Omani cuisine is a hidden gem in the world of Middle Eastern food.
It’s a beautiful blend of flavors, spices, and traditions that’ll make your taste buds dance.
If you’re a foodie looking to explore something new, you’re in for a treat.
From hearty stews to fragrant rice dishes, Omani recipes are all about bold flavors and comforting vibes.
Ready to dive into a culinary adventure? We’ve rounded up the 10+ best Omani recipes you absolutely need to try at least once.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to spice up your weeknight dinners, these dishes will transport you straight to the heart of Oman. Let’s get cooking!
1. Shuwa The Star of Omani Celebrations
Shuwa is the crown jewel of Omani cuisine. This slow-cooked marinated meat dish is a showstopper, often reserved for special occasions.
The meat (usually lamb or goat) is marinated in a mix of spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked in an underground sand oven for up to 48 hours. The result? Tender, smoky, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lamb or goat
- 2 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 2 tbsp date paste
- Banana leaves for wrapping
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Mix all the spices, garlic, ginger, and date paste into a thick marinade.
- Rub the marinade all over the meat and let it sit overnight.
- Wrap the meat tightly in banana leaves.
- If you don’t have an underground oven, use a slow cooker on low heat for 12-15 hours.
- Unwrap, shred, and serve with rice or flatbread.
Why We Chose It: Shuwa is the ultimate Omani comfort food. The slow cooking process infuses the meat with incredible depth of flavor, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Omani cuisine.
2. Majboos Oman’s Flavorful Rice Dish
Majboos (or Kabsa) is a fragrant rice dish that’s a staple in Omani households.
It’s made with spiced rice, tender meat (chicken, lamb, or fish), and a mix of veggies.
The secret? A blend of warming spices like cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 lb chicken or lamb
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 2 cardamom pods
- 2 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Sauté onions and garlic until golden. Add the meat and brown it.
- Stir in the spices, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add water and simmer until the meat is tender.
- Add the rice and cook until fluffy.
- Serve hot with a side of yogurt or salad.
Why We Selected It: Majboos is the perfect introduction to Omani cuisine. It’s hearty, aromatic, and packed with flavor—a true crowd-pleaser.
3. Harees Creamy Comfort in a Bowl
Harees is a creamy porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat. It’s simple, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying.
Often served during Ramadan, it’s a dish that warms the soul.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cracked wheat
- 1 lb chicken or lamb
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp ghee
How to Make It:
- Boil the meat until tender, then shred it.
- Add the cracked wheat and cook until it breaks down into a porridge-like consistency.
- Stir in the shredded meat, salt, and cinnamon.
- Finish with a drizzle of ghee before serving.
Why This Made It to Our List: Harees is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, hearty, and perfect for cozy nights in.
4. Mishkak Omani Street Food at Its Best
Mishkak is Oman’s answer to kebabs. These skewered, grilled meats are marinated in a tangy spice mix and cooked over an open flame.
They’re smoky, juicy, and downright addictive.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef or chicken, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Mix all the marinade ingredients and coat the meat. Let it sit for 2 hours.
- Skewer the meat and grill until charred and cooked through.
- Serve with a side of garlic sauce or tahini.
Why We Chose It: Mishkak is a street food favorite that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
5. Halwa Oman’s Sweet Treasure
Omani Halwa is a sticky, sweet dessert made with rosewater, saffron, and nuts. It’s rich, fragrant, and the perfect way to end a meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp rosewater
- A pinch of saffron
- 1/4 cup ghee
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios)
How to Make It:
- Dissolve sugar in water and bring to a boil.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add to the syrup.
- Stir in ghee, rosewater, and saffron.
- Cook until thick, then add nuts.
- Pour into a mold and let it set before serving.
Why We Selected It: Halwa is a quintessential Omani dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
6. Saloona Oman’s Hearty Vegetable Stew
Saloona is a comforting stew made with meat, veggies, and a blend of spices. It’s light yet flavorful, perfect for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken or lamb
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Sauté onions and meat until browned.
- Add spices, tomatoes, and tomato paste.
- Add water and veggies, then simmer until tender.
- Serve with rice or bread.
Why We Chose It: Saloona is a versatile dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
7. Rukhal Bread Oman’s Traditional Flatbread
Rukhal bread is a thin, crispy flatbread that’s a staple in Omani cuisine. It’s perfect for scooping up stews or enjoying with a drizzle of honey.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
How to Make It:
- Mix flour, salt, and water to form a dough.
- Roll out thin circles and cook on a hot griddle until crispy.
Why This Made It to Our List: Rukhal bread is simple yet essential to Omani meals.
8. Samak Mashwi Grilled Fish with a Twist
Samak Mashwi is a flavorful grilled fish dish marinated with Omani spices. It’s light, healthy, and perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole fish (sea bream or snapper)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Marinate the fish with spices and lemon juice.
- Grill until cooked through and serve with a side of rice.
Why We Selected It: Samak Mashwi is a fresh and flavorful dish that showcases Oman’s coastal cuisine.
9. Thareed Oman’s Layered Bread and Stew Dish
Thareed is a layered dish of bread and stew, similar to a Middle Eastern lasagna. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces of flatbread
- 2 cups Saloona stew (see recipe above)
How to Make It:
- Layer flatbread in a dish and top with stew.
- Repeat layers and serve warm.
Why We Chose It: Thareed is a unique and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
10. Balaleet Sweet and Savory Vermicelli
Balaleet is a unique dish of sweet vermicelli topped with a savory omelet. It’s a breakfast favorite in Oman.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vermicelli
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1 tbsp ghee
How to Make It:
- Cook vermicelli and toss with sugar and cardamom.
- Top with a fluffy omelet and serve warm.
Why We Selected It: Balaleet’s sweet-savory combo is a must-try for adventurous eaters.
11. Lokhemat Omani Sweet Dumplings
Lokhemat are sweet, crispy dumplings drizzled with date syrup. They’re the perfect bite-sized treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 tsp yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Oil for frying
- Date syrup for drizzling
How to Make It:
- Mix flour, water, yeast, and sugar to form a dough.
- Fry small balls until golden and drizzle with syrup.
Why We Chose It: Lokhemat is a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
Conclusion
Omani cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, and these 10+ recipes are just the beginning.
Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or downright comforting, there’s an Omani dish for every mood.
So, what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves, grab those spices, and start cooking.