Top 3 Omani Rice Dishes

Kabsa is a rice dish that is enjoyed throughout the Gulf States of the Arabian Peninsula. Heavily influenced by Persian and Indian biryanis, kabsa makes use of the water that was used for cooking fish or meat and re-using it to cook the spiced, long-grain rice in it, perfectly blending all the flavors and spices. The dish can be made with chicken, lamb, camel meat, fish, or even shrimps, truffles, or duck meat. The meat or fish is usually placed on top of the rice, and the whole dish is served on a large platter, meant to be shared and eaten by hands. Although it originated in Yemen, this traditional combination of rice and meat is incredibly popular in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where it is considered a national dish. Across the Arabian Peninsula, kabsa is also known as machboos.Expand

This rice dish is an Omani take on traditional Indian and Persian chicken biryanis. Just like other chicken biryanis, this one also consists of basmati rice mixed with chicken parts (legs or breasts). What makes this dish truly Omani is the use of spices and herbs that are typical of Omani cuisine. Although not as heavily spiced as other chicken biryanis, Omani chicken biryani is still a fragrant and flavorful dish, and it is typically accompanied by sides such as cucumber raita, lime wedges, and slices of sweet onions. In Oman, this dish is usually eaten for lunch or dinner, and it is available in numerous cafés, restaurants, and similar eateries throughout the country.Expand

Chicken kabouli, kabuli, or qabooli is a traditional rice dish that is similar to a biryani. It consists of basmati rice that is flavored with an Omani masala blend of whole or ground spices such as cardamom, coriander, cloves, and cinnamon. The aromatic rice is combined with fried onions and pieces of chicken, which are typically boiled with spices and then fried. This dish is often garnished with various ingredients such as sultanas, dates, chickpeas, potatoes, and nuts such as almonds. Chicken kabouli is typically consumed as a main dish for lunch.Expand