Joanna James
Featuring heavy influence from North Africa, Persia, India, and the wide Mediterranean region, Omani cuisine is certainly unlike any that you would have indulged. Here are top six dishes you must try while in Oman.
Fondly known by locals as Kabsa, this dish consists of rice mixed with fragrant helpings of saffron, which is then cooked with either white or spicy red meat. The word Majboos, when translated in the local language, means, ''to be engaged'' and is a perineal favorite to serve at special and auspicious occasions such as engagement parties and wedding feasts.
Another favored celebratory dish is the Shuwa. Which is traditionally only prepared and served on special occasions such as Eid. Usually, during the festival, local families begin cooking this dish on the first and consume it on the second day, allowing plenty of time for the fragrant spices to settle in the meat. Generally, this beloved Oman food requires a long and elaborate preparation process, with each household using their blend of ingredients which include cumin, nutmeg, and coriander. After rubbing a generous helping of the marinade on the meat, it is then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in underground sand over. After being cooked for a day or two, the tender meat is served with rice and tangy tomatoes sauce.
Given that Oman is blessed with an abundant supply of seafood, thanks to its expansive coastline, none should miss out on sampling the region's seafood dishes. Packed with a combination of flavours, Mashuai is a dish consisting of savory lemon rice and roasted king fish. This delicious dish can be sampled at many an Oman restaurant including the likes of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort as well.
For those with a penchant for sweet delicacies, Mushaltat will not disappoint. A soft flatbread stuffed with honey, the mouth-watering Mushaltat is the ideal accompaniment to a cup of hot tea. The soft bread is made out of refined wheat flour which is kneaded into thin cakes and stuffed with ingredients either sweet or savory and baked for about five minutes. If you are keen to try savory fillings, sampling the meat, cheese, or spinach fillings are highly recommended.
Traditionally dates are a staple in Oman cuisine and are served with coffee. Dates signify the national symbol of hospitality in Oman and can be found anywhere in the region. The best part is Omani dates come in all kinds, sizes, colour, and taste. Additionally, these delicious dates make for great gifts to take back home for your family and friends.
A creamy and smooth blend of buttermilk and yoghurt, Laban is served everywhere in Oman and is a cooling drink to heat the pervasive heat of the day. The more popular forms of Laban generally contain helpings of cardamom and pistachios for added flavor and fragrance.
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.
