Eating Out

Salalah, a beautiful coastal city on the edge of the Arabian Sea, offers a variety of fine restaurants and places to eat. Whether you are looking for traditional Omani food or more western cuisine, you should be able to find what you need in Salalah. If you are traveling outside the city, however, be sure to pack whatever food and drink you might need, as there are no restaurants outside the city borders. As is typical for the region, alcohol supply is relatively limited. Liquor permits are only granted to non-Muslim expatriates, and your best bet to find liquor is at higher-end hotels or in the ports.

Tastes of the Region

Traditional Omani food is fairly simple. Mutton, chicken and fish are common meats. Spices, onion, garlic and lime are commonly used to season food, but unlike some other local cuisines of the region, the food is not particularly spicy. Restaurants in Salalah typically offer a mixture of local cuisine alongside Lebanese, Chinese, or European foods. While some restaurants may specialize it is not difficult to find a wide variety of food as you explore the city. Traditional drinks include laban, a salty buttermilk, and yogurt drinks flavored with cardamom and pistachio nuts. Kwaha, a traditional Omani coffee, is also flavored with cardamom.

Places to Try

One place to get traditional Omani food is the Al Fareed Tourist Restaurant, located on July Street. The restaurant also offers European and Indian food for the less adventurous. Quite modestly priced, the Al Fareed restaurant is a great place to go to experience local cuisine. Across the street from Al Fareed is the Omar Al-Khayyam eatery. Specializing in Indian and Chinese food, this is another reasonably priced place to get a meal and experience local culture.

Other Options

If you want to splurge, the Hilton Salalah and Crowne Plaza offer fine dining. At the Hilton you can reserve a small pavilion on the beach for your meal--perfect for a special dinner. Both resorts also offer more budget friendly dining options, as do some of the few clubs in the city. If you are looking for something a little less 'local', you won't have to look far in Salalah. There is a Pizza Hut off of Al Salam St., and KFC also calls Salalah "home." Other restaurants worth checking out include Al Khutaini, which specializes in Pakistani cuisine, Lebanese House, good Lebanese food at respectable prices, and Browniz, a cafe close to the Pizza Hut on Al Salam that offers European food.