National Dish Bahrain: Zaatar Manakish (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Zaatar Manakish, a fragrant flatbread that sits at the heart of Bahrain’s everyday table! Golden dough is spread with a heady mix of tangy zaatar and fruity olive oil, then baked until crisp at the edges and soft in the middle. Whether you serve it warm for breakfast or reach for a slice as an afternoon snack, this aromatic bread brings the flavours of the Gulf straight into your own kitchen with very little fuss.
About Zaatar Manakish
Zaatar Manakish is a traditional dish from Bahrain that is as delicious as it is easy to make. It is essentially a soft flatbread topped with a savoury blend of zaatar, olive oil and, on occasion, a scattering of cheese. This makes it a perfect choice for a light lunch or a snack to enjoy between meals. Many people treasure it for its herby, aromatic flavour and the sheer number of ways it can be prepared, which is very much in the spirit of the wider Bahraini cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g plain flour
- 1 teaspoon dried yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 150 ml warm water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons zaatar spice blend
- Optional: 100 g feta cheese
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for Zaatar Manakish are available in most supermarkets. The zaatar in particular can be found in Middle Eastern shops or ordered online. When you shop, look out for good-quality ingredients so the dish can develop its full flavour. If you would like to use feta, it is worth choosing a fresh block from the chilled section rather than a pre-crumbled tub.
Preparing the dish
Getting Zaatar Manakish ready is straightforward and does not take much time. First, combine the flour, yeast and salt thoroughly in a bowl. Then add the warm water and olive oil gradually, working the mixture until you have a smooth dough. Leave the dough to rest for around 30 minutes so it can prove and rise before you shape it.
Step-by-step instructions
- Roll out the risen dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the dough into two equal pieces.
- Mix the zaatar spice blend with olive oil and spread it evenly over the dough.
- Optional: scatter crumbled feta evenly on top.
- Bake the manakish in a preheated oven at 220°C for about 10–15 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
A gluten-free version of Zaatar Manakish is easy to achieve by using a gluten-free flour blend. For a lactose-free variant, replace the feta with a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply leave it out altogether. The bread is just as delicious without cheese and still carries the aromatic warmth of the zaatar. Feel free to experiment with different cheese substitutes to suit your own preferences.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans can adapt Zaatar Manakish with ease by leaving out the feta. Instead of cheese, try a smear of avocado or hummus to add extra flavour and a creamy texture — much like the herby topping on a Creamy Hummus. Vegetarians, of course, can add the feta for a heartier version of the dish. Either way, the flavour profile stays intense and satisfying even without any cheese at all.
More tips and tricks
To make your Zaatar Manakish especially crisp, you can part-bake the dough briefly before adding the topping. For an extra layer of flavour, infuse the olive oil with garlic or other herbs before brushing it on. A pinch of chilli flakes lends the bread a pleasant gentle heat. It is also worth trying different zaatar blends to discover the range of flavours on offer.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Zaatar Manakish is an extremely flexible dish that adapts readily to personal taste. You can try all sorts of toppings — tomatoes, olives or even mushrooms — to build a richer, more substantial version. The possibilities are almost endless, and every variation offers a new eating experience. Use your imagination to find the combination that suits you best.
Ingredient substitutions
If you are not keen on olives or feta, these can easily be swapped for other ingredients. For a vegan option, for example, you might use cashew cheese or leave the cheese out entirely. In place of olive oil, sesame oil brings a different, nuttier character to the bread, in the same way it lifts a bowl of Moutabal. Find the ingredients that match your palate and combine them into your own Zaatar Manakish.
Drink pairing ideas
A number of drinks pair beautifully with a delicious Zaatar Manakish. A refreshing mint tea is the traditional choice and offers a pleasant counterpoint to the spices in the dish. Alternatively, you could serve a yoghurt drink such as a chilled Laban or a glass of freshly pressed juice. These drinks not only aid digestion but also round off the whole eating experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of Zaatar Manakish can lift the enjoyment considerably. Serve the bread on a handsome wooden board and garnish it with fresh herbs and a few toasted nuts. Add small bowls of different dips — a smoky Falafel plate alongside works wonderfully — to encourage memorable flavour combinations. An inviting spread turns a simple meal into a special occasion.
A bit of history
Zaatar Manakish has its roots in the Middle East and is enjoyed across many Arab countries. The combination of dough and zaatar was originally conceived as a quick and simple meal for the whole family. In Bahrain it has grown into a beloved snack, often served at breakfast or as a light lunch. Its flavours are as varied as the many cultures that prepare it.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Zaatar Manakish
Zaatar Manakish is a tasty and versatile dish that is genuinely simple to prepare. With its aromatic blend of zaatar, olive oil and optional cheese, it is perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to make it vegan, gluten-free or simply tailored to your own taste, the possibilities are almost limitless. Give this delicious recipe a go and share it with friends and family!
