Top 5 Omani Foods that YOU MUST TRY by Tasmia Sayed

Ahlan Wa Salan -Welcome to the Sultanate of Oman - A country with amazing landscapes, scenic beaches, inspiring desserts, picturesque and cascading waterfalls. With this beauty Oman also offers mouthwatering cuisine.  Here are the top 5 foods which you MUST try.

1.Kahwa with dates and halwa:

Omani food primarily starts with cardamom flavored kawah, the very symbol of omani hospitality. This could be accompanied with dates and halwa. Oman has more than 250 indigenous varieties of dates, out of which the most relished for their delectable taste and succulence are khalas, khunaizi and fargh. Dates are excellent source of fiber, sugar, magnesium, potassium and carbohydrates which aid in maintaining health. Whereas, halwa is a sticky gelatinous substance which is made from brown sugar, egg, honey and spices. It can be flavored with many ingredients such as nuts, rose water or even chocolate. The sweetness of dates and halwa counteracts the bitterness of kawah.

2. Shuwa:

One if the selected specialties which are only served on special occasions, also called as Oman's national dish. It is no surprise that the preparation of shuwa is very complex, requiring up to 24 to 48 hrs making this  dish a rarity. Pieces of meat or even a whole animal are tossed into a marinate of mashed dates and bizar

3. Mashuai:

The Sultanate has a major maritime power for years and the fishing industry is thriving. Many omani families consume fish or crustaceans every day, which not only provides them with good quality proteins but also good fats. Popular fish dishes include mashuai which consist of a roasted king fish served along with a hearty helping of lemon rice.

4. Maqboos:

This is another popular rice dish with saffron cooked over spicy red or white meat. By using various marinates and impregnating meat with spices the result us mouthwatering concoction which stimulate the taste buds.

5. Lokhemat:

Is another accompaniment to coffee. These are balls of flour flavored with cardamom and deep fried until golden and served with cardamom syrup. You will love the sweetness of lokhemat and bitterness of kawah which complement each other.

Oman's traditional cuisine promises a broad variety; despite its culinary sophistication those who want to dine authentically should make use of fingers.  Healthy, fresh and delicious, it's little wonder that today the cuisine if Oman is so popular with dineres of varied nationalities.

Have you tried any of these? Did you like them?  What would you add to this list?

My 10 memories of being an 8 year old in Muscat. by Nicholla Henderson Hall

Some of you may or may not know but I lived in Oman as a child briefly in the early 80’s.  My memories are more of short photograph memories but I still hold on to them and when I sit with the family and we reminisce about growing up we are reminded of our short 2 year stay in Muscat.  Here are some of those memories.

1. Being dragged to the Muttrah souk by my parents to buy material, or get something fixed.  As a kid I hated it.  Walking those tight alley ways, all the smells, the noise etc but as an adult I’ve embraced all of that and wish I could have told my 8 year self to suck it up and enjoy it.  I walked the corniche as a child with an ice cream my parents were probably having those conversations we have today where we are admiring the buildings and imaging the stories they could tell.  If only!

2. Going shopping at what is now CCC centre to Al Fair supermarket – in those days it was all sand parking and bumpy. My video shop was also there called ‘voice and view’ - BEST copy video EVER! Today its a buzzing spot on the weekend of eateries but when I got there I do close my eyes and remember.

3. The Corniche Fish market. Gosh I loved the Corniche fish market.  Dad used to take us early in the morning to get king fish and prawns to go the barbecue that afternoon.  While I lived in Oman as an adult I loved visiting the one at Seeb. I would stand and watch the bartering on the large marlins or watch the guys discuss the catch of the day. 'Andak' fish was my favourite buy; such a great fish for a fish curry.  If you haven’t tried that fish, I’d recommend it. Its  a large red grouper fish.  It’s really meaty with great texture.

4. Princess Restaurant in Al Khuwair.  We had a take away from there every Friday.  It was the best food ever and time always went soooo slowly on Friday only because I wanted to get take away.

5. The Airport seemed so far away and yet today its only up the road. Weird how your mind remember things.

6. The donuts from the bakery at the Intercontinental Hotel.  Every Thursday Dad would go and get the donut box.  My love of donuts lived and died in Oman.  I don’t like donuts anymore but every time I see a donuts I think of Oman.

7. I remember the obsessive car cleaning syndrome my parents had.  My parents were never ones to be getting fines and so they became Obsessive Car Cleaners. I’m sure we had the most polished cars on the street.  

8. The Saab showroom what is now where Ferrari is today on the road up to Madinat Qaboos. I fell in love with those cars and vowed I’d own one when I grew up.  I never have done as it happens but that was my car choice and probably where my car obsession also started.

9. Oh the funniest memory was doing Guy folks night at The British School – MQ.  (When I was there it was Muscat English Speaking School) Down on the sports pitch we created a massive bonfire where the whole school turned up to watch.  BUT sadly it didn't last, the fire brigade came along and promptly put it out.  The Headmaster at the time Mr. Jones wasn't best pleased and his paperwork didn't count for anything.  Wonder what Mr. Jones would say about that now? It’s a funny memory.

10. The Express way which when I was there was a dangerous curvy road to take particularly at night because there was no lights.  Thankfully they improved that road and made things better.

So those are my short memories.  There are many more but I wanted to just share 10 of mine and see if any of you can relate to any of these.  Do you have childhood memories of Oman?

Oman National Day

Oman has a grandiose history. However, what is most relevant for the world to sit up and notice about, is what Oman has achieved since the 1970s.

In 1970, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos  Bin Said acceded to the throne, the growth in industry and infrastructure since then has been radical. In the 1960s, the same households that lived without electricity, roads and used water out of Falaj streams, had them all inclusive of free education and medical help by the end of the 1970s. By the early 1990s, the worst nightmare for an Omani is the AC not working, a necessity that did not exist just a few decades earlier.

How many of you have a picture in the Corniche back then and now?

Oratory and harangues by political leaders have either been cliché and archived to the ash heap of history and viral twitter humor or have been phenomenal and erudite, setting vision about the path of progress and inspiring listeners with an unrelenting hold encouraging them to action . Like PM Narendra Modi, President Barrack Obama to King George VI, HM Sultan Qaboos maintains this oratory ritual of delivering speeches every National Day ever since the first historical speech on July 23rd 1970  (which is often referenced by Omanis about the "new Oman").

With over 4 decades of Renaissance, Oman has put in place a world-class infrastructure in terms of roads, flyovers, hospitals, schools, universities, ports, airports, industrial estates, transport and communication and continues its march towards all-round development.

Oman is still in its early stages of setting up railway system.  Muscat International and Salalah International Airport including three regional airports are under development and several projects specifically leisure resorts, golf courses and hotels are planned / underway to boost the tourism sector.  Concentration on human resource development continues to be the base of sustainable development policies adopted by the Sultanate. Huge attention is being paid towards the welfare and development of citizens considering the basic role to be played by them as a resource in the continuing development of the Sultanate.

As we all enjoy the long weekend, city light up in decorations and fireworks this 44th National Day,  we wish His Majesty and everyone in Oman with peace, health, prosperity and success.

Read more at www.omanforamericans.wordpress.com

Honorary Omani.. by Vidya Ramaswamy

As I write this, I'm in my country, India for the Eid holidays. Yes, some of us have to work on vacation. The radio is on (hey, women can multitask!) and they're saying something about Oman. I'm deep in thought trying to come up with the contents for this article.

Wait a minute! I'm in India. Why are they talking about Oman on the radio?!?

I immediately tune into what's going on. The caller is telling the RJ about her recent vacation to Oman. She’s gushing about how Oman is a gorgeous country, and how her family enjoyed shopping and scuba diving and exploring the natural beauty of the country. In a matter of minutes, I felt my heart inexplicably swell with pride.

Such is the effect of Oman on me. To Oman, I am merely a foreigner, an "expat". But to me, Oman is home. I've spent a quarter of a century growing up in a country that is not mine, and yet I've never felt like an outsider. When anyone asks me where I'm from, my kneejerk reaction is to say Oman! And then I wait eagerly, hoping that I'll be asked - "Oman?"

Jackpot.

Yes! Oman. It's in the Middle East. Next to Dubai. No, not Amman! That's in Jordan. It's Oman. The Sultanate of Oman. Yup, there's a King. A Sultan. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. He's awesome! Yeah, it's a Muslim country. No, I'm not Muslim. So what? Do you know there's a roundabout in Darsait where there's a temple, a church and a mosque within walking distance of each other? How freaking cool is that?! (Speaking of roundabouts, does anyone else miss them or is it just me? I know driving around them was a pain but they always looked so pretty! But I digress.)

Long story short, one of my favourite pastimes is to introduce Oman to new people. I don't know why but I'm always thrilled to do so.

That's why it hurts me when some of the expats here complain about Oman. I admit I've done it too. Boo Omanization. Boo lack of public transport. Boo the heat. But then why are we here? Perhaps the amazingly clean roads, the hospitality of the locals or the comfortable, laidback lifestyle?

JFK very famously said "ask not what the country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country".

So this National Day, I would like all expats to focus on why you choose to be here. Even if your sole reason is that magical 25 bz packet of Pofak. (25 bz!! Incredible, right? Sometimes that’s how I make purchasing decisions - if the item(s) in question is worth losing out on all that Pofak! Please don’t judge.) But whatever your reason, take this opportunity to celebrate Oman and embrace it.

And I would like all Omanis to kindly give us the status of being Honorary Omanis while we spend some part of our lives in your beautiful country. We love Oman and we are grateful to you for sharing your home with us.

As for me, I can't wait to head back to Oman. When I step off the airplane at Seeb Airport and feel the thick hot air hit my face, that's when I know .. I'm home.

- Written by Vidya Ramaswamy (an Indian by birth, an Honorary Omani by heart)

(Vidya is a member of the Community Writing Team for 'Muscat-Where Can I Find' - Oman's BEST Community information hub. Using the Community to help you find what you are looking for in Muscat.)

Al- Anon Family group meetings: Help for the Alcoholic’s Families worldwide.

 

http://al-anonoman.org/

Alcoholism like any other addiction is a vicious disease where it affects not only the drinker but the family & loved ones around them changing their lives for years or even for generations if no help reaches them. Still, it being a taboo subject, people hesitate to reach out , talk about it or even admit there is a problem. In the recent months more articles have been published in Oman's leading news papers on front pages bringing to people's notice that Alcoholism or compulsive drinking problems do exist in this region. Even the government / ministry officials have expressed the need to focus on the issue & make help available to the family so that they can get assistance to recovery, 'AA' (Alcoholics Anonymous ) is the group where the "problem drinker" can seek help for themselves all across the world. But what about family members, friends or loved ones who have been living with the effects of alcoholism?? 

This is where ' Al-Anon family support group' or simply put 'Al-Anon' comes in to offer help in a standard & appropriate format all across the world in several countries and cities. Al-Anon is a "worldwide fellowship that offers a program of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics, whether or not the alcoholic recognizes the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help. This is the place where members seeking help or family / friend of the drinker meet 'anonymously' without feeling judged or ashamed and learn how to get the required self-help following Twelve-step program & Al-anon literature. And now such a Al-anon family support group is initiated in more organised manner in Muscat, Oman as well. where can they reach out and look for strength, help & guidance for themselves as they need to get themselves a positive help & with the proper understanding on how they can improve their family situation, no matter how difficult it seems to them at a given time.

 The following are few questions may help you to decide whether Al-Anon is for you:

• Do you have a parent, close friend or relative whose drinking upsets you or has been affecting your family dynamics?
• Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else’s drinking or for what’s happening in your home?
• Does it seem like every holiday/ family occasion is spoiled because of someone's drinking?
• Do you cover up your real feelings by pretending you don’t care? Are you afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking bout?
• Do you believe no one could possibly understand how you feel? Do you have money problems because of some else’s drinking?

Many who come to Al-Anon are in despair, feeling hopeless, unable to believe that things can ever change. We want our lives to be different, but nothing we have done has brought about change. We all come to Al-Anon because we want and need help. In Al-Anon members share their own experience, strength, and hope with each other. You will meet others who share your feelings and frustrations, if not your exact situation. We come together to learn a better way of life, to find happiness whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not. The Al-anon groups are self-supporting , self-help groups which are based on 'TWELVE STEP PROGRAM', there are no fees or dues to attend the group meetings as its free. The focus is on helping ourselves and each other through studying about twelve steps, reading through globally available al-anon literature/ books in the meetings. Its a independent, non- profit, no-revenue generating  support group which is non- religious or non- political . We need to carry message of hope in the community, by Informing people of the existence and availability of Al-Anon as a resource for families of alcoholics.

For more information about Al-Anon Family groups in Muscat & to reach out for meetings/ help one can log on to the website for Oman at www.al-anonoman.org or one can call/text the helpline number mentioned on the website,

~ Written in public service by Anonymous members of Al-Anon Family group Muscat.

Muscatwhere.com - the Brain of Muscat.

www.Muscatwhere.com

So Muscat-Where Can I Find (MWCIF) has become a MASSIVE database of credible useful community information which helps newbies and long time residents of Muscat find what they need. The process is simple, you ask and members of the community answer with their recommendations, suggestions and insight. In the 4.5 years the group has existed, the group has amassed a database of over 28,000 posts and over 165,000 comments. It surely is the brain of Muscat.

Simple Process
The process is simple. All the information shared is automatically updated via the Facebook group to muscatwhere.com so you can search to see if you your question has been asked and if it has been answered. So if you are looking for chia seeds, a handy man, a particular product/service or even information then this tool will download old posts and comments related to what you are looking for.

Keyword Search
Using the tool is simple. You type in your keyword, your date limits and click 'Search' and the tool will download all posts/comments relevant to that keyword. All you have to do is look through them and see if any of them are relevant. You can then head over to the particular post in the group by clicking 'go to post' and commenting again or just writing down the information you need.

Check out your own Posts and comments
You can also see your own posts and comments so you can see what you have written in the past. I thought that would be nice to see our own posts and remember what we have asked for.

So now there is no need to worry about 'I can't find a post' or 'does anyone remember a post about..' - just head over to www.muscatwhere.com - type in your keyword and be on with the rest of your day.


Nicholla :) 

(MWCIF Creator)

Energy Boosting Foods.... by Tasmia Sayed

 Have you ever wondered who shut off your energy supply and replaced it with the urge to carbo load in winters. We start napping more, drinking more coffee, indulging in fried and sweet foods, have a hard time getting to the gym.

Lets first see why this change happens. In winters there is decreased activity of serotonin a mood enhancing chemical which regulates hunger and the feeling of well being. The effect of this chemical is further aggravated by high stress levels in our daily life. All this leads to low energy levels .Invariably lower the energy the more food will you crave. Many kinds of carbohydrates like pasta, candy, and cereal can produce temporary increase in serotonin. But it is a strict no-no as these foods can hamper your diet. Moreover a crash after this temporary high can make you feel even worse than before the buzz began.

Thankfully there are some easy to find healthy super foods that you can eat to battle back the winter blues.

Flax seeds:

Studies have been carried out University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre which have shown flax seeds have numerous health benefits possibly influencing your moods. Being a good source of fibre it keeps you feeling full and also energised longer. Experts at Maryland University recommend 1- 3 tbsp which can be sprinkled on soup or in your cereals, salads, on toast or in yoghurt.

Berries:

 

Berries can be an important tool in your bag when stress hits. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries have high levels of antioxidant known as anthocyanin and have also been linked to lowering cortisol. During stressful situations, cortisol leads your hipocampus a major portion of your brain that stores memories and provides emotional responses. In short berries may help you keep your head straight. (Lang 2012, Cornell Chronicle)

 

Bananas:

 Bananas contain tryptophan, good source of natural sugars and potassium which help fuel your brain. (Homberg 2013, Cambridge Journal). Another key ingredient is magnesium which has been shown to improve sleep and reduce anxiety. Two indications which leads to faulty eating habits.

Chamomile Tea:

Chamomile tea is one of the most recommended bed time soothers. It helps to boost your immune system, calm nausea and also ease digestive pain and discomfort. In the cold weather it will give you that wonderful feeling of holding a mug of tea as you sit in a quiet spot before bed.

Leafy Greens:

Leafy greens like kale, spinach, swiss chard, turnip, greens, parsley, spinach, broccoli, lettuce are good source of folate and vitamin b6. Folate is required for synthesis of neurotransmitters that control most of your body function including moods and emotion. According to Linus Pauling Institute vitamin b6 aids in converting tryptophan into serotonin that helps us feel calm and content. When cooking go easy on them to preserve its nutritive value. Steaming leafy greens in a colorful stir fry is a good option for this cold weather.

Coffee and tea are popular drinks on cold winter days and generally people don't drink enough water, which could lead to dehydration. Water boosts our physical fitness and vitality all year around. Try sipping some water when you are flabbergasted it could prevent you from consuming large portion sizes of food.

Sticking to your regular exercise regimen is a little difficult in winters. But if you can force yourself to start, 15 to 20 minutes of dancing to the radio or brisk walking which can increase brain serotonin function

A better energy level will invariably produce a better mood, since your brain uses energy as a communication molecule to produce neurotransmitters. The above energetic suggestions are based on the unique stress that colder and darker days pose to your mood and metabolism.

Enjoy the winter!

Tasmia Sayed

Clinical dietician

(I am an Accredited Dietitian, and Certified diabetes Educator from the American Diabetes Education. I am passionate about debunking diet rumours, myths and fads while teaching people how to eat real , healthy foods in a manner that is scientifically proven to prevent disease and increase health.  I  have successfully catered patients to reach their dream weight and fight diseases like diabetes, PCOS, cardiac problems, hypertension, weight gain and thyroid related disorders.  With my clinical expertise I can help you RECLAIM the long lost connection with food, so you can ATTAIN the perfect fit body you always wanted to have.  You can get in touch with me: tasmiasayed89@gmail.com / +968 96735985)