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Oman
Food, Dining, & Drinks
Dining Etiquette
If you happen to stumble upon gracious Omani hosts who invite
you in at a moment's notice, it is polite to accept as the occasion will be
fairly informal and they'll probably have dates, fruit, coffee and/or laban
for you. If you get invited over for a later date and time be prepared for your
hosts to go above and beyond for you.
After you arrive to the restaurant or your host's (and be on time) you may encounter
a number of situations so be prepared to follow your host's lead and direction.
As a Muslim country, and more importantly, with various degrees of orthodoxy, dining
rules vary greatly. Conservative Muslim families will require that men eat separate
from women and children and some may even insist that their guests eat before they
do. In more liberal families everyone might dine together and at the same time.
Once the dining guidelines have been established there are a few rules that everyone
must follow in Oman. First, the obvious, in a Muslim country
never eat or ask for pork products or alcohol; both are forbidden and even liberal
Muslims in Oman follow these rules. Also common in many Middle Eastern countries,
don't cross your legs or put your feet up in a way that the soles of your feet
could be facing another person; this is very offensive and rude. Finally, a couple
actions that may seem innocent, like placing objects on the table (like a purse
of briefcase) and touching your hair or hat, are not allowed. Both are considered
unclean and touching or placing these objects on the table is inconsiderate.
Once eating only use your right hand to eat and take minimal quantities for your
first serving. You will most likely be offered food for seconds and even thirds,
but don't ask for more since this is inappropriate.
Finally, remember that the person who initiated the dinner (if at a restaurant)
is expected to pay, but always offer to contribute. Or if dining in a local's
home send a hand written thank you note for their hospitality.
For restaurant tipping information, read Oman's
Expenses &
Tipping section.
History & Influences
The historic Omani diet consisted of little more than dates
and camel's milk, plus seafood along the coast. This was particularly true in
the desert where the Bedouin had little more than this available. While some meats
were eaten, they were consumed in small quantities and pork is never consumed since
it is forbidden according to Islamic Law (and most Omani are Muslim).
In the 1800s and 1900s, with advanced communication, transportation, and most importantly,
with the discovery of oil, much of the nomadic lifestyle collapsed as people fled
to the cities. In conjunction with this migration the coastal cities were greatly
influenced by outsiders as Levantine food altered the cuisine. Today much of
Oman's food is similar to Levantine food in the case of garlic, onions,
lemon/lime, grilled meats, and fresh fruits & vegetables. Plus, with trade,
spices have been introduced, primarily from India.
Staple Foods
Rice: popular and served with many dishes, but definitely not served
with every meal
Bread: there are multiple varieties of bread, but the most common
are thin breads, like lavash
Meat: there tends to be a meat in most dishes; chicken, lamb, mutton,
and fish are the most popular, while pork is forbidden
Regional Varieties & Specialties
Shuwa: the national dish is only eaten on extremely festive occasions,
because the work needed to make it requires a village. After seasoning an entire
cow or goat the animal is cooked in an underground oven and served to all who are
present in the town or village.
Drinks
The most traditional beverages in Oman are laban,
which is a salty buttermilk drink, and khawa, which is Oman's version
of coffee, which tends to be fairly strong.
As a primarily Muslim country alcohol is not consumed in Oman
and is not allowed, by law, to be consumed.
This page was last updated: August, 2011