How to Sample Traditional Omani Cuisine in Muscat

Home to one of the Middle East's most eclectic cuisines, Omani fare can best be described as a lip-smacking combination of Persian, Mediterranean, Indian and North African cuisines. While there are a great many regional culinary hubs in the country, there's no place like the bustling capital for those who wish to savour the best of the local culinary school. From hearty meals to irresistible snacks and desserts, here's a rundown of the best classical Omani dishes that one must try in Muscat.

1. Shuwa

Considered an essential part of Eid celebrations all across Oman and Muscat in particular, Shuwa is a dish that's intimately connected with the religious festival. Most local families will begin preparing the Shuwa on the first day of Eid and enjoy it on the second day. As the culminating feast after a month-long fast for the Ramadan season, Eid festival food holds a special place in the hearts of all Muscat residents. The meat used for the dish is often goat or camel that's marinated with spices such as cumin, coriander and nutmeg before being wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in a Tandoori oven underground. The banana-leaf-wrapped meat is only taken out of the oven during the day of consumption and paired with steamed rice and tomato sauce.

2. Dates

With so many date plantations covering the city and the country at large, Omani cuisine's obsession with dates is hardly a thing of the past. Served with every cup of coffee, fresh dates are considered both a delicacy and a token of hospitality among Omanis. While the taste, texture and colour of the dates change according to the area of the country in which dates are cultivated, they are by far the easiest local food item to shop for.

3. Majboos

Also called Kabsa by many Omanis, this classic Muscat rice dish is the perfect meal for those in search of a scrumptious lunch. Cooked in saffron, white or red meat is often used as a popular side dish to Majboos which is a regular feature in most local events including engagement ceremonies and even wedding buffets. The meat is prepared first and is marinated in garlic, onion and various spices before it is mixed in with the rice, which is cooked separately with cardamom.

4. Halwa

Those based at the Avani Muscat Hotel or any similar rest will find that nearly every Omani restaurant in Muscat lists Halwa among its dessert options. Sticky and delectably sweet, this decadent treat is made using eggs, honey, sugar, nuts, chocolate and rosewater. Halwa is available in a wide variety of flavours, and Omanis love this sweet after a spicy meal. There is even date-flavoured Halwa sold in local bazaars and supermarkets as freshly made Halwa can last up to 4 months. Some Omanis love a slice of Halwa with their afternoon cuppa.

5. Mushaltat

Travellers with a sweet tooth will also love this delicious flatbread treat that features a strange mix of ingredients. Stuffed with cheese, honey and shredded meat, Mushaltat also comes in other variations where cheese is swapped out for spinach. This wheat flour dish requires local bakery chefs to knead the dough to the consistency of a thin cake before being tossed into the oven to bake for 5 minutes after it is stuffed.

6. Harees

As one of the oldest and most traditional food items in the Omani canon, Harees is another dish that's associated with the Eid Festival, and more importantly, the Holy month of Ramadan. Soft and chewy, Harees is a heady mix of ground wheat that's been infused with soft-boiled meat and ghee to create a creamy texture. As a classic Arabian porridge, it is typically served for breakfast after the month-long fast.