Drinks
Kahwa — Omani Coffee
Omani coffee (Kahwa) is an experience in itself — and the most important symbol of Omani hospitality. It is fundamentally different from any coffee you know:
- Preparation: Lightly roasted coffee beans, ground with cardamom (and sometimes rose water, saffron, or cloves), brewed in a traditional Dalla (pot)
- Taste: Light, aromatic, slightly bitter — no comparison to strong Turkish or sweet Arabic coffee. Cardamom dominates
- Serving: In tiny handleless cups (Finjal), always accompanied by dates (the sweet to the bitter)
- Tradition: Kahwa is offered everywhere — in hotels, shops, car dealerships, and when visiting friends. It is impolite to refuse the first cup. Gently swirl the cup when you've had enough
Dates — More Than a Snack
Dates (Tamr) in Oman are not just a fruit — they are a cultural asset. Oman produces over 40 varieties, and the quality is top-notch. During Ramadan, Muslims break their fast with a date. With Kahwa, they are the sweet accompaniment. And at the market, you will find them in all variations: fresh, dried, filled with nuts, dipped in chocolate. The best variety: Khalas — caramel-sweet and buttery soft.
Alcohol
Oman is not a dry country, but access to alcohol is restricted:
- Hotels & licensed restaurants: Alcohol is freely available here — beer, wine, cocktails. Most international hotels have bars
- Local restaurants: No alcohol. Omani gastronomy is alcohol-free
- Supermarkets: No alcohol. There are special liquor stores, but they are only accessible with an alcohol license (for expats)
- Public: Alcohol in public is prohibited. Public drunkenness can lead to arrest
In practice, this means: You can easily have a beer or wine in your hotel, but do not bring bottles out of the hotel and do not drink on the street or the beach.
Other Drinks
- Laban: Salty buttermilk drink — refreshing in the heat, available in every supermarket
- Fruit juices: Freshly squeezed (lime, mango, watermelon) at juice stands and in restaurants
- Chai Karak: Strong tea with milk, cardamom, and lots of sugar — the Indian influence. Available in small cafeterias (Chai Shops) on every corner for 0.10 OMR
💡 Tipp
The Chai Karak stands by the roadside are an authentic Oman experience: Stand by the roadside with the locals, sip a steaming tea for the equivalent of 25 cents, and watch the hustle and bustle. Especially in the evenings, when the heat subsides, Omanis like to sit at these stands and chat.
