Muscat: With a sizeable number of Indians living in Oman, the number of Indian restaurants in the Sultanate are also many.
Some of the known ones have been in business for over three decades and are still running strong.
For tastes from North India, at an affordable range with authentic taste, Ghasitaram Halwai in Al Khuwair has been the go-to place. This restaurant serves only vegetarian dishes and in the nineties had two branches – one in downtown Ruwi and another in up-market Al Khuwair.
Now the Ruwi outlet is not there any longer and instead a branch has been opened in another residential locality of Azaiba. Back then, the Espresso coffee-vending machine was a popular option found only here. While their best is the street food of Delhi, south Indian flavours and even Chinese cuisine are also available for those who crave that.
Businessmen to students
Longing for some dhabeli, or khandvi or vada paav? Pradip Bhai’s shop will surely cater to your craving for Western Indian or let’s say Gujarati delicacies. Located near the popular Star Cinema in Ruwi, Pradip’s clientele range from rich businessmen to students.
Raj Khachori, dhabeli, simple club sandwich with his signature red and green chutneys have big takers and once you visit this place, you will visit again. 35 years and going steady and strong even now.
With a sizeable population from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh residing in Oman, a need for Chettinadu cuisine (a type of southern Indian cuisine known for their spices variety) was indeed felt. Woodlands restaurant provided the perfect solution and has been dishing out perfect Chettinadu delicacies, both non-vegetarian and vegetarian, ever since it opened its doors which is almost three decades in Oman now.
Typical spices
Woodlands has an up market ambience and is a favourite of many Westerners residing in Oman as well as tourists who come to Oman. Located in Ruwi, their typical spices and ingredients make you drool for more.
Offering a different aura and ambience is Mumtaz Mahal, located in the uptown area of Shati Qurum. A small climb up a hill, you are treated not just with a culinary fare but also a visual delight of city view from the restaurant. With roof to floor glass windows surrounding the dining area, the place offers Mughalai dishes as well as North Indian flavours.
Pre Covid days, Mumtaz Mahal gave the guests an awesome feel of a royal Dharbar with live musical evenings filled with ghazal and classical Indian songs. The food and feel is top notch!
