Manama - Post Report Question and Answers
How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries were expensive. If you have access to the U.S. Navy base then I would suggest shopping there for household goods and beverages. Having said that, you could get better produce at the local markets, but at a cost. Overall, my biggest complaint was about the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, one could generally find everything one would find in his/her home countries if one knew were to look - even pork products. - Apr 2017
There is a commissary on the Naval base and good local supermarkets as well. Its expensive locally, but a good variety of European/UK/US products. I occasionally DPO food ingredients (like nice salad dressings) but for the most part don't have an issue getting what I need. - Sep 2016
They are rather expensive but with the COLA you are just fine. You can find anything you could possibly want here and if you cant then order from Amazon. - Nov 2015
You can get anything you want at NSA Bahrain Navy Base commissary. Otherwise, we recommend Geant and Jawad's for great produce and food. There is also a Carrefour french supermarket in City Centre Mall but it's not easy to get in and out of the mall. - Aug 2014
Virtually everything is available. Imported goods are pricey at Alosra and Waitrose, but less expensive produce and local products are found at Geant, Carrefour, and Lulu’s. The Navy base also has a grocery store but prices are higher than in the States. Still, it’s a great option for finding some of your favorite staples. Alcohol is available at the base. We often complain about having to visit several stores to find everything we want, but really - so much is available. Having lived in Africa, the food availability here is a luxury. - Sep 2012
Everything is available. There are several 'package stores' where you can find any alcohol you like (for a price!) and most western style grocery stores have pork sections. The availability of certain items may vary from store to store, but after a time the discerning shopper knows where to find what they need. The only items I sometimes cannot get are quality pet foods (aside from paying crazy prices at the vet) and some favorite lo-calorie foods from home. Otherwise, we are truly spoiled for choice. - Apr 2010
Everything is available here but expensive. My grocery bill is double what it was in US. It is an island, and most items are imported. But you can find great produce from other countries here. - Jun 2009
Comparative to that in U.S., if not cheaper. You got to know where to go, but even if you go to the large supermarkets relatively cheap. And a lot of veggies and fruits are available year round because they import a lot. - Dec 2008
You'll either learn to do without, or you'll find something else that works. Pork (sold in special rooms) is US$28.00 a KG. I won't buy ground beef on the local market. The base has been out of ground beef since Aug 1. Although they have angus for US$6 /lb - try feeding your friends and family with that! Mozzarella is US$6.00 for grams of mozzarella! On the other hand, Coca Cola bottled in Bahrian is US$0.26 / can on the local market (more expensive on the base). Everyone uses net grocer. - Aug 2008
