Omani Dining

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Like many people from the Western world, I require caffeine to get motivated for a long, hard day at the office. If I'm in a traditional Omani coffeehouse, which word would I be looking for on a menu so I could order a cup of coffee? kafi café kahwa khoffee

2. A popular staple of an Omani breakfast is rukhal. I don't think I've sat down to breakfast without it. Which of these would best describe rukhal? Sliced fruit A thin bread A mixture of nuts and seeds Salted eggs

3. Because of the extreme temperatures associated with the Middle East, lunchtime is sometimes only a light soup served with rice. Many soups I've sampled have been quite hearty with unique flavors. Which of the following would you find listed with other soups on an Omani menu? Hummus Sakhana Aloo Palak Hamour

4. Many Omani people prefer to have a large lunch with a lighter dinner in the evening. One dish I look forward to is kofta. If I had to describe kofta to a person unfamiliar with the dish, which might be a suitable comparison? Pork chops Flank steak Meatloaf Chicken nuggets

5. Like many Eastern countries, rice is a basic component of many Omani meals. You can find rice served with nearly every traditional Arab dish, whether it be seafood, beef, lamb or vegetables. In Arab countries, the rice is prepared with a particular spice which gives it a wonderful flavor and a rich yellow color. Which spice would produce this appealing flavor and color in the rice so popular in Omani cooking? Mustard Saffron Coriander Mace

6. Oman is situated on the Arabian Gulf, so there is an abundance of seafood available to the diner. Which of these fish would you most commonly find in Omani restaurants? King Salmon Paddlefish Kingfish Rockfish

7. During Omani festivals, special meals are prepared which are not typical during non-festival months. With which style of cooking would marinated meats be wrapped in banana leaves and buried beneath the ground in fiery pits? Shuwa Wusta Dhahira Al Batinah

8. Because Oman is a Muslim country, most of the citizens do not consume alcoholic beverages. Fruit juices, flavored waters, colas and yogurt drinks are the drinks of choice for most Omani people. Karkade is a tea that can be served either hot or cold and is found in many areas of Oman as a healthy alternative to colas. From which flower is karkade brewed? Hyacinth Rose Hibiscus Marigold

9. Oman is a land of nomadic people. Many tribes of people move from place to place which makes preparing meals difficult. Maqdeed is a type of food particularly valuable to these wandering groups. What is maqdeed? Dried meats Nuts, berries and fruits Blended rice, wheat and grains Hand held meals wrapped in banana leaves

10. Much like the rest of the world, the Omani people enjoy something sweet after their nightly meal. Which of these desserts could you find served after a traditional Arab meal? Ahlan Marhaban Halwa Shukran