9 Traditional Omani Dishes You Need to Try - For a true taste of Oman

Shuwa is grilled meat in Arabic style and a favoured dish in Omani cuisine prepared for religious festivals like Eid. The cooking process, however, is long! Omanis typically prepare it several days ahead and consume it on the third or fourth day. The meat gets coated in a blend of Omani spices, then encased in banana or palm leaves and baked in a sand oven underground for two days.

You can find several kinds of bread in Oman. There is dense circular-shaped bread, while another, although circular, is crispy and thin. The majority of Omanis bake their bread at home. You can also find them in bakeries and popular Oman restaurants as well.

The dates found in Oman are one of a kind! They differ in colour, tenderness, and taste. Being in the region is a good opportunity to try fresh dates too! Dates play an essential role during meal items and are offered to guests with coffee and other sweets.

Kahwa is Arabic coffee and it is a fragrant and potent punch. Omani coffee is typically flavoured with cardamom powder. Similar to dates, coffee plays an integral part in the hospitality culture of Oman. One of the best ways to have a strong cuppa is with halwa or dates.

Meshkak, also known as kebab, is a popular Omani dish that involves marinating chunks of meat in spices such as curry powder, cinnamon, and chilli, then grilling them on skewers. It is typically served with fresh Omani bread and a yoghurt dip and is particularly enjoyed during festive occasions.

Laban is a fermented milk drink that has a sour taste and is commonly consumed in Arabic countries. It is prepared by mixing buttermilk and yoghurt and is a refreshing beverage, particularly during hot weather. Laban is often flavoured with mint, cardamom or cumin, which gives it an extra boost of taste and health benefits.

A special dish made from broken wheat, Harees is cooked during important occasions in Oman. The primary ingredients for making Harees are wheat, chicken, and butter. The mixture is cooked slowly until it breaks down into a thick, paste-like consistency. Various spices and flavourings can be added to enhance the taste.

Luqaimat is a crispy dumpling, commonly served during Iftar, the evening meal to break the fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Made with wheat flour, sugar, and yeast, the dumpling is fried in hot oil and then dipped in a sticky date syrup. It is a popular treat in Oman and is often enjoyed with coffee.

Majboos is also named Makboos and kabsa. It is a classic rice dish originating in Saudi Arabia. It is a favourite dish in the Arabic World, particularly in Gulf nations like Oman. The dish is a mix of basmati rice, and meat like lamb or chicken coated in spices and cooked on slow heat to develop its flavours. Majboos is eaten alongside a green salad, yoghurt, or tomato sauce. Even hotels will serve this delicacy. You can try the likes of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara when looking out for accommodation options.