Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Traditional Omani food is a marriage of rustic Bedouin dishes of rice, meat, and preserved fish, plus the plentiful, sweet dates that grow abundantly in the country, all infused with the diverse flavors of the spice route. The East African island of Zanzibar, as well as port cities in Persia and South Asia were once part of the
Traditional Omani food is a marriage of rustic Bedouin dishes of rice, meat, and preserved fish, plus the plentiful, sweet dates that grow abundantly in the country, all infused with the diverse flavors of the spice route. The East African island of Zanzibar, as well as
Traditional Omani food is a marriage of rustic Bedouin dishes of rice, meat, and preserved fish, plus the plentiful, swe
Traditional Omani food is a marriage of rustic Bedouin dishes of rice, meat, and preserved fish, plus the plentiful, sweet dates that grow abundantly in the country, all infused with the diverse flavors of the spice route. The East African island of Zanzibar, as well as port cities in Persia and South Asia were once part of the Sultanate, and local versions of foods like biryani, pulao, and coconut-enriched vegetables have become part of the Omani canon of dishes. Great examples of local cuisine can be sampled at restaurants in Muscat, along with a wide offering of international options, from sushi to American fast food. In the capital and other coastal cities, like Sohar, Sur, and Salalah, fantastic fresh fish, prawns, crab, and giant squid called cuttlefish, are on offer even at humble restaurants. Options in the mountains and deserts of the interior are more limited, though simple sandwich shops, restaurants serving Yemeni-style mandi (a dish of rice and tandoori-cooked meat), tea shops offering Omani bread with various fillings, and casual Indian restaurants can be found almost everywhere.
Cars queue in front of this little café from morning (opening time is 8 am) until closing (around midnight). Honking horns draw over waiters from the shop, who bring over cups of the local specialty karak, a spiced tea sweetened with creamy condensed milk, and paper-thin Omani bread smeared with savory cheese and egg or sweets like Nutella or honey, to customers in idling cars and those seated at the scattering of tables out front. In the evening, when the temperature cools down, groups of men gather here before and after going to prayers at the adjacent mosque, and though groups of ladies are rare, all are welcome at the friendly shop. There are similar karak shops beside gas stations and on roadsides throughout the city, but this is by far the best one. Try the zataar karak, made with wild thyme or the "special" mixed spice karak alongside an order of paper-thin Omani bread stuffed with egg, cheese, and "Chips Oman."
On the new corniche, across from the Sur Beach Holiday Resort, this small takeaway karak shop makes delicious, paper-thin Omani bread stuffed with savory fillings like egg and cream cheese, or sweet combinations like honey and cheese or Nutella, along with the namesake beverage, a milky tea sweetened with condensed milk and spiced with lemongrass, cardamom, and ginger. Just pull up front and honk; someone will come to your car to take your order.
This small takeaway tea shop at the base of Jabal Akhdar is a great place to stop for breakfast on your way back to Nizwa after a night camping on the mountain or to grab a snack before making the ascent. You can get karak, a tea sweetened with creamy condensed milk and spiced with cardamom and ginger, as well as crisp Omani bread stuffed with savory combinations like cheese and egg, or sweet combinations like honey and cheese.
Directly between the Fort and the Souq, this little coffee shop sits on prime real estate. Although there are only a few bistro tables out front and a few inside, you can always find a place to sit. The shop offers a wide range of hot, caffeinated beverages, including espresso, chai tea, and traditional Omani coffee that is served with local dates. It is a nice place to rest after a long afternoon exploring the surrounding sights.
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
Try increasing the mile radius or searching near one of these popular suggestions:
Tea House
Turkish House Restaurant
Kargeen Caffe
Zanzibar Island Restaurant
Enter a sight, restaurant, hotel, or other place to find restaurants nearby.
Neighborhoods Some neighborhood filters have sub-neighborhoods that can be selected individually in a dropdown by clicking on the icon to the right of the name.
I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails.
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
By signing up for the newsletter, I agree to the Privacy Policy. You must check the box to subscribe
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.