Surviving as a Vegetarian in Oman

Are you planning a holiday to Oman and sweating over the limited options that you will get as a vegetarian? Well, you can stop worrying. It is true that Oman is home to some fantastic non-vegetarian food with the iconic Omani Seekh Kebab right on the top of the meat lovers’ list. But, it is also true that Oman is home to some lip smacking vegetarian food.


This might sound surprising to you. In fact, it did to me before I left for Oman. But, once I tasted the vegetarian food options in Oman during my recent trip, I was bowled over and can safely say that if you are a vegetarian, be prepared to enjoy your food in Oman.


The reason for this rich offer of vegetarian food is the unique mix of Middle Eastern and Indian food cuisines into the Omani food palate. Apart from having authentic Omani food, one can find food from South India, North India, Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, Irag, Syria, Israel and Iran.


Some of the yummy vegetarian fare available in Oman include:

Pita Bread: Famous wheat bread of the Middle East

Lebanese Bread: Flat and slightly sweet wheat bread from Lebanon

Hummus: Ground Chick Peas served in a paste with olive oil and seasoning

Tabouleh: Assortment of parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion, other veggies, olive oil and seasoning

Fatoush: Pita Bread Salad made with greens and vegetables

Falafel: Deep fried patty made from chick peas and fava beans

Moutabel: Spicy Eggplant dip from Lebanon

Baba Ghanoush: Levantine dish of cooked eggplant, onion, tomato, olive oil and seasoning. This is similar to India’s Baigan ka Bharta.

Vegetable Biriyani: Basmati rice cooked with vegetables and seasoning

Food from North India like Roti, Kulcha, Naan, Paneer Butter Masala, etc.

South Indian food like South Indian Thali, Idli, Dosa, etc.

You can taste the above dishes at most of the Middle Eastern restaurants and Indian restaurants, which will be easily accessible in Muscat or anywhere else you are travelling to in Oman.


If you are interested in vegetarian desserts that are originally from Oman, then you should give Baqalawa, Date Halwa, Kanafa, Khabeesa and Umali a try. These dishes are extremely tasty and I can personally vouch for them. But, they are also high on calories. In case you wish to indulge in healthy vegetarian foods, give the lemon nana and pomegranate juice a try. They are ideal for the hot and dry weather of Oman.