Muscat: Restaurants and kiosks selling ‘Al-Madhbi’ to tourists in Dhofar Governorate is a unique dining experience for visitors, especially during the Khareef season.
‘Al Madhbi' is one of the foods for which the Dhofar Governorate is famous, along with many other dishes that are preferred by visitors and tourists, including Mishakeek, , Maqadeed, meat Mafoor, Maghmi, Qasabiya, Maajin, porridge, chicken and fish dishes of all kinds.
"Al Madhbi" is prepared by grilling meat, often from (camel, cow or sheep) on stones heated in a traditional way, which gives the meat a distinctive flavour and is served with rice or traditional bread.
With the beginning of Khareef season, "Al Madhbi" kiosks are spread throughout Dhofar Governorate, especially in tourist areas and popular markets. These kiosks are distinguished by offering fresh food.
Visitors can watch the process of preparing "Al Madhbi" meat on stones, and enjoy the delicious smell of food that fills the place, and provides a comfortable atmosphere, where visitors can sit and enjoy their meals in the open air amidst the distinctive autumn atmosphere.
Al-Madhbi and meat kiosks are an integral part of the tourist experience during Khareef season. They are not just places to eat, but rather a moment to delve into the past and the present and get an opportunity to discover authentic Omani flavours amidst charming natural scenery and an unforgettable experience that adds to the memories of Khareef season in Dhofar Governorate.
Mahad bin Ahmed Jaboub, owner of Bin "Sobar" Restaurant in Ain Arzat area, said: “The idea of the project was to establish a restaurant that offers all Omani meals and various foods to local residents and visitors to Dhofar Governorate throughout the year.”
He added: “The restaurant offers a variety of meals such as Madhbi, Maqadeed, Ma'ajeen, Mafour, Qasabiya, Mishakeek, rice of all kinds and baked goods.
The meals in the restaurant include options for meat and chicken that are grilled in front of the tourist in the traditional way and displaying the food, in addition to the availability of fresh local meat or even a whole slaughtered animal that is completely prepared under the eyes of the visitors and prepared for them to enjoy in the mountains and green plains under the drizzle and fog.”
For his part, Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Shahari, owner of Wadi "Dhirut" restaurant in Ateen area, said: “The restaurant offers many varied meals preferred by locals and visitors, especially in the fall, including a variety of dishes that suit the seasonal atmosphere with fresh ingredients available locally”.
He added: “Among the most prominent dishes served is (Al-Madhbi) with all types of meat and chicken, in addition to types of rice such as white rice with country butter, Mandi, Makbous and spiced types, which are considered main dishes loved by tourists and residents, in addition to the famous local meal / Muajeen / which is prepared in a traditional way known to the local population.
The process begins by serving the meat until it dries up, then the fat of the slaughtered animal is taken and cooked until it melts and then bacon and salt are added to it and stirred until fully cooked, after which it is placed in designated places and stored for long periods.
