In Muscat, most restaurants have Arabian, Indian, or Asian dishes on the menu. The most important food, eaten by everyone in Muscat and far beyond, is called halwa. This uniquely flavored sweetmeat, similar to Turkish Delight, is made with sugar, semolina, water, almonds, and coconut. Sold widely in stores, it is also served in local restaurants such as Ofair and Ibn Ateeq. The deliciously prepared shawarma (kebab), falafel, and fuul (bean mash) served in the streetside food stands also deserve a recommendation.
Tasty dishes
- Balaleet: a breakfast food consisting of fine, sweet noodles with egg, onion, and cinnamon
- Machboos: meat and rice with onion, herbs, and dried lemon
- Rhukal: round, flat bread that appears on the table with every meal and is served with honey for breakfast
Entertainment
Vacations in Muscat are not about the bustling nightlife. After all, Omani law prohibits the consumption of alcohol. The larger hotels sometimes do have permits to serve alcohol in their nightclubs, offering live entertainment, music, and dancing in the evenings, but that’s it. But honestly, the Muscat of the aromatic coffeehouses, richly colored fabrics and charming ancient streets is much more fun! The movie theater is highly recommended, where American movies are no exception, but the Bollywood films from India are particularly popular.