If you’re visiting Oman, you’ll have the chance to try a few unusual cuisines. While typical fare is undefined here, the food is influenced by Turkish, Lebanese, Arabic, and Indian styles. Omani’s tend to eat a lot of traditional seafood dishes, as well as curries, Khubz (Omani bread), Porotta and many homemade sweets.
The best restaurants in Oman are in the capital of Muscat. For a great taste of The Middle East, stop in at Al Tanoor, which is located in the elegant Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa. The restaurant offers “characteristic cuisines of the Arabian Gulf region”, which are served up in a fun and traditional Omani atmosphere. Main dishes include Iranian Maahi (fish) Kebab, and a Lebanese Dijaj Mashwi (spicy barbecued chicken) garnished with a garlicky Harra Sauce.
For Indian influence, Mumtaz Mahalhas excellent specialties. Not only that, but it sits upon a hilltop in lovely Qurum Park, with views out over the sea. This restaurant hasa Northern Indian, or Moghul style of cooking, which definitely sets it apart from the other Indian digs in town. There is a good selection of spicy and delicious chicken dishes, such as Murg Angaarey (spicy chicken cuts cooked in garlic) and Chennai Murg Masala (dry chicken spiced with coconut, curry leaves, and pepper). For dessert they serve homemade ice cream, and a variety of Indian sweets.
Next to Albahja Mall, Turkish Palace serves Muscat’s best authentic Turkish cuisine. While the setting isn’t meant for ambiance, the food here certainly compensates for the unimpressive décor. Start your meal with the Greek Salad, which is loaded with feta cheese, and then proceed to one of the more substantial main courses. The Turkish family who owns the places makes a variety of mouth-watering Shawrma, as well as seafood, kebabs, Tikka, hummus and fresh Baba Ghanouj.
Perhaps Oman’s most popular spot is the renowned Al Marjan, which more than once has won the award for Best Restaurant in Muscat. This famous place is located within the Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental Hotel. With its ambiance and sweeping views of the beautiful Al Bustan Bay, this place will have you in its grasp the moment you step through the door. The menu, however, is what keeps people coming back for more. Branding itself as a restaurant of modern European cuisine, Al Marjan offers a selection of Western delicacies. Recommended is the Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin with Foie Gras, Carrot and Celeriac Puree, and for dessert a slice of the delightful Chocolate and Raspberry Truffle Cake.
[Editors Note: These all sound delicious! I can imagine the amazing Foodie Friday’s that would come from a visit to Oman!]
Author: Bradley Fink is a UK based travel writer.
Thanks to Bradley for today’s guest post. If you’re interested in guest posting with IShouldLogOff, email us at info [at] ishouldlogoff.com. Thanks!
Looks so delicious and mouth-watering 🙂
How come food in the U.S. never looks so fresh?
I’ve been thinking the same thing lately!
Would you believe my favourite Indian restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City was called Mumtaz? How funny is that?
I’m such a sucker for food posts…. I think I’m a little bit in love with Bradley for taking such mouthwatering photos.
Small world, and apparently few Indian restaurant names! 🙂 Actually, its sort of neat when ethnic restaurants are named the same thing in different cultures, its almost like it makes them more legitimate.
Mmmm, this is my favorite kind of food. Reading this post (and seeing the pics!) has caused saliva to start pooling in my mouth, which is a less-than-attractive look. Posts like this should have a warning at the top… *CAUTION: MAY CAUSE INTENSE HUNGER* 😛
Haha. Ok, from now on we’ll implement a new policy- mouthwatering photos must include a caution statement at the top!