Omani food is a delicious mix of various cuisines and culinary cultures from Persia, India, North Africa and the Mediterranean region. While rice, chicken and lamb are its staple ingredients, they are often infused with various combinations of herbs and spices like saffron, ginger, and nutmeg which provide unique flavours that aren’t found elsewhere. Here are some of the star dishes and treats from Omani cuisine that are worth trying.

Shuwa

This is a celebratory dish often served on special occasions like Eid. It is a bone meat dish that is generously infused with spices, wrapped in palm leaves, and cooked underground for several days. During Eid, many families begin preparing Shuwa on the first day and enjoy it on the second day.

Majboos

Also known as Kabsa, this is a serving of rice with meat and is prepared mainly with saffron and cardamom. The meat is usually prepared first with onion, garlic and other spices. The rice is then cooked separately and also flavoured with spices. The rice and meat are then mixed and served on a large platter dish. ‘Majboos’ typically means ‘to be engaged’ and as such, the dish is a popular favourite during weddings and engagements. But it can also be found even at the best restaurant in Muscat, due to its popularity with the locals

Shawarma

This is a local favourite and can be found in street stalls across Middle Eastern countries. Shawarma is essentially a meat sandwich – pita bread wrapped around a generous filling of meat marinated in spices. It is often enjoyed with garlic paste or fries.

Dates

Dates are a national symbol of hospitality in Oman with there being over 250 indigenous varieties available across the region. This fruit is often served as a light snack alongside tea or coffee. The dates from Oman are often hailed as the best in the world and can be found anywhere in shops, restaurants and even in hotels like Al Falaj Hotel Muscat.

Halwa

Image via Wikimedia Commons – Miansari66, Semolina Dry Halwa, CC0 1.0

This is a sweet, gelatinous dessert made with brown sugar, eggs, honey, spices, rosewater, nuts and chocolate. It is usually boiled over a wood fire and is prepared in this manner over a period of time. Some versions of Halwa are also prepared from Omani dates. This is also a dessert that can be enjoyed at one’s own pace, as it can last for more than four months without losing its quality.

Laban

This is the most traditional drink in Oman made by blending buttermilk and yoghurt which gives it a unique salty flavour. The more popular versions of the drink are infused with pistachios and cardamoms.