A Peak Inside the Popular Food and Spices in Oman

After spending three wonderful years in Oman, I must say the food in Oman is one of my favorites globally! The food is special in this region with it’s unique blends of spices, a strong aroma of tradition and delicious items ready to feast on.

The traditional food is hard to find in Muscat,  you are more likely to be lucky to sample it in small villages or during EID, inside local camps, or by invitation to an Omani home. Most of the restaurants in Oman have their roots from India, Pakistan, Turkey, Asia, Africa or the copies of Western food chains.

However, there are a few Omani restaurants known to have some traditional Omani items year-round. I have listed some of the places below with the traditional Omani style items. Get ready to hear your stomach rumble!

   

Madrouba (beaten rice- or also called Orsiya)

It takes about 2.5 hours to prepare this. Some people do it over camp fire while camping. It’s a mix of rice, meat (beef or chicken), Omani spices, and Ghee. The rice is mashed or beaten until it looks like a porridge consistency. It’s a lot of hard work and physical stirring by hand. Different areas in Oman use different types of meat. For example, in Jalan they use only beef. It’s usually eaten after Ramadan but it’s one of the official meals of EID.  Try the side item- Torshe sauce (“torshah”)- vinegar and fruits mixed, usually tamarind and dates

 

Harees (Jareesh)

A mix of porridge and chicken to make a thick meal to satisfy and fill you up! It is topped off with carmelized onions and Omani spices. This is usually served at the beginning of Ramadan and other events like EID. It’s one of those dishes that taste better than it looks 🙂 

I found this dish at the Africa Restaurant & Coffee Shop For Zanzibar Food in North Al Hail Hours: 12 PM To 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM To 11:30 PM 7 days a week. 

 

Shuwa

One of my favorite type of food to eat in Oman! It’s a very special dish and takes a few days to prepare. A special blend of Omani spices especially ground for shuwa are rubbed into the Lamb and then wrapped up in wet banana leaves. The leaves are tied up with rope or twine and then the whole thing is put into the ground and then close the top off and cover with sand to save the heat inside like steaming. It then will cook slowly for 24-48 hours.  When it is finished, the meat falls off the bone. It is so spectacularly tender and it has the most amazing smells and flavors! If you are a fan of roast beef, this is 10 times better! It’s usually served with rice, hummus, salad, and a clear broth soup. Most of the time, it sis prepared only for Eid or special celebrations like a wedding. Sometimes, a whole village will come together and families will have multiple packages to put into one giant hole in the ground to cook. If you are able to experience this, you will be amazed at the celebration and togetherness of this custom.

  

Where to find it– Bin Ateeq Omani Restaurant in Al Khwair right behind the petrol station and next to McDonalds (you will get to experience the traditional sitting on the floor, (no shoes!) with a plastic piece rolled out and then the food served for the group.  You can also find it at Ofair in AL Khoud (Seeb). Or try the Shuwah burger at the Shuwa Express Restaurant in Qurum. (Bareeq Al Shatti Building)

Hamour fish 

This is a local fish popular in Oman and somewhat tastes like grouper. It’s great to get it fresh off the boat and served from a local spot in places like Sur or Al Ashkhara near the beach. Some of the spots will clean and cook it for you if you are able to get it right off the boat! If you are exploring around near a boat dock, a local fisherman might try to sell you some for around 2 or 3 Omani rials. Grab some! Throw it on the grill and enjoy! 

Where to find it:  In Muscat, try it at the Turkish House in AL Khwair. It’s is very popular with tourists and locals. Also try the mixed grill here and the Turkish bread is so-o-o-o-o-o amazing!

  

Omani bread- Khubz-Rugag

This is one of my morning treats! It’s a very thin bread, similar to a crepe without sugar. You can add in eggs, cheese, honey, zaatar, or even Omani chips! I like mine with egg and cheese. They serve these at small coffee or tea shops and at festivals. It usually costs around 500-600 Besas. Really cheap price!

Here is a video which shows the process: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8HfG61o4iw

Shwarma Sandwiches

These are a local favorite and easy to spot by looking for the rotating vertical skewers seen from the open shops. The options of chicken or beef are mostly found in Oman. The meat is carved off the large rotating block and then placed inside bread with sauce, and sometimes French fries. (I like mine without fries). They are a good bang for your buck, literally about 1 Omani rial for a foot long size. (called a Sarookh)

Where to find it– lots of small shops and outdoor areas next to petrol stations or small strip shops. They are usually open really late, even a few around 4 or 5 AM. 

Potato Soup- Omani/Zanzibar Style

An interesting blend of potatoes and spices with Zanzibari roots is sold with a few places that also do the mishkak (see below). It’s made in a huge metal pot over the open flames, then served in a to-go bowl. It’s homemade and fills you up quickly!

Where to find it– I had it next to the beach and last parking lot in Al Azaiba (off 18 November Street) with a small van selling Mishkak. (Google Fanajeen Coffee Shop)

Mishkak (kabab meat on a stick)

This is another favorite of mine and I indulge weekly! It’s made from grilling pieces of marinated chicken, beef, lamb, or even squid on wooden sticks over an open fire. It is then put onto wooden skewers, seasoned, and then ready for the flames. This is a favorite food to cook for camping or for picnics. You can get about 4 or 5 sticks for 1 Omani rial. You can get bread for a little bit extra. They come spicy or not spicy. Of course, the spicy ones are best! Grab some to go and have a nice view at the beach and enjoy like a picnic.  If you want to grill your own, The meat can be purchased from a butcher inside the Seeb souq or in small shops in different villages, or in the larger chain food markets. 

Where to find it– They are found mostly as street vendors near busy areas close to the beaches. (next to Al Mouj, and next to Love Street roundabout (Al Shatti Street) or in Turkish Restaurants. Try MR Mishkak in Al Khoud. IG: Mr.Mishkak 

 

Karak tea or Chai- 

This tea is filled with sugar and milk. It’s quite sweet and a nice treat if you’re not a coffee drinker. A few places will make it without sugar, but not too many. Some people have said that it originates from India, but I’ve heard mixed ideas about this.  It’s usually around 100- 200 biza. Super cheap!!  Also try the ginger shots with a stick of pineapple! 

Where to find it– They sell it at a lot of small shops around Oman. I like to go to Tea Corner, a chain of shops around the Muscat area. 

  

Rice- the most popular side dish

Rice is the staple for this region due to the inexpensive cost, filling content, and flavors that mix well with the Omani cuisine.

• Kabuli- is a rice dish combined with pine nuts, cashews, dried lemons, spice blends, and goat or lamb pieces. It’s topped with fried onions and served with your favorite main meat course.
• Biryani- (India origin)
• Mandi (Yemen origin) flavors of different meats mixed with rice and served 
• Waraq Enab- rice wrapped in grape leaves

  

Dates

Omani dates are the best I’ve ever had! There are several varieties and can be found year-round. These are a staple in Omani cuisines and a favorite way to greet guests and share the culture. They are usually served in a dish with a side of Omani coffee (kahwah).

  

Kahwah (Coffee)

This very strong coffee is served in a really small cup almost like a shot called “Fenjan”. It’s very strong and has no sugar or cream. Sometimes they put cardamom and rose water for some flavoring.Your host will continue to give you more unless you shake your fenjan indicating you are finished. You then rinse out the fenjan in water and set it back on the tray for the next guest. It is served from a coffee pot called a “dallah”. Most people drink it with a side snack of dates. This is a tradition to welcome guests and show Omani culture and  hospitality.

Halawa

This favorite sweet dessert is made from dates, ghee, and lots of sugar. It becomes a thick substance similar to Jello. There are different colors/types of halawa and varieties of nuts also used for flavorings. The pistachio flavor is my favorite.

Where to find it– You can get one of the more popular tasting ones in Mutrah Souq, Barka factory, or the Nizwa Souq. They are also available in the food markets. Use a small spoon or your fingers for dipping. After Halawa, it is tradition to drink the Omani coffee (Khawah). 

Mandazi- (Fried bread triangles)

This traditional bread has Zanzibari roots from Africa and is usually eaten for breakfast or sold in street stalls in Africa. This is a semi-sweet bread with mild cardomon and is cut into triangles and then deep fried golden brown. It puffs up while frying and then once removed, is eaten hot and fresh or becomes a great side item to dip into your Karak tea.  They used to pack items inside the mandazi with chick peas or cheese as an extra treat.

Here is a video and how it’s made: http://timesofoman.com/article/97152

Haloumi

For the semi-vegetarians, the fried cheese is popular inside rolled up bread or as a side dish. Toubili is also served along with it or fried tomatoes. It’s a salty cheese with a rubbery- squeeky feel when eating. But, it’s so good!

Where to find it–  The best Haloumi wrap in Muscat is at Bakery and BBQ (B and B) in Qurum. They also have great Shwarma and hummus. Phone: 9890 3393, closes at 11:30 PM. 

Omani Flavors and SPICES:

The main spices in Oman have a variety of history and worldly roots. Cardamon, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, crushed green chili, and turmeric are the staple spices here and the most used. Fresh vegetables are widely available in local street side markets and small shops for cooking your favorite dishes! You can also bring your own spice mixes and have it crushed into a powder blend of seasonings at the local souk market. 

Limoo– Limes in Oman are not the small green ones you are used to seeing, although they do have this type. The dried and somewhat old looking limes are a specialty item and preserved for local dishes. You scrape off the inside black lining and it’s used as the “spice”.

Dried fish– (anchovies size)- you can find small fish that has been dried and with a lot of salt in both the grocery stores and local markets. In Bid Bid at the small souq, there are piles of it ready for snacking. The locals also dry fish at home and use it for energy during the day and for camping.  Some dishes include it as a seasoning with lime to refresh the flavors. (called awa’al and malleh)

***If you are short on time and cannot go to all of these places, a lot of these dishes and Omani food items you can try at the LuLu grocery stores. They will have a variety of food in the hot food counter and  you can get it to-go and try for a nice picnic.

MORE DESSERTS>>> Lo Qimat and Fresh Honey! 

  

 Let me know which places ones you tried or if you have another one to add here!  Enjoy!

Gogo Everywhere!