How to Eat Like a Local in Oman - Must-Sample Local Dishes on a Holiday in Oman

Tipped to be one of the Middle East's most dynamic tourist hotspots, Oman's food culture remains one of the main reasons why travellers flock to this part of the region. With a host of traditional dishes and a plethora of fusion meals making up its local canon, foodies will have much to write home about on an Omani dining adventure. From well-loved treats to delectable snacks and desserts, here are some of the must-sample dishes on a trip to Oman.

Erkan Pinar, Traditional Omani Food, CC BY 2.0

1. Malleh

As one of the country's true delicacies, seafood including shark meat is used to prepare this dish, which requires the freshest seafood available. The coastlines of the country are prime locations for sourcing fresh seafood so local cooks regularly whip up this dish, which cures and salts fish before rehydrating the meat with onions and lime. The preparation itself is not too complicated as the dish, which is also called "awa'al and malleh" is also sold in the street-side restaurants of Muscat and other major cities. 

2. Harees

When it comes to Omani comfort food, few enjoy the love and affection that's enjoyed by Harees. This hearty meal is a delicious and wholesome porridge that features several varieties of meat, wheat flour and ghee. Harees is also the dish that most Muslims break their fast with at the end of the holy Ramadan period as a soup or porridge is likely to be better digested after a fasting season. The term Harees is steeped in Arabian culture and the archaic word Harasu, which is originally Akkadian, actually refers to crushing meat and barley with whole wheat grains. The preparation of the dish is simple but time-consuming as the meat is deboned and is slow-cooked and then combined with the starches. The texture of the popular Iftar dish is achieved by pounding on the paste.

3. Mishkak

When it comes to street food varieties that tourists must sample in Oman, Mishkak is a grilled meat meal that's the perfect pick-me-up any time of the day. The rich flavours of several types of meat and seafood marinated in garlic and ginger cannot be overstated as the special spice mix that's also used during the marinating process adds much to this beloved dish. Charred to perfection and often served with tamarind sauce or chilli sauce, the dish is ubiquitous on the streets of Muscat and most tourist hubs around the country.

4. Shuwa

Whether one is based at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort or any other accommodation hub, the chances of coming across this delicacy are quite high. In fact, digging into this spice-infused grilled meat dish is often regarded as one of the best things to do in Nizwa as the flavour of this dish that's slow-cooked in a Tandoori oven defines description. Cooked for over two days and wrapped in banana leaves or palm leaves, this meat dish is one of the crispiest meat dishes one will come across in Oman. Usually served with a cup of steamed rice and tomato sauce, a plate of Shuwa is also considered a must-have during the Eid festival.

5. Makbous

While this dish was originally a Yemeni recipe, the Omanis have added their own culinary flair to create a meal that's full of spices and flavour. This communal meal that's often served in a single tray but consumed as a group is one of the most traditional menu items in local restaurants. Steamed rice and a meat variety, as well as some vegetable curries, are included in this meal, which also exudes the aroma of cardamom and saffron. A Makbous tray will also include a raita or yoghurt salad and a green salad in addition to a flatbread of Omani origin.