Bahrain Foodservice Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

Bahrain Foodservice Market Analysis

The Bahrain Foodservice Market size is estimated at 1.05 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 1.78 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.07% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The Bahrain foodservice industry is experiencing significant digital transformation, driven by increasing technology adoption and changing consumer preferences. With an impressive internet penetration rate of 99.7% and approximately 1.75 million internet users as of 2022, restaurants are rapidly embracing digital solutions, including mobile ordering platforms, self-service kiosks, and integrated payment systems. The widespread adoption of social media, reaching 87.8% of the population in 2022, has transformed how restaurants market themselves and engage with customers. This digital evolution has led to the emergence of innovative service models, with many establishments implementing hybrid solutions that combine traditional dining with digital convenience.

The tourism sector plays a vital role in shaping Bahrain's foodservice landscape, with the country welcoming 9.9 million tourists in 2022. This substantial tourist influx has catalyzed the diversification of culinary offerings, with restaurants incorporating both local and international cuisines to cater to varied palates. The dining culture in Bahrain has evolved significantly, with approximately 40% of consumers dining out at least once per week in 2022, indicating a robust eating-out culture. This trend has encouraged restaurants to enhance their service offerings and create unique dining experiences that appeal to both locals and tourists.

Health consciousness and dietary preferences are increasingly influencing menu innovation across Bahrain's foodservice sector. Restaurants are responding to growing health awareness by incorporating more nutritious options, including plant-based alternatives, gluten-free items, and locally sourced ingredients. The coffee culture has also evolved, with per capita coffee consumption reaching 1.2 kg in 2022, driving the growth of specialty coffee shops and cafes that focus on premium, artisanal beverages. This shift has led to the emergence of new concept restaurants and cafes that prioritize health-conscious offerings while maintaining traditional flavors.

The industry is witnessing a transformation in restaurant formats and business models, with establishments adapting to changing consumer preferences and operational efficiencies. Quick service restaurants are particularly popular, with 74% of Bahrainis consuming fast food at least three times per week in 2022. The sector has seen significant innovation in service delivery models, including the rise of cloud kitchens, hybrid dining concepts, and experiential dining venues. These evolving business models reflect the industry's response to changing consumer demands, operational cost management, and the need for differentiation in an increasingly competitive market.

Bahrain Foodservice Market Trends

Quick service restaurants dominate Bahrain's foodservice industry, with popular brands like Burger King, Five Guys, and McDonald's

• Foodservice outlets in Bahrain are dominated by quick-service restaurants, followed by full-service restaurants and cafe & bar outlets. QSR outlets in the country are projected to record a CAGR of 5.44% during the forecast period. This is attributed to the growing fast-food industry, with a wide range of local and international chains operating in the country. The increased popularity of quick-service restaurants is due to young people's propensity to eat fast food frequently. In Bahrain, there are more than a hundred American franchise eateries and outlets, and more are constantly opening. Bahrain is home to a number of well-known brands, including Five Guys, Texas Roadhouse, Baskin Robbins, Burger King, Caribou Coffee, Chili's, Cold Stone Creamery, Fuddruckers, the Great American Bagel Co., Hardee's, IHOP, KFC, Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Little Caesar's, and McDonald's, among others.
• Cloud kitchen outlets are projected to record a value CAGR of 4.91% in the forecast period. This is due to the increased penetration of the internet and the growing demand for online food delivery services. Additionally, the market is expanding because of the greater integration of point-of-sale (POS), kitchen display systems (KDS), and inventory management technology. These systems help to speed up various kitchen tasks, enhance communication, and prevent order-taking delays. In the cafes & bars segment, around 86.48% of the outlets were cafes and juice and smoothie bars in 2022, with cafes representing 67.21% of the outlets as well. The cafe outlets are increasing owing to the demand for take-out caused by the pandemic. Some popular chained café outlets in Bahrain include Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and Caribou Coffee, with 43, 8, and 15 outlets, respectively.

Average order value in Bahrain's full service restaurants was highest in 2022, at USD 29.7, driven by popular dishes like jareesh, harees, machboos Laham, mandi Laham, and margoog

• In Bahrain, the average order was observed to be the highest among the FSR segment in 2022 compared to other food service types, with a price of USD 29.7, which is around 54% higher than the quick service restaurants. Full service restaurants in the country have been making necessary changes to their menu offerings to attract more consumers by offering more expensive dishes with premium ingredients, which led to higher average order values. Some of the popular full service dishes, like Jareesh, in Bahrain are priced at around USD 6.5 per 300 grams. Harees price is around USD 5.2 per 300 grams, Machboos Laham around USD 7.4 per 300 grams, Mandi Laham at 7.4 USD per 300 grams, and Margoog around USD 6.4 per 300 grams.
• The average orders through cafes & bars in Bahrain increased by around 11.24% between 2019 to 2022. This is attributed to increased coffee consumption. In Bahrain, the café culture has increased as people prefer drinking coffee in cafés which is intrinsically linked to the demand for specialty coffee wave in the region. Thus, it drives the growth of the coffee market in the country. More upmarket and expensive menu items have also been increasingly offered in cafes, such as specialty coffee drinks, artisanal pastries, and gourmet sandwiches, which have increased the average order value in cafes. The average order value for the cloud kitchen was priced at 13.4 in 2022. The expansion of the cloud kitchen market is being driven by an increase in demand for online meal delivery. Popular dishes offered by cloud kitchens in Bahrain are Harees, Kebabs, Hummus, and Fatayer, priced at USD 5.2, USD 2.8, USD 5.8, and USD 1.7, respectively, per 300 gms in 2022.

Segment Analysis: Foodservice Type

Quick Service Restaurants Segment in Bahrain Foodservice Market

Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) maintain their dominant position in the Bahrain foodservice market, commanding approximately 64% of the market share in 2024. The segment's strong performance is driven by the increasing frequency of fast-food consumption among Bahrainis, with around 74% of the population consuming fast food at least three times per week. The popularity of quick service restaurants is particularly high among the younger demographic, with a significant portion of the population under 64 years old regularly patronizing these establishments. The segment's growth is further supported by the presence of numerous international chains and franchises operating across major cities like Manama, Hamad Town, Riffa, and Muharraq, offering a diverse range of cuisines from burgers and fried chicken to local Middle Eastern fast food options.

Cloud Kitchen Segment in Bahrain Foodservice Market

The cloud kitchen segment is experiencing remarkable growth in the Bahrain foodservice market, projected to expand at an impressive rate of approximately 31% during the forecast period 2024-2029. This exceptional growth is primarily fueled by the country's high internet penetration rate, which stands at nearly 99.7% of the population, accounting for about 1.75 million users. The segment's expansion is further supported by the increasing integration of point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen display systems (KDS), and advanced inventory management technologies. Popular cloud kitchen brands like Kitopi, VResto, Kitch, and Kaykroo are rapidly expanding their presence across the country, capitalizing on the growing demand for convenient food delivery services.

Remaining Segments in Foodservice Type

The Full Service Restaurants (FSR) and Cafes & Bars segments play crucial roles in Bahrain's foodservice landscape. FSR establishments are particularly notable for their diverse cuisine offerings, with Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines being the most popular choices among consumers. The segment caters to a more upscale dining experience, often incorporating high-end and celebrity chef-driven restaurants. Meanwhile, the Cafes & Bars segment has witnessed significant evolution with the rising coffee culture and increasing demand for specialty beverages, particularly among younger consumers and urban professionals. Both segments contribute to the market's diversity by offering unique dining experiences and catering to different consumer preferences and occasions.

Segment Analysis: Outlet

Independent Outlets Segment in Bahrain Foodservice Market

Independent outlets dominate the Bahrain foodservice market, commanding approximately 65% market share in 2024. These establishments have gained significant traction due to their ability to offer more diverse and unique cuisine options compared to chain restaurants. Independent restaurants often specialize in specific types of food, such as Indian, Thai, or Lebanese cuisine, while providing a more personalized and intimate dining experience. The segment's growth is strongly supported by Bahrain's government through initiatives like the Business Incubator Program and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), which provides crucial support for entrepreneurship and small businesses. The high internet penetration rate of around 99% and widespread social media usage, with about 88% of the population being active users, has enabled independent restaurants to effectively market themselves and reach a wider audience. These establishments have successfully built strong followings through platforms like Instagram and Facebook, contributing to their market dominance.

Chained Outlets Segment in Bahrain Foodservice Market

The chained outlets segment represents a significant portion of Bahrain's foodservice market, driven by the increasing popularity of Western-style fast food and casual dining concepts. These establishments benefit from standardized operations, established brand recognition, and economies of scale in procurement, marketing, and management. The segment's growth is particularly notable in high-traffic areas such as shopping malls, airports, and business districts. The presence of a large expatriate population, especially from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, has created sustained demand for familiar chain restaurant brands. The country's relatively open and competitive market, characterized by low taxes and minimal regulatory barriers, has made it particularly attractive for international quick-service chains to establish and expand their operations.

Segment Analysis: Location

Standalone Segment in Bahrain Foodservice Market

Standalone restaurants dominate the Bahrain foodservice market, accounting for approximately 75% of the total market share in 2024. The segment's strong performance is driven by restaurants establishing their presence in densely populated areas with popular food offerings. The growth is further supported by government initiatives to attract foreign investments and develop infrastructure. Standalone quick service restaurants are particularly prominent in this segment, catering to a wide range of the population in Bahrain with affordable menu options. The segment's success is also attributed to operators' ability to easily modify their operations and menus in response to shifting customer demands, especially in standalone cloud kitchens. Additionally, the strategic location of these establishments in prime urban areas such as Adliya, Juffair, and Seef continues to drive high demand among both locals and tourists.

Leisure Segment in Bahrain Foodservice Market

The leisure segment in Bahrain's foodservice market is projected to experience robust growth at approximately 13% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing integration of dining experiences with entertainment venues such as cinemas, cultural festivals, and music halls. The segment's expansion is supported by consumers seeking comprehensive entertainment packages that combine food, drinks, and other amenities. Quick service restaurants in leisure locations are incorporating digital technologies like mobile ordering and self-checkout kiosks to enhance customer experience. The segment is further strengthened by various cultural festivals including the Bahrain International Music Festival, Bahrain Summer Festival, Bahrain Food Festival, and Spring of Culture Festival, which typically feature both local and international food stalls. The presence of multiple cinema chains such as Vox Cinemas, Cinepolis, and Dana Cinema, along with venues like the Bahrain National Theatre, continues to drive footfall and food consumption in leisure locations.

Remaining Segments in Location

The other significant segments in the Bahrain foodservice market by location include retail, lodging, and travel locations. Retail locations, particularly shopping malls and complexes, feature extensive food courts that cater to diverse consumer preferences. The lodging segment encompasses hotels and accommodation facilities that offer various dining options ranging from luxury restaurants to casual eateries. Travel locations, including airports and railway stations, serve as important touchpoints for both domestic and international travelers, offering a mix of local and international cuisine options. These segments collectively contribute to the market's diversity and cater to different consumer needs and occasions, from quick meals at retail locations to fine dining experiences in hotels.

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We provide a complimentary and exhaustive set of data points on regional and country level metrics that present the fundamental structure of the industry. Presented in the form of 60+ free charts, the section covers difficult to find data on various countries on number of outlets, average order values, and menu analysis by foodservice channels, cuisine specific insights related to full service restaurants and quick service restaurants, market trends and market size insights on cafes, bars & pubs, juice/smoothies bars, specialty tea and coffee shops, and cloud kitchen etc.