The taste of Omani Halwa is a blessing to the tongue as it is the mouth-watering and delicious national sweet of Oman. An anticipated dessert for all the residents as well as the tourists who come to embrace the culture of this magnificent country, there are various recipes to prepare Omani Halwa, but it is a challenging task to point out which one is the best of all as different individuals possess their own proprietary techniques to add flavor to this dessert. It is usually served at celebrations and public gatherings accompanied by traditional coffee (kahwa). It is the primary dessert found at weddings, birthdays, and even during the holy month of Ramadan. Presenting Omani Halwa is one of the most hospitable gestures in Oman and a widespread practice.
TRADITIONAL RECIPE
The primary ingredients in preparing Omani Halwa are sugar, water, ghee (clarified butter originating from India), and cornstarch. It is commonly made using the three colors of white, yellow, and brown, depending on one’s taste and mood. The Halwa resembles a soft and sweet gelatinous mixture that may be flavored with nuts and cardamom. Thus, it is popularly known as the Sweet Jelly Dessert of Oman. It may be topped with rose water and extra ghee for those who don’t mind the extra calories to relish the taste. Omani Halwa is a deep-rooted tradition of Oman, passing from ancient generations and continuing till the present. You will not need to hunt for chocolates or ice-creams in Oman if you know the best places to eat this sweet.
An ideal high-tea in Oman includes Omani Halwa with the traditional kahwa and some dates to nibble over light-hearted conversations and laughter.
OMANI HALWA FACTORY
The Omani Halwa Factory in Barka is rated as one of the largest producers of Omani Halwa in the Gulf and is a paradise for all the sweet cravers. People claim that the ingredients used in this factory are natural and a product of careful examination. Although the factory is not open to the public and it is quite secretive in leaking out its ingenious recipes, one must try the Omani Halwa from this factory while in Oman as it ships its products to local stores and restaurants. The company also exports this sweet to other Gulf countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
CAPTIVATING EXPATS FROM ASIAN COUNTRIES
Omani Halwa is captivating the interests of expats from Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Iran, which are also extremely popular in producing their local Halwa. The expats absolutely adore devouring this delicious dessert, which reminds them of their home country and makes them feel at ease while living abroad. It inspires expats to start freelancing by inventing their traditional recipes of Halwas and making it a popular tradition in Oman so that no one sheds a tear while thinking about the delicacies of their motherland.
CONCLUSION
Omani Halwa is becoming increasingly popular in the Middle East and attracts Western tourists who adore trying different dishes and desserts. It is becoming one of the main itineraries for a trip to Oman as Western people start organizing food trips to these countries. Does the image of Omani Halwa sprinkle water in your mouth?
