In Riffa, the heart of Bahrain, you’ll find the ultimate comfort food. Crave has an interesting concept that I haven’t really experienced in the Gulf yet; American barbeque diner meets Arabic flavors meets comfort food. Not only is it comfort food but it’s as a family business having been opened by two brothers, Yousif and Ahmed Al-Shafei. This brings a sense of familiarity and hominess to Crave. What better way to work than with your family?
Wen I spoke to Y. Al-Shafei and asked him, “How did you come up with Crave?” He replied very simply, “Arabs are known for our hospitality, we’re great hosts and our flavors and food are the only things better than our hospitality. Why not put it on a menu and be recognized for it?” I was amazed by how he thought of it. It’s not just another Arabic restaurant, it’s so unique with the theme of leather, wood, and concrete.
Y. Al-Shafei, as an architect, used his education to make his vision for Crave come to life. He had quit his marketing job to help his brother open Crave. His brother A. AlShafei has a degree in Banking and Finance decided to think outside of the box and open his restaurant. The fact that they pursued their love for food and made it come to life is inspiring. Bahrain has supported Crave and received it beautifully. The brothers have left behind their blue collar jobs to take orders, bus tables, and work hands on behind the counter, showing that when you love something you will work for it.
It’s the food, however, that will leave you speechless. Their best sellers include Buffalo Chicken Wings and their Signature BBQ Sauce Lamb Chops. They are mouthwatering and take your taste buds to another world. Crave’s food is delicious, messy, and the kind that you know you’ll regret tomorrow but you won’t care. And don’t even get me started on that dessert menu.
For now, the Crave brothers are looking to open for breakfast instead of branching out. However, I pray for the day that they open up in Kuwait because I can’t keep flying over to satisfy my guilty pleasure! So if you’re Bahraini, living in Bahrain, or just visiting, make sure to stop by Crave and take a bite of this goodness!
Check them out on www.instagram.com/Crave_bh or call them at +973-33344630
