10 Traditional Omani Dishes You Need to Try Right Now

When visiting Oman, exploring the culture isn't complete without tasting its cuisine. These 10 traditional Omani dishes you need to try showcase the nation’s love for spices, slow-cooked meats, and rich flavors rooted in centuries-old traditions and Bedouin hospitality. 

Your Guide to 10 Traditional Omani Dishes You Need to Try 

Whether you're a curious foodie or a seasoned traveler, Omani cuisine offers a flavorful window into the country's soul. These dishes—served in homes, markets, and restaurants—represent a vibrant blend of Arab, Indian, and East African influences. 

1. Shuwa: The Underground Lamb Feast 

This festive dish is a centerpiece of Omani celebrations. Lamb is marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked underground for up to 48 hours. The result is tender, aromatic meat that's bursting with flavor and heritage. 

2. Majboos: Spiced Rice and Meat Delight 

Also known as kabsa, this dish consists of basmati rice cooked with saffron, spices, and meat—usually chicken or lamb. Often garnished with nuts and raisins, Majboos is hearty, comforting, and widely served across Oman. 

3. Mashuai: Grilled Kingfish with Rice 

A coastal favorite, Mashuai features grilled kingfish paired with lemony rice. Simple yet satisfying, it's a staple in Muscat and other seaside towns, offering a refreshing contrast to the country’s heavier meat-based dishes. 

4. Harees: Creamy Wheat and Meat Porridge 

Traditionally served during Ramadan, Harees blends wheat and meat into a smooth, porridge-like texture. It's slow-cooked for hours and lightly seasoned, making it a nourishing comfort food deeply rooted in Omani hospitality. 

5. Halwa: Oman's Sweet Signature Treat 

No visit to Oman is complete without tasting halwa—a dense, jelly-like dessert made with rosewater, saffron, cardamom, and ghee. Often served with Omani coffee, it’s a sweet symbol of welcome and celebration. 

6. Mushaltat: Stuffed Omani Flatbread 

This savory pastry is a layered flatbread stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables. Often eaten for breakfast or as a street snack, Mushaltat is a flaky, handheld treat with roots in traditional Arab baking. 

7. Thareed: Bread-Soaked Stew 

A rustic dish dating back centuries, Thareed features thin Omani bread soaked in spiced meat or vegetable stew. It’s hearty, satisfying, and a common comfort food served during gatherings and religious holidays. 

8. Qabooli: Date-Infused Meat Pilaf 

Unique to Oman, Qabooli blends tender meat with rice, lentils, and dates. The natural sweetness of dates adds depth to the savory rice dish, making it both nourishing and unforgettable. 

9. Lokhemat: Cardamom Dough Balls with Syrup 

These golden, crispy dough balls are deep-fried and drizzled with date syrup or honey. Flavored with cardamom and saffron, Lokhemat is a festive favorite at Eid and family gatherings across Oman. 

10. Sakhana: Warm Date Soup 

Often served at Iftar during Ramadan, Sakhana is a thick, sweet soup made from dates, wheat, and milk. Rich in flavor and tradition, it’s both energizing and comforting—perfect for breaking a fast. 

Exploring these 10 traditional Omani dishes you need to try offers more than just delicious meals—it’s a deep dive into the culture, history, and hospitality of Oman. From street food to ceremonial feasts, Omani cuisine is a treasure waiting to be savored.