Food In Kumzar Village

Food History of Kumzar Village, Khasab, Oman

Kumzar Village is the northernmost inhabited area in Oman and has a rich history interwoven with maritime traditions due to its strategic location at the Strait of Hormuz. The community in Kumzar is known for its unique language and culture, which extends to its food heritage. The cuisine here is notably influenced by a blend of Arabian, Iranian, Indian, and East African flavors, reflecting the village's historical trading connections. Seafood naturally dominates the local diet, complemented by rice, dates, and a variety of spices. The village’s isolation has helped preserve traditional cooking methods, including the use of mud ovens and stone grinders. Due to religious beliefs, pork is not consumed, and while beef is available elsewhere in Oman, traditionally in Kumzar, it is less common, with a focus on goat, chicken, and fish.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Kumzar Village

1. Grilled Hammour (Non-Veg): A local variety of grouper, often seasoned with spices and grilled over an open flame.
2. Shuwa (Non-Veg): Slow-cooked marinated goat or lamb, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked in an underground sand oven for up to two days.
3. Mashuai (Non-Veg): Spit-roasted kingfish served with a side of lemon rice.
4. Majboos (Non-Veg): A spiced rice dish often cooked with chicken, which is akin to the Arab world's Biryani.
5. Madrouba (Non-Veg): Chicken or fish combined with rice, which is then cooked until it acquires a porridge-like consistency.
6. Qabuli (Veg): A flavorful rice dish mixed with raisins, nuts, and spices, sometimes made vegetarian in Kumzar.
7. Salona (Non-Veg): A hearty, vegetable-rich stew with chicken or fish.
8. Thareed (Non-Veg): A type of layered bread and meat stew that has the texture of a savory bread pudding.
9. Halwa (Veg): A sweet, sticky dessert made from dates, rose water, and various nuts.
10. Harees (Non-Veg): Wheat mixed with meat, buttered, and cooked until it has a smooth consistency, similar to porridge.

Top Famous Restaurants in Kumzar Village

Unfortunately, due to the remote nature of Kumzar Village, the availability of formal restaurants may be limited. Most dining experiences are likely to be traditional and local with food prepared by the inhabitants themselves, which offers a unique and authentic immersion into Kumzar’s cuisine. Visitors typically arrange for meals at the guesthouses or local households where they are staying, or plan ahead with guided tour groups. Below, we list popular dining options in the larger region of Khasab where one can sample traditional foods:

• Al Shamaliah Grill Restaurant
  Address: Khasab Coastal Road, Khasab
  Famous for: Grilled Seafood and Kebsa (Non-Veg)
• Al Halla Park Restaurant
  Address: Near Lulu Hypermarket, Khasab
  Famous for: Traditional Omani Food Platters (Non-Veg)
• Telegraph Island Restaurant
  Address: Khasab Main Road, Khasab
  Famous for: Fish Curry and Rice (Non-Veg)
• Wadi Qada Restaurant
  Address: Khasab
  Famous for: Grilled Hammour and Salads (Non-Veg/Veg)
• Bait Al Mandi Restaurant
  Address: Khasab
  Famous for: Mandi (Non-Veg)

For a visit to Kumzar Village, it may also be possible to dine at boutique hotels or lodges in Khasab and arrange for a boat trip to explore the village. Here, visitors can experience a taste of the local culture and get a chance to enjoy homemade dishes in a more rustic setting.