Joanna James
Food lovers heading to Oman may be surprised to find just how diverse the traditional cuisine of the country truly is when compared to its neighbours. Here's a rundown of some of the best local dishes you should sample during a tour of Oman.
Any type of grilled meat is called Shuwa in Oman although the most famous variation of Shuwa is served up during the holy period of Eid and other religious holidays. Shuwa typically takes a long time to prepare as the process of cooking is complex. Marinated in local spices, the meat is first wrapped up in palm leave or banana leaves before being left in a sand oven deep beneath the ground. It takes nearly two days to cook through completely and this process tenderizes the meat while retaining its flavour and texture.
As a rice dish that's also identified as Makboos or Kabsa, Majboos is a rice dish that is as wholesome as it is delicious. Made using long-grain rice, the dish includes several vegetables and a meat item (usually chicken) and is served with a green salad or yoghurt. Tomato sauce is another traditional side dish that's set alongside a plate of Majboos while some locals also like to dip it into the rice meal with some Arabic bread.
Bread fanatics will find that Omani cuisine is right up their alley as bread varieties in Oman come in all shapes and sizes. It is not uncommon for most locals to prepare bread at home although bread is usually consumed with side dishes or gravy. Crispy, thin bread and hearty thick bread are the most popular among diners.
Coffee culture is such an integral part of life in Oman so visitors who wish to experience local food and beverages must also take an interest in how coffee is enjoyed in the country. Omanis like to combine cardamom into their coffee and those who visit a local home are likely to be greeted with this type of coffee along with a plate of dates.
As one of the region's largest exporters of dates, no trip to Oman would be complete without savouring the taste of this highly sought after commodity. Palm tree plantations are ubiquitous around Oman so dates are not only available everywhere but are also inexpensive. While dates can be consumed on their own, locals like to mix dried dates with grated coconut and sesame paste while dates are also frequently used to prepare sweets and desserts in Oman.
Those based at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort or any similar accommodation hub will find that every Oman restaurant serves its own variation of Halwa. The brown coloured dessert may taste like chocolate but no cocoa is used in the preparation of this delectable delicacy. Consisting of eggs, honey, sugar, rose water and nuts, Omani spices are also used to heighten the flavour of the dessert. Although it may have a thicker texture than custard, Halwa is just as easy to dig into after a hearty meal.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
