How to enjoy the local cuisine of Oman – your guide through the flavours of a thriving sultanate

Made up of domineering mountain ranges, vast stretches of desert and over 2,000 miles of fertile coastline, the Sultanate of Oman is a charming country that would warrant more than one visit. The story relating to its food culture can be traced back to the times of the olden day seafarers and to its trade routes that were interlinked to the ocean. Mealtimes were a celebration and currently, those calling by Oman will be escorted to areas and regions of the country where food is placed on the highest of the pedestal.

OMANI SHUWA DE MEAT FESTIVEL GLORY OMANGLORY OMAN (6) | Image by Rafeeque K K via flickr

Rice

Served during lunch and especially, after noontime prayers on a Friday afternoon, rice is considered a staple in Oman. Often sent out on metal trays with a good helping of your favourite meat, the consuming of rice brings with it a sense of closeness as it is common to witness families feeding their children out of one plate of rice. However, the variants of the same can be quite the thrill and in this sense, Machboos cannot be overlooked. Made with coriander, cinnamon, cloves and a whole lot more of the local spices, Machboos is best had with fried chicken or fish that will have you salivating at its very sight. Furthermore, look to sampling Arseeya which is boiled with boneless chicken and seasoned accordingly in black pepper and cinnamon before being served with Torshe which is a soury sauce that would cap off a truly sensational and insightful experience into the world of Omani rice.

Shuwa

As the national dish of the country, Shuwa comes complete with a host of flavours and will most certainly appeal to you in more ways than one. In terms of preparation, the meat which can be either beef, lamb, camel or goat is first covered in dark spices and oil before being wrapped in banana leaves and thereafter placed inside a bag made from woven palm branches. The meat is then cooked in an underground pit for at least 24 hours. Upon removal, the treat is presented alongside hearty portions of rice and is often had during special ceremonies and festivals including weddings and Eid. In the event you are looking for a place to sample the same after having ticked off your things to do in Muscat, consider stopping by Kargeen which is found down Al Bashair Street.

Seafood

To ignore tucking into the heavenly sensations of the region’s seafood would be quite unfortunate. This is why one must make it a point to beeline in the direction of establishments in the likes of Fishers Grilled, found across Mutrah Fish Market and Shrimps Coffee House which is nestled near Seeb Fish Market for one memorable journey through mouthwatering creations prepared with the catch of the day. Take your pick from grilled and well-seasoned fish spreads to the most succulent crabs that you will ever have the privilege of sinking your teeth into that will have you considering seconds no sooner you have polished off your first serving.

Omani Bread and a cuppa Karak Tea

Reflecting the influences of the Persian Gulf and South Asia, the Omani bread that you will encounter during your travels and stays at say, for example, restaurants found within hotels like Al Falaj Hotel will denote characteristics of the traditional Omani flatbread and the Chai Masala which is popular in South Asia. Amongst the available options, look no further than trying out some Khubz Ragag which is paper-thin in every sense of the phrase. This flatbread is finished off with toppings of egg and white cheese and in turn, comes off as the perfect beginning to your day. What’s more? Karak Tea will combine sugar, milk and an assortment of spices which are then added to black tea to make for one sublime and authentic take on the culinary adventures that one can expect when on holiday in Oman.