Salalah – Khareef 2024 is poised to delight visitors to Dhofar with the rich flavours of traditional Omani cuisine. Restaurants and food stalls serving dishes like ‘madhbi’ and other local delicacies are becoming the star attraction, drawing tourists who are eager to savour authentic Omani flavours.

Dhofar’s food scene, particularly during khareef, is vibrant with madhbi stalls and meat kiosks spread across tourist hubs. A popular dish throughout the sultanate, madhbi involves grilling camel, beef or sheep meat on heated stones, which impart a distinctive flavour. It is typically served with rice or traditional bread.

Madhbi stalls, especially those in tourist areas and popular markets, offer fresh food prepared in front of visitors, adding to the overall dining experience.

The appeal of these food stalls extends beyond the meals. Visitors can observe the preparation of madhbi, enjoy the aroma, and dine in the open air amid Dhofar’s lush green monsoon beauty. These stalls are not just places to eat but are tourist attractions that blend the past and present, offering a taste of authentic Omani cuisine in picturesque settings.

Muhad bin Ahmed Jaboub, owner of Bin Sobar Restaurant in Ain Arzat, shared his vision for his establishment. “The idea was to create a restaurant that offers Omani meals and foods to local residents and visitors throughout the year,” he said. The menu features a variety of dishes, including madhbi, maqadeed, ma’ajeen, mafoor, qasabiya, mishakeek and various rice and baked preparations. Meals are prepared traditionally, with fresh local meat available for sale and grilling done in front of customers.

Ahmed bin Abdullah al Shahari, owner of Wadi Dhirut Restaurant in Ateen, highlighted the seasonal appeal of his menu. “Our restaurant offers varied meals preferred by locals and visitors, especially in the khareef season,” he said. Notable dishes include madhbi of different kinds of meats, as well as rice dishes like white rice with local ghee, mandi, makbous and other spiced varieties. One of the standout local meals is maajeen, made by drying meat and cooking it with animal fat and salt, then storing it for long periods.

These culinary offerings not only enhance the tourist experience but also highlight Dhofar’s rich cultural heritage. As visitors enjoy these traditional meals amidst the governorate’s natural beauty, they create lasting memories, which are expected to contribute to the anticipated success of the 2024 khareef season.