Must-Try Foods In Muscat (Oman) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Muscat, Oman

The city of Muscat, the capital of Oman, has a rich culinary heritage influenced by the country's history as a center of trade and its location on the fringes of the Arabian Peninsula. The Omani cuisine is characterized by a blend of several flavors and spices, reflecting a fusion of cultures from India, Persia, the Mediterranean, and East Africa. The use of ingredients like saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon is prevalent in traditional dishes. Moreover, seafood plays a significant role in the diet of the locals due to the city's coastal location. This has led to a diverse food scene in Muscat, where aromatic dishes take center stage.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Muscat, Oman

1. Shuwa (Non Veg): A festive dish usually cooked during special occasions such as Eid. It consists of slowly roasted meat, marinated in a blend of spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked in an underground sand oven.
2. Mashuai (Non Veg): A savory dish made from spit-grilled kingfish served with rice and a tangy sauce made from lemon and spices, popular among seafood lovers.
3. Majboos (Non Veg): This is a spiced rice dish often compared to biryani, made with a variety of meats, and flavored with a rich mix of spices and dried limes known as loomi.
4. Madrouba (Non Veg): A rice porridge that’s cooked with chicken or fish, made creamy with the addition of butter, and seasoned with local spices.
5. Sakhana (Veg): A warm and filling soup made from wheat, dates, molasses, and spices, typically consumed during the Holy month of Ramadan.
6. Harees (Non Veg): A hearty dish made with wheat mixed with meat, traditionally cooked in a large pot and served during festivals and celebrations.
7. Halwa (Veg): Omani Halwa is a sweet, gelatinous dessert made from a mixture of rosewater, sugar, eggs, and various nuts. It is a national delicacy and often served with coffee.
8. Muttabaq Samak (Non Veg): A savory seafood pancake filled with a seasoned fish mixture, a delicious example of the influence of Indian cuisine in Oman.
9. Hummus (Veg): Although not originally Omani, hummus has been embraced in Muscat and is a staple, made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
10. Falafel (Veg): Another Middle Eastern classic, these deep-fried chickpea balls are a popular vegetarian snack in Muscat and can be found in many eateries.

Top Famous Restaurants in Muscat, Oman

• Bait Al Luban Omani Restaurant
  Address: Al Mina St, Muscat, Oman
  Famous Dish: Shuwa and a vast variety of traditional Omani dishes (Non Veg & Veg)
• The Beach Restaurant at The Chedi Muscat
  Address: 18th November St, Muscat, Oman
  Famous Dish: Seafood platters and grills (Non Veg)
• Ubhar Bistro
  Address: Bareeq Al Shatti Mall, Muscat, Oman
  Famous Dish: Camel biryani (Non Veg)
• Al Angham Restaurant
  Address: Royal Opera House Muscat, Al Kharijiyah St, Muscat, Oman
  Famous Dish: Omani-style lobster (Non Veg)
• Kargeen Café
  Address: Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Oman
  Famous Dish: Mezze platter and Omani halwa (Veg & Veg)
• Bin Ateeq
  Address: Al Khuwair 33, Muscat, Oman
  Famous Dish: Shuwa and Omani majboos (Non Veg)
• D'Arcy's Kitchen
  Address: Shatti Al Qurum, Inside Jawharat Al Shatti Complex, Muscat, Oman
  Famous Dish: English-style breakfasts and sandwiches (Non Veg & Veg)
• Mumtaz Mahal
  Address: Near Qurum Natural Park, Muscat, Oman
  Famous Dish: Various Indian dishes (Non Veg & Veg)
• Automatic Restaurant
  Address: Al Khuwair 33, Muscat, Oman
  Famous Dish: Shawarma platters (Non Veg)
• Grand Lounge Turkish Cuisine
  Address: Al Khuwair 33, Muscat, Oman
  Famous Dish: Mixed grill and Turkish mezze (Non Veg & Veg)