Top 10 Traditional Omani Dishes to Try in Muscat This Ramadan

They have a special chance to experience the Sultanate culinary tradition in Ramadan in Muscat. From slow-cooked meats to aromatic sweets, traditional Omani dishes take center stage during Iftar and Suhoor. This is the list of what the real tastes you should have this sacred month.

The Heavyweights: Meat & Rice Specialties

Shuwa: The National Delicacy

No list of authentic Omani food is complete without Shuwa. Usually prepared during Eid, but is becoming common at restaurants such as Bait Al Luban, it is prepared by marinating meat in hot paste of date and cooking it in a sand oven buried in the ground with up to 48 hours cooking time.

Harees and Arsia

A favorite dish that is broken with at night is harees a comforting porridge of beaten wheat and meat. Its smoother sister, Arsie, is made up of mashed rice and meat, which is commonly served with a tangy tamarind sauce (Turshi) to relieve the richness.

Majboos (Kabsa)

Just like biryani, the Majboos is a dish of saffron spiced rice made with chicken or lamb. It is a daily essential for many Omani families and a must-try for visitors seeking hearty Muscat Ramadan meals.

Seafood & Sweets

Mashuai

Due to the lengthy coastline of Oman, seafood plays an important role. Mashuai: This is a spit-roasted Kingfish which is accompanied by savoury lemon rice which is served as a lighter version of the heavy meat dishes.

Omani Halwa and Kahwa

Finish with Omani Halwa a sticky sweet that is flavored with saffron, rosewater and nuts. It is also traditionally served with Kahwa (bitter cardamom coffee) to make it less sweet. for more news updates, visit our Gulf Independent News page.

FAQs

Q: Where can I try authentic Shuwa in Muscat during Ramadan?
A: There are only traditional restaurants that are authentic Shuwa, such as Bait al Luban in Muttrah or in Muscat Rozna restaurants.

Q: Is Omani food spicy?
A: Generally, traditional Omani dishes are spiced but not excessively hot. They do not use chili heat, but aromatic spices such as cardamom, turmeric and dried lime.

Q: What is the best street food to try in Muscat for Suhoor?
A: One of the well-liked street foods is Mishkak (skewners of grilled meat): commonly sold by roadside stalls and accompanied by tamarind sauce.

Q: Do restaurants in Muscat serve food during the day in Ramadan?
A: The majority of restaurants cannot eat in during the day. Most of them, however, provide takeaway services and the hotel restaurants can also provide food to non-Muslims in of screened places.