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?