform to reach a wide audience, the Market promotes the Kingdom’s potential in the global F&B industry and positions it as the ultimate destination for foodies from around the world.
Time Out Market is an exciting addition to the varied offerings at City Centre Bahrain, as it will cement City Centre Bahrain’s leading position as a shopping, leisure and entertainment destination in the Kingdom, delivering hyper-localised experiences that bring joy to its diverse community of visitors. Located on the top floor of City Centre Bahrain, the main entry to the Market will be via Le Meridien Hotel.
With five vendors already announced*, another five have been revealed today to join Time Out Market Bahrain – the opening date, as well as further additions to its curated lineup and how local culture will be part of this unique experience will be announced soon:
- SOUL will feed your soul with real, fresh, handcrafted burgers
- Eathai is where the vibrant flavours and authentic aromas of Thailand come to life
- Doña by Margarita Mexicana will offer the true flavours of Mexico
- Zen by China Garden will serve Cantonese, Szechuan and Peking specialties
- Kāju will tantalise taste buds with its aromatic Indian Cuisine
Ian Russell, General Manager of Time Out Market Bahrain said: “Time Out Market Bahrain is set to be an exciting addition to the city because of the hyper-local and unique experience we are curating for our guests. We have hand-picked the best local chefs and restaurateurs – their creativity and excellence will make this a place like no other. We will spotlight the incredible culinary talent Bahrain has to offer – giving them a platform to showcase their skills to a wider audience, proudly presenting Bahrain as a vibrant and exciting destination for food lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
“Since 1968, Time Out has curated the best of the city all over the world and this expertise lies at the heart of Time Out Market – and while this is now a popular concept across several global cities, the execution of each Market is distinctly local. To curate the lineup, we carefully select the city’s best leading and emerging culinary talents and invite the best to join us – we can’t wait to open our doors later this year to share this experience with everyone.”
More details about each vendor announced today
SOUL will feed your soul with real, fresh, handcrafted burgers
SOUL – the popular joint in Zayed Town behind which is Fatma and Chef Fadwa Almotawa - will join Time Out Market Bahrain with their satisfying comfort food including smashed Angus beef burgers served on brioche buns, Asian-twisted chicken and beef burgers, and crispy golden fried chicken burgers with their own carefully curated unique flavours and house-made condiments.
Eathai is where the vibrant flavours and authentic aromas of Thailand come to life
Every dish, from the perfectly crisp spring rolls to the iconic Tom Yum soup, is thoughtfully prepared to showcase the essence of traditional Thai cooking. With an emphasis on fresh ingredients, bold spices, and balanced flavours, Eathai at Time Out Market Bahrain will offer a culinary journey that transports guests straight to the bustling streets of Thailand – one delicious bite at a time.
Doña by Margarita Mexicana will offer the true flavours of Mexico
Margarita Mexicana is Bahrain’s very first fine dining Mexican restaurant – it will be joining Time Out Market Bahrain with a new concept called Doña by Margarita Mexicana to serve the true flavours of Mexico. The menu promises a fiesta of mouthwatering, vibrant dishes such as sizzling fajitas, zesty tacos, cheesy quesadillas and homemade corn tortillas – with many ingredients sourced directly from Mexico, every bite will transport Market guests to the heart of Mexican cuisine. Margarita Mexicana opened in 2009 in the iconic and well-respected Gulf Hotel Bahrain – known for its luxurious properties, exceptional service, and commitment to sustainability. In 2020, it was the winner of Best Latin American restaurant by Time Out Bahrain, and winner of Best Latin American restaurant by FACT magazine.
Zen by China Garden will serve Cantonese, Szechuan and Peking specialties
Zen by China Garden will present a rich array of Cantonese, Szechuan, and Peking specialties, bringing the authentic and vibrant flavours of these distinct regions to the table – all dishes will be meticulously crafted by a team of renowned Chinese chefs under the leadership of Chef Wang. China Garden – which opened in the Gulf Hotel Bahrain in 1996 and ever since has been popular with both locals and visitors – was voted Best Chinese restaurant in Bahrain by FACT Awards and Time Out and ranked amongst Bahrain Confidential’s Best 20 Restaurants in Bahrain in 2023.
Kāju will tantalise taste buds with its aromatic Indian Cuisine
Kāju – a new concept exclusively for Time Out Market Bahrain by the talented team at Gulf Hotels Group – merges regional Indian flavours with a modern touch, offering a menu that balances tradition with innovation, focusing on premium ingredients and Indian cooking techniques. From richly spiced classics to lighter fare, Kāju will deliver a dining experience that indulges the senses and elevates Indian cuisine.
*The following culinary concepts were previously announced to join Time Out Market Bahrain:
- Villa Mamas by Roaya Saleh’s modern Middle Eastern cuisine will offer a rich tapestry of flavours
- By Mirai will join Time Out Market Bahrain to serve exquisite Japanese-inspired cuisine
- Ô Liban will bring a modern take on Lebanese cuisine to Time Out Market Bahrain
- Banu – one of the best Iranian restaurants in Bahrain – will present an authentic Persian menu
- Florencia Ice Cream will spoil Time Out Market Bahrain guests with their artisanal gelato and sorbets
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
For further information, please contact: pr[@]timeoutmarket.com
About Time Out Market
Time Out Market is the world’s first editorially curated food and cultural market, bringing a city’s best chefs, restaurateurs, and cultural experiences together under one roof. From award-winning chefs to much-loved local gems, from cooking classes with top chefs to installations from local artists and live entertainment, Time Out Market captures and celebrates the best of the city.
The first Time Out Market opened in 2014 in a historic market hall in Lisbon, quickly turning into one of the most popular destinations in the city. The success of Lisbon brought further expansion and the portfolio currently includes nine Markets in cities such as New York, Montreal, Dubai and Cape Town, several new locations with expected opening dates in 2024 and beyond, in addition to a pipeline of further locations in advanced discussions. While this is now a concept popular across several cities, the execution of each Market is distinctly local.
Time Out Market is part of Time Out Group PLC (AIM: TMO), a brand that inspires and enables people to experience the best of the city through Time Out Media and Time Out Market. Time Out launched in London in 1968 to help people discover the exciting new urban cultures that had started up all over the city – today it is the only global brand dedicated to city life. Expert journalists curate and create content about the best things to do, see and eat across 333 cities in 59 countries, shared across a unique multi-platform model spanning both digital and physical channels including websites, mobile, social media, video, audio, newsletters, live events and Time Out Market.