Spices of Muscat
Oman's capital and port, where the Muttrah Souq sells frankincense, spice mixes and dried limes.
Traded and grown here
Best time: October to March.
Muscat sits between the sea and rocky mountains. The Muttrah Souq, near the harbour, is a covered market of alleyways selling frankincense, silver, textiles and spices, with Oman's traders having long linked Arabia, East Africa and India.
Spices and trade
Omani cooking uses baharat, called bizar, along with dried limes, saffron and cardamom. Shuwa, slow-cooked meat marinated in spices, is a festive dish. Halwa, an Omani sweet, is flavoured with saffron, cardamom and rose water.
The place and its people
Oman's seafaring past connected it to Zanzibar, which was once ruled from Muscat, and the cuisine reflects links with Africa and India.
Visiting
Muttrah Souq and the corniche are central. Go in the cooler evenings.
A trail idea for Muscat
- Muttrah Souq Look at frankincense and spices.
- Muttrah corniche Walk by the sea.
- An Omani halwa shop Taste halwa.
- A shuwa meal Eat at an Omani restaurant.
Written by the EveryMasala desk with AI assistance. Background: "Muscat" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and tours change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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