Joanna James
Omani food has been perfected over the years with influences from Arabian, Bedoin and other cultures resulting in unique fare that you couldn't have anywhere else in the world. The unique taste extends to their desserts of cardamom and rosewater flavours. Here are 6 such delectable desserts.
The word Halwa means sweet in Arabic and that is the name given to this very traditional Omani dessert. It is considered Oman's national dessert and can be found in many places from cafés to restaurants to hotels the likes of Desert Nights Camp. Halwa is made by caramelising sugar and mixing it with almonds, rosewater, farina, cardamom, saffron and butter. The Halwa can be brown, yellow or white in Oman depending on what ingredients were used. It is served often together with typical Omani Qahwa.
Another dish that you would often find in an Oman desert hotel is Luqaimat. It isn't unique to Oman but can be found all across the Arab world. It is synonymous with the holy month of Ramadan and served as part of the breaking fast tradition of Ifthar. The dumpling is made of yeast, sugar and flour, fried and filled with a very sweet syrup. Coffee, dates, fruit and Luqaimat are served as part of the local hospitality.
A soft dessert that is made of milk, condensed milk, vanilla, butter, pistachios and nuts garnished over it. Any major meals will have a delicious Omani pudding. It is often yellow or beige.
This is a kind of carrot cake as you have never tasted before. Halwa Al Jazar is sweet as its name suggests and is made up of condensed milk, ghee, carrots and milk and generously garnished with pistachios. It has a delicious and thick oily taste.
Another Omani dessert that will make your mouth water is the Maho Halwa. They look like a very milky brown brownie and are made of condensed milk and lots of butter with the added flavour of saffron and cardamom. You will find it in plenty of places and it is a dish that you should try at least once.
Ahmad desserts are generally traditional and found all over Oman. Halawet Ahmad is one of them. They are quite distinct in their shape and are made out of vermicelli. You might notice the shape is very bird's nest-like with a generous garnish of pistachios on top. Condensed milk, almonds and butter are used to create this delicious dessert as well but one of the extra ingredients is coconut which gives Halawet Ahmad a distinct taste that you can pick out among other kinds of Omani desserts.
Just as tradition is an important part of Oman so is dessert an important part of those traditions. This is why you should try a day or two at a homestay when you are in Oman so you can try all these dishes which are served with delicious Omani coffee.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
