Hello, foodies! Welcome to another delicious edition of our blog, where we explore the amazing cuisines of the world and share our tips on how to enjoy them. Today, we are going to talk about one of the most underrated and diverse culinary destinations in the Middle East: Oman.
Oman is a country that boasts a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It is also home to some of the most mouth-watering dishes you will ever taste. Omani cuisine is influenced by various regions, such as India, Iran, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It features a lot of rice, meat, fish, vegetables, and spices that create a symphony of flavors and aromas.
But what are the best dishes of Oman and where can you get them? Well, we have done some research and compiled a list of 10 must-try Omani delicacies and the best places to find them. Whether you are planning a trip to Oman or just want to learn more about its food culture, this blog post is for you. Let’s get started!
- Madrouba
Madrouba is a hearty porridge made with chicken, rice, and spices. It is cooked for a long time until the rice becomes soft and mushy. Then, it is topped with ghee (clarified butter) and fried onions for extra flavor and texture. Madrouba is a comfort food that will warm you up from the inside out. It is best eaten with fresh lime juice and bread.
Where to get it: You can find madrouba in most traditional Omani restaurants, such as Bait Al Luban in Muscat or Al Loomie in Nizwa.
- Mashuai
Mashuai is a simple but delicious dish that consists of spit-roasted kingfish served with lemon rice. The fish is marinated with oil and spices, such as garlic, cumin, turmeric, cardamom, black pepper, and nutmeg. Then, it is grilled over charcoal or baked in the oven until tender and juicy. The lemon rice is cooked with cashews and raisins for a sweet and sour contrast.
Where to get it: Mashuai is a popular dish in Oman’s coastal areas, especially in Muscat and Sur. You can try it at restaurants like Al Mandoos or Bait Al Bahar.
- Omani Halwa
Omani halwa is the national dessert of Oman and a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. It is a jelly-like confection made with farina (semolina), sugar, water, rose water, saffron, cardamom, butter, and nuts. It is cooked in a large copper pot called mirjnl for hours while stirring constantly. The result is a sticky and fragrant treat that melts in your mouth.
Where to get it: Omani halwa is widely available in Oman’s markets, shops, and cafes. You can also find it at special occasions like weddings and festivals. Some of the best places to buy halwa are Halwa Al Saada in Muscat or Halwa Al Nizwa in Nizwa.
- Shuwa
Shuwa is a festive dish that is usually prepared for Eid al-Adha or other special events. It involves marinating lamb or goat meat with spices and wrapping it in banana leaves or palm fronds. Then, it is buried in an underground oven called tanoor and cooked for up to two days. The meat becomes so tender that it falls off the bone. Shuwa is served with rice or bread and salads.
Where to get it: Shuwa is not easy to find in restaurants as it requires a lot of time and effort to make. However, you can try it at some hotels or resorts that offer Omani buffets or cultural nights. For example, you can taste shuwa at Al Bustan Palace Hotel or Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa.
- Harees
Harees is another traditional dish that is often made for Eid or other celebrations. It is similar to madrouba but uses wheat instead of rice. The wheat grains are soaked overnight and then boiled with meat (usually chicken or lamb) until they form a thick porridge-like consistency. Then, they are seasoned with salt, pepper, cinnamon, card.
Like any of these food to be in your party? Then reach out to Omans Central Kitchen by Renaissance Group.
