Seeb Muscat, Oman Travel Guide
Omani cuisine shows the country's history as a maritime trading nation. It features effects from Arabian, Indian, Persian, East African, and Mediterranean flavors. This food history results from Oman’s historical role as a crossroads of business.
Omani dishes frequently use rice (often basmati), various meats (lamb, goat, chicken), and fish. Dates, traditional Omani bread (khubz), and a variety of spices (cardamom, saffron, turmeric, cumin) are central. Tastes are generally mild but aromatic, often featuring slow-cooked stews and grilled meats.
Typically light, often includes bread, cheese, eggs, dates, and java or tea.
This serves as the main meal of the day, usually eaten in the early afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM). It is frequently a substantial meal.
A lighter meal, often eaten later in the evening (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM).
A celebratory dish of slow-cooked lamb or goat. It marinates in seasonings and cooks for hours in an underground sand oven, yielding tender, aromatic meat.
Requires pre-ordering or found during Eid celebrations.
Harees: Wheat and meat pounded into a thick porridge, often served during The month of ramadan. Majboos (Kabsa): Flavorful rice dish cooked with meat plus herbs.
Harees offers a comforting, savory experience. Majboos is widely available.
Mashuai: Whole grilled kingfish with lemon rice, a coastal specialty. Mishkak: Grilled skewers of marinated meat, a popular street food.
Mashuai has a fresh taste of the sea. Mishkak makes a quick, savory snack.
Mishkak (grilled meat skewers), Samosas/Pakoras (Indian-influenced fried snacks), and various fresh local breads are popular.
Shuwa is especially prominent during Eid al-Adha. Harees is common during The month of ramadan.
Many luxury hotels in Muscat (e.g., Kempinski Hotel Muscat in Al Mouj, The Chedi Muscat) offer exquisite fine dining experiences. These venues are part ofternational and fusion cuisine, often with stunning ambiance and impeccable service.
Abundant throughout Muscat, including Seeb. These establishments offer a mix of Omani, Middle Eastern (Lebanese, Egyptian), Indian, and some international cuisines. Restaurants within Al Mouj offer diverse choices.
Local Omani restaurants (Mashawe, Harees), Indian/Pakistani restaurants, and small cafeterias offer very affordable and authentic meals. The Seeb Souq area might have small eateries. Mishkak vendors are found in various locations.
Vegetarian options appear readily available, especially in Indian restaurants. Vegan options might require careful selection and explicit requests.
Clearly communicate your needs to the waitstaff.
All meat served in Oman is halal. Kosher meals are not widely available. For gluten-free and other allergens, it is advisable to carry a Translation card.
Many establishments, especially in hotels, handle common allergens well.
Less common in Seeb; inquire in central Muscat.
Emerging in Muscat, focusing on souqs or eateries.
Date farms outside Muscat offer insights.
Check local listings for events.
Cooking classes for Omani cuisine are less common in Seeb. Food tours are emerging in Muscat, focusing on Muttrah Souq or old-style eateries.
Verify with local tour operators for options outside Seeb.
Date farms or fruit plantations are available outside Muscat, often as part of day trips to agricultural regions.
Gain insight into local agriculture.
Desert dining experiences, like a meal in the open air at night in the Wahiba Sands, are memorable. This experience requires a day trip or overnight stay outside Seeb.
Occasionally, food festivals or culinary events are held in Muscat. These are often associated with cultural events or specific hotels.
