Food In Sur Maritime Museum

Sur Maritime Museum Food History

The Sur Maritime Museum in Sur, Oman, provides a captivating showcase of Oman's maritime heritage. While the museum itself does not focus on food, its location in the coastal city of Sur lends itself to a rich history influenced by trade and seafaring traditions, which reflect in the local cuisine. Sur, being a vital trade hub in the past, received plenty of influences from East Africa, India, and other parts of the Arab world, which are evident in its food culture. Seafood, dates, lemons, and spices are commonly featured in many traditional Omani dishes.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Sur

1. Shuwa (Non-Veg): A festive dish comprising slow-cooked, marinated meat - typically goat or lamb - wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground sand oven.
2. Grilled fish (Non-Veg): Given Sur’s location by the sea, grilled fish is a staple, often seasoned with local spices and herbs.
3. Mashuai (Non-Veg): A whole spit-roasted kingfish served with a side of rice and a tangy lemon sauce.
4. Majboos (Non-Veg): Often compared to biryani, this aromatic dish comprises rice, meat, and a blend of Omani spices.
5. Sakhan (Non-Veg): A preparation of hot, spicy grilled chicken, typically served during various occasions.
6. Mushaltat (Veg): A soft flatbread stuffed with various fillings, including cheese, honey, or spinach.
7. Madrouba (Non-Veg/Veg: Can be made with chicken or kept vegetarian): A rice porridge mixed with meat or vegetables, and seasoned with spices.
8. Halwa (Veg): A rich, gelatinous dessert made from brown sugar, honey, eggs, and an assortment of nuts, often flavored with rosewater or cardamom.
9. Harees (Non-Veg): Wheat mixed with meat and cooked until it has a porridge-like consistency, then seasoned with local spices.
10. Falafel (Veg): Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, commonly served with a side of hummus or tahini sauce.

Top Famous Restaurants in Sur and Their Specialties

• Zaki Restaurant
  Address: Al Ayjah, Sur, Oman
  Famous for: Grilled fish (Non-Veg)
• Al-Masharef
  Address: Sur Coastal Road, Sur, Oman
  Famous for: Shuwa (Non-Veg)
• Bahry Restaurant
  Address: Dahariz, Sur, Oman
  Famous for: Seafood dishes, especially the Mashuai (Non-Veg)
• Sur Beach Holiday Restaurant
  Address: Sur, Oman
  Famous for: International cuisine with an array of options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians
• Al Omda Coffee Shop and Restaurant
  Address: Al Ayjah Bridge, Sur, Oman
  Famous for: its traditional coffees and Sweet Halwa (Veg)