The first thing that most visitors will sample is Omani coffee (kahwa). Rich and aromatic, Kahwa has a remarkable taste of its own giving it a place of its own amongst the traditional bevarages found in the Middle East.
Served from the typical metallic or ceramic jug called 'Dallah' into tiny cups, kahwa is made from fresh coffee beans that are roasted and ground to a fine powdery consistency. This is then brewed with water and spices, notably cardamom and is served without sugar. The traditional accompaniments to Kahwa are dates and 'Halwa'. You will find fresh and dried dates at most supermarkets. Halwa is a sticky sweet gelatinous substance which is made from brown sugar, eggs, honey and spices. It can be flavoured with many different ingredients, such as nuts, rosewater or even chocolate. This rich flavourful dish is a local favourite. Lokhemat is another accompaniment to coffee, which are balls of flour and yeast flavoured with cardamom and deep fried until golden then served with a sweet lime and cardamom syrup. The sweetness of this dish often counteracts the bitterness of the kahwa.
For further information visit www.visit-oman.eu – general information about Sultanate of Oman.
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