Food here is similar to that other Middle Eastern countries. "Hummus" and "Tabbouleh" are the staple meal. Typical ingredients used in a dish are beef/mutton/lamb/chicken/seafood, rice, pistachios, dates, yogurt and spices. Pork is absolutely taboo as in all Muslim countries. Because of the presence of the expatriate population, biryani and curries are popularly eaten.

As Oman had a historical role in the spice trade, you can taste them in Omani cuisine. Cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, pepper, turmeric and saffron are commonly used in cooking. Food is not pungent as these spices are used in moderation. A mixture of these spices are ground and then added to the meat dish called "bizaar". "Haree" is a dish made with boiled wheat and flavoured with the usual bizaar and eaten with rice. "Qabouli" is a Pakistani meat dish with potatoes eaten with rice.

Local coffee is known as "ahwa". "Halwa" is an Omani sweet made from flour, brown sugar, saffron, cardamom and rose water. Fresh fruit juices are popular. Salty buttermilk called "laban" is served. Alcohol is restricted to establishments called bars connected to hotels.