Hi Weekly - April 22, 2016

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 46,760 COPIES

VOL 10 ISSUE 17 / APRIL 22, 2016

ALL ABOUT MUSCAT’S FAVOURITE SNACK PAGE 20

THIS WEEK IN OMAN

BEACH LIKE A BOSS

SPRAY IT ON THICK

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT

Upgrade your beach day withh a luxurious afternoon of sun, (not not too much) sand, fine dining, and watersports at Al Bustan Palace. ce.

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A stylish custom paint job requires ROP permission here in Oman, but it’s well-worth the paperwork.

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The deserts of Oman are a treasure trove of adventure, romance, and wildlife that are in dire need of protection.

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Give us a shout with questions, comments, compliments, complaints, or just to say “Hi” Founder Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali scottarmstrong@timesofoman.com Chief Executive Editor Scott Armstrong

felicia@timesofoman.com

Executive Features Editor Felicia Campbell Features Production Editor Swati Dasgupta

swati@timesofoman.com

Research/Copy Editor Ashish Dubash

ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

ashishdubash@timesofoman.com

Senior Editors T. A. Ameerudheen Faisal Mohammed Naim Mohammed Shafeeqe

faisal@timesofoman.com

Associate Editors Salim Hamood Al Afifi Shruthi Nair

shafeeq@timesofoman.com

salim@timesofoman.com

Multimedia Editorial Assistant Asmaa Al Balushi asmaa@timesofoman.com

Chief Creative Officer Adonis Durado

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Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin Graphic Editor Antonio Farach Design Editor Sahir K.M. Lead Designer Ali Jani Designers Antonio Ismael Sandiego Geri Batara Sonny Gregory Fernandez Director of Digital Television Joe Morrison Photography MMG Photographers

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Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham Head Of Advertising & Marketing Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by Geri Batara Sonny For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 17 APRIL 22, 2016

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THE WEEKEND LINEUP Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend

21 22 23 THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

9.30am Study Abroad

2.00pm Fly High

Get inspired and give your global education a kick start at the Global Higher Education Exhibition, running from 9.30am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm.

Hit Sawadi beach this Friday and revel in the fun and competition of kite ying while grooving to live musical at the Pakistani Social Club Basant Festival 2016. Entry is free.

7.00pm Meet the Michelin Man

Oman Exhibition Centre +968 2451 2100 ghedex.om

Al Sawadi Beach +968 9931 8468 facebook: PakistanSocialClubOman

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

7.00pm Cheer on the Quizards

6.00pm Party in the Moonlight

Catch the much anticipated Times of Oman InterSchool Quiz competition where the top 12 teams will rack their brains in a bid to beat the quizmaster Balasubramaniam a.k.a Pickbrain.

Enjoy a full moon party at the Al Bustan Beach Pavilion this weekend with house DJs, barbecue, drinks, and performance art. OMR5 for ladies and OMR10 for men and couples.

Qurum Amphitheatre +968 2472 6666 timesofoman.com

Al Bustan Palace +968 2479 9666 ritzcarlton.com/albustanpalace

Savour the culinary stylings of Michelinstarred chef, Igor Macchia, who will be heading the kitchen of Capri Court from the 20th to the 23rd of April.

Capri Court Shangri-la Barr Al Jissah +968 2477 6565 facebook.com/ Shangrilabaraljissa

3.00pm Zumba for a Cause Burn a few calories for a noble cause at the charity Zumbathon this Saturday. Hosted in association with the Oman Cancer Association, the event will be lead by popular Zumba instructor, Ana Georgescu.

This event is ladies-only, entry fee OMR10.

Muscat College Sports Hall +968 9530 0495

facebook: ZumbathonOman

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Have you tried any of these five? What do you think of them? Did we miss any of your favourites? Tag us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 17 APRIL 22, 2016

FIVE CAVES TO TRY TO EXPLORE MAJLIS AL JIN CAVE

AL HOOTA CAVE

Visit Oman’s hidden gem, Majlis Al Jin, the world’s largest underground cave. Located on the Eastern side of Al Hajar Mountains in Quriyat region, near Fins, the gigantic cave has a dome-shaped ceiling with a height of 120 metres.

LATITUDE: 22°52’53.05” LONGITUDE: 59°6’17.63”

One of the most popular caves in Oman, Al Hoota was discovered by local residents in Al Hamra, about a two-hour drive from Muscat. The cave has water springs, underground valleys, and a lake and is 5-kilometres deep, but visitors are only allowed in a distance of 860 metres.

LATITUDE: 22°58’24.84” LONGITUDE: 57°6’24.96”

JARNAN CAVE

TEEQ CAVE AND TAWI ATEER SINKHOLE

A mesmerising cave located in Izki in the Al Dakhiliyah region, about 120 kilometres from Muscat, the Jarnan Cave holds great importance for local residents who can share endless stories and fables about the Jin and other mysteries of the cave.

LATITUDE: 22°55’2.45” LONGITUDE: 57°46’10”

AL MARNIF CAVE

Head south towards Salalah and have fun exploring, Tawi Ateer, one of the biggest solvent sinkholes in the world. Then continue on to the Teeq Cave at the top of the sinkhole. It has numerous entrances, narrow paths, waterfalls, and panoramic views.

LATITUDE: 17°11’29” LONGITUDE: 54°56’03”

Head to Shatti Al Mughsayl, about 40 kilometres from Salalah, and enjoy magnificent natural blow-holes, oceanic views, and the famous Al Marnif Cave. It is visitor-friendly, with a protective fence, seating areas, bridges, and walkways, and its outstanding beauty has made it a must-visit attraction in Dhofar.

LATITUDE: 16°44’9.02” LONGITUDE: 53°22’57.24”

DIMA SADEK Considered to be the perfect combination of beauty and brains, the popular Lebanese TV host is an idol to many women across the Gulf. Her account contains pictures of herself making elegant style statements, expressing her political views, and giving a glimpse of her fun personal and social life.

Instagram: @dimdamdom1

WISSAM NASSAR Follow this award winning Palestinian photojournalist whose account is a collection of invaluable photographs that speak volumes about the lives of the people in the terror-struck Gaza Strip.

Instagram: @wissamgaza

DIMA KHATIB The Al Jazeera correspondent posts fun pictures of herself, the adventures she has, and the places she visits throughout the Middle East.

Instagram: @ladimakhatib

BRYAN DENTON The Beirut based photographer’s Instagram account is a welcome amalgamation of pictures that portray both the hard-ships and the beauty of Middle Eastern life. It also offers a peak into his personal life, and his charming sense of humour really comes through.

Instagram: @bdentonphoto

NOURA AL KAABI Noura Al Kaabi is an Abu Dhabi based media personality who makes good use of her Instagram account to document the beauty and stories of the UAE, and occasionally offering tidbits about her personal life as well.

Instagram: @nak

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

HI SOCIAL ARAB TRENDSETTERS TO FOLLOW

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Where are you escaping to this weekend?

Show us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 17 APRIL 22, 2016

STAYCATION

A DAY AT THE BEACH STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL

on offer there. I was tempted by the complimentary kayaks and snorkelling equipment, and I considered a OMR5 sailing lesson, but the lounges were still calling my name, so instead we made a bee-line for the perfectly arranged, umbrellashaded chaises.

There were plenty of beachfront chairs available, thanks to the fact that the resort passes are by reservation only, with only a limited number on offer each week to ensure the facilities are never overly crowded.

One thing I particularly love about the Bustan beach is that the lounges are set on soft, perfectly manicured grass just in front of the sandy beach, making for a much less messy, sand-covered beach bag at the end of the day.

No sooner had I set down my bag, a cabana steward appeared with fresh towels and a coolbox full of water. Now, that’s what I’m talking about, I thought. I slipped my shades on and settled in, letting the gentle breeze and soothing sounds of the crashing waves lull me to sleep.

I woke up a little while later and decided to go for a swim to cool off. (The day-pass provides access to the pools and the beach).

After sun-drying, it was time for lunch. The

pass provides a 10% discount on the total bill from any of the hotel’s fabulous drinking and dining venues. We weren’t dressed for fine dining at China Mood, so we opted for a casual lunch of burgers and salad at BLU Bar by the pool. The restaurant will deliver your order beachside at your lounge chair as a wooden boxed lunch, but I thought better to change the scenery for a bit. So we took a shaded table overlooking the garden. After our meal, we ordered iced coffees for “delivery” and headed back to our little oasis.

We spent the afternoon sipping and tanning and swimming, taking full advantage of the butler-style towel and beverage service. When sun began to dip and we decided it was time to head home, there were no piles of folding chairs and umbrellas for us to carry to the car, no picnic trash to pack out, there weren’t even sandy towels for us to take home and wash. We simply grabbed our blessedly sand-free beach bags, slipped our shades back in their cases, and walked hand-in-hand through the palm-lined garden back to our car feeling refreshed, rested, and ready to conquer the coming week.

–felicia@timesofoman.com

THE DETAILS What: The Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel Resort Pass When: Anytime, but by reservation only Rate: OMR20 per adult, OMR10 per child age 6 to 12, free for kids under 6 years-old Contact: +968 2479 9666 ext. 3008 Includes: • Free parking • Access to Private Beach • Access to pool • Beach lounges • Beachside towel and water service • Non-motorised water recreation equipment • Hotel fitness activities • Access to Fitness Centre • 10% discount on total bill at any dining establishment onsite

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

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ometimes you just need a good old-fashioned day at the beach — sand between your toes, sun on your face, beach blankets, and a picnic basket. But, if you’re anything like me, sometimes you need something even more relaxing: A beach day where all you have to do is show up.

I love the luxury beach day-pass concept in which everything, from the towels to the coolers to the perfectly positioned umbrellas, are already waiting for you.

The newest addition to Muscat’s day-pass lineup is the venerable Al Bustan Palace, a property that has the longest (and one of the loveliest) private beaches in the country. I went to check it out with my family, and the eight hours I spent there felt like a full-on vacation.

We parked in the large lot to the side of the hotel and checked in at the recreation centre, where they told us about the day’s scheduled activities (yoga, tennis, cardio, and some kid’s games on that particular morning). They offered to sign us up for a class (complimentary with the day pass), but with my eyes fixed on the pristine beach, I lazily declined and we headed for the watersports complex to see what was

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TO D LIST

SWIMMING TO THE HORIZON

STORY T.A. AMEERUDHEEN

P

eter Shaw is one of many passionate swimmers in Muscat. In his early 60s, he wakes up early in the morning on the weekends, puts on his swim trunks, and heads to the Shatti Al Qurum beach for a 7am swim with his friends. “Swimming is the secret of my energy,” said the retired executive.

Swimming is considered to be the best workout programme to burn excess fat, build muscles, shape body, and improve lung capacity, among many other things and fitness enthusiasts, cutting across age and gender across the world, are well aware of its benefits.

For some, the solitary nature of the sport can make it feel monotonous. But this has changed here in Oman, where people have begun venturing out for group swims in the sea.

Swimming in a group offers plenty

of advantages. It allows participants to safely swim in the open ocean, which is a fun challenge for even experienced swimmers.

As you glide through the water you can enjoy the beautiful aquatic surroundings, spot some rare fish, and take in the views of the coastline.

Though the salty ocean water offers swimmers greater buoyancy, making floating easy, it is good to learn the nuances of swimming from an experienced trainer before diving in.

Dr R. K. Sanghavi is one such coach in Muscat who has been training ocean swimmers in Oman since 1984. A medical practitioner at Alawi Clinic in Wadi Kabir, he offers free swimming classes near the stretch of beach near Kalbuh Park in Muttrah on the weekends.

“We have an interesting mix of trainees. The youngest of the lot was

a boy just one year old and the oldest was 64 years old. A majority of them are novices who never swam in their life.

We follow scientific methods to make the process simple,” he said.

Though ocean swimming is not typically dangerous, Sanghavi says it is better to keep an eye on the weather conditions before going out into the sea and to have some basic knowledge about the currents.

“One should not venture out in the rough sea. And one has to be extremely careful about deadly undercurrents.”

The group activity will bring out the best in participants as they try to keep pace with one another, engaging in healthy competition, which can lead to greater endurance and fitness levels. And, most importantly, it’s just plain fun.

—ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

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BEST PLACES FOR OCEAN SWIMMING IN MUSCAT SHATTI AL QURUM

KALBUH BEACH

The long stretch from Crowne Plaza to the Chedi Hotel is an ideal playground for endurance swimmers.

The gentle waters of the beach near Kalbuh Park in Muttrah are ideal for beginners and experienced swimmers, alike.

YITI

BAMA, QURIYAT BANDAR AL KHAYRAN

Enjoy hassle-free swimming, away from the public gaze, in serene surroundings.

If you want to swim in a calm environment, Bama is the best place for you.

In between swimming, you can do a bit of snorkelling in this beautiful location.

LEARN OCEAN SWIMMING with Dr Sanghavi’s free training classes Location: Kalbuh Park When: Friday and Saturday Time: From 7am onwards Things to bring: Goggles and your swimsuit

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STORY FAISAL MOHAMMED NAIM

F

MILD WILD TO

Nothing spruces up a car like a custom paint job, from wild colours for the nonconformist, to subdued hues that can make a ride look new.

rom small upgrade to a full blown customisation, a paint job can transform a vehicle from ordinary to extraordinary. And although you usually get what you pay for, it’s important to know what you want as there are plenty of colour and quality options available and the key is finding the best price-to-quality combination.

Car painting is a complex process involving multiple phases, and exact colour combinations. Paint jobs range from a single colour to airbrushed effects with different paint finishes. Generally custom car paint packages consist of primer, basecoat of colour, a clearcoat, and sometimes additional effects.

After your car is ripped clean of its previous paint, coats of primer are applied. The primer acts as leveller, rust and moisture protector, and makes it easier to apply the base coat. Applied after the primer coat, the base coat imparts the visual properties of colour and effects. It can be solid, metallic, or candy (brightly coloured, high-gloss paint). In the final step, clear coat is sprayed on top of the basecoat for added gloss and protection. Any graphic designs or decals are added after applying the basecoat and before applying clearcoat.

The cost of a paint job depends on several factors including the type of vehicle (size determines the amount needed); the brand of paint used; and the extent of paint scheme opted for (like interior painting, re-colouring of the engine area). While cost is certainly a factor, it is important to keep in mind that when it comes to paint, the better the paint quality and technology used to apply it, better the results. (Brands like Diamont, DuPont, and PPG are good options.)

For those with no budget who are looking for something really special, the most expensive specialty paint jobs use the best of automotive paints, like House of Kolor and SEM, which can cost OMR100 plus per litre; as well as the latest technology for effects like two-tone metallic or a chameleon paint job, which can cost upwards of OMR500.

You need to be patient if you are going for a custom paint job. You’ll have to part with your ride for anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the amount of work involved and how busy the painter is.

—faisal@timesofoman.com WHAT, WHERE, AND HOW MUCH? Shanfari Automotives Starting from around OMR200, this paint station offers the best premium painting services in town, with a multitude of options. A high end specialty paint job starts at OMR350, but the wilder the imaginations, more you’ll pay.

Location: Al Khuwair +968 2460 2676 Economical Options If all you want is a decent paint job to spruce things up, perhaps with a few creative tweaks here and there, then you can visit any of the paint shops in the Wadi Kabir area.

There are shops in every nook and corner, and a good, fullcar paint job should only cost you around OMR200, even less depending on your bargaining power.

PAINT JOB RULES AND REGULATIONS IN OMAN In Oman, before going for a paint job, you have to inform the ROP in detail about the colour and extent of modification you intend to have on the registered stock car shade. Your request then shall be duly approved and you will need to update your Mulkhiya (registration) after the job is complete.

Matte and semi-gloss finishes are banned for private vehicles in Oman. Paint jobs in matte finishes will invite hefty fines and penalties from the authorities.

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ASK AN OMANI

A DHOFARI WEDDING TRADITION

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STORY ASMAA AL BALUSHI

T

here is a story about a man from the South who was a regular attendee at all the weddings.

He would joyfully and generously give money to contribute to the cost of the wedding ceremony.

He didn’t mind spending as much as OMR50 or more to support the couples, and when someone once told him, Don’t spend more than you can afford, he replied, One who shies away from duty has no place among the members of his tribe.

His ritual did not end with a single wedding, instead he contributed to all the weddings, cruising around Dhofar in the search of these joyous occasions to which he could contribute.

This tradition of the Dhofar region, passed down from one generation to the next, is a form of social solidarity and love known as “Almagbor”.

The word Almagbor means ‘dust’, in the local dialect, and idiomatically refers to fulfilling one’s duty. It holds great prestige among the people of the South and whoever practices Almagbor earns the respect of everyone in his tribe.

Dhofari writer Mohammad Al Salimi explained that 40 years ago, practising Almagbor was a little bit more complicated.

“Each tribe only held one particular person responsible for announcing the marriages in the region, and this person would yell the announcement from the streets and alleys to invite people to attend the ceremony and Almagbor.

Later this responsibility fell to the Imam of the mosque, who would announce the Almagbor ceremony of the tribe after the completion of the Friday sermon. It further evolved into posting lists in the mosques, in which everyone was invited, and

then it transformed once more with the distribution of invitation cards.

Nowadays invitations are sent through social networking sites, making it easy to invite a large number of people with minimal time and effort. Each Sheikh of tribe establishes a group in the Whatsapp group called Dhofar Group for Social Occasions, which contain lists of names of each tribe’s elders, each of whom sends invitations to their respective tribe members.”

The invited guests and well-wishers gather at the groom’s home at the appointed time to pay Almagbor, meanwhile the groom’s family writes the full name of each one who contributes and the amount contributed in a book called Kitab Almagbor.

When the contributors or their siblings get married, the groom should return the Almagbor to them.

After Almagbor ceremony, the bride’s family presents the bride to

her husband amid crowds of wellwishers and guests.

“Almagbor is as an old habit ingrained in the hearts of the people of Dhofar, passed from one generation to another. It has made the process of getting married much easier, especially for young men who can’t afford paying all costs, which might include Mahr, a wedding ceremony, furniture for their new home, household expenses, and a honeymoon,” said Nader Ahmed Marhoon, a resident of southern Oman. “In Dhofar, the members of the tribe praise this tradition and cooperate to ensure young men don’t have to take loans from banks and other sources to pay for their new lives.”

Some people complain that families exaggerate their Almagbor contributions to highlight their social status, and others say the money is used for wasteful wedding ceremonies, which is not permissible. How-

ever, most of the people of the south are committed to the tradition and see it as a positive way to bring their community together.

Mohammed Al Mardoof, a documentary film director who directed a film named Only in Dhofar agrees.

“Almagbor cuts marriage cost for couples whom are soon to be married, covering about 70 per cent of wedding expenses. Now even the bachelors can look forward in anticipation of experience and the traditions when getting married.”

The essence of Almagbor is social cohesion and solidarity among members of the region. It not only enables young couples to get married and start their lives together debt-free, it also strengthens the bonds of brotherhood among all members of these Dhofari tribes in a beautiful act of support, charity, and love.

—asmaa@timesofoman.com

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Palace of the Sun STORY MOHAMMED SHAFEEQE

The sprawling dunes of Oman’s deserts are magical wonderlands for holiday revellers and many experts believe that these unique sands will prove to be the future of the country’s tourism. But lying beneath these sugary sands is a fragile eco system that is in danger.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

T

hough the word ‘desert’ evokes an image of a barren arid landscape, the reality is that these sandy lands are a delicate ecosystem that is home to some of the world’s most bewitching wildlife from snakes, lizards, and insects to camels and foxes.

The Sharqiyah Sands desert covers an area of 12,500 square kilometres.

This area has been of particular scientific interest ever since an expedition by the Royal Geographical Society in 1986 documented the diversity of the flora and fauna, sighting 16,000 invertebrates as well as 200 species of other wildlife, including birds.

Every year at the beginning of the season, hundreds of locals and tourists camp in the Sharqiyah Sands. Usually they take with them all the materials needed for two days and, unfortunately, many leave behind heaps of non-biodegradable waste, like plastic containers and cans, which are

harmful to living organisms in the desert.

“It is imperative on our part to treat the desert with respect,” says Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali, the founder of the Guide Oman, who regularly conducts desert crossings in Sharqiyah. According to him, the desert is the future for Oman’s tourism sector.

“Much research needs to be done about the sand and the environmental uniqueness of the Sharqiyah Sands. This terrain is unique to Oman. Some even believe that the pure sand has medicinal and healing properties for pains,” he said.

The calamitous fact is that the planet’s most important sources of biodiversity are also among the most sought after tourist destinations, and if they are not properly protected, they can suffer irreversible damage.

“When local residents enter deserts for camping, they used to litter and leave garbage including toxic plastic materials in the desert. This has become an increasingly serious threat to the environment as people are now preferring the desert as

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a cheaper alternative to city entertainment,” said Robby George, manager-Tours & MICE, Eihab Travels, who is a huge fan of the desert safaris. He estimates there has been an increase of about 40 per cent in the number of desert drivers in the past year, substantially raising the amount of rubbish. “Ten to 15 years ago it was a very small amount of garbage, you didn’t notice it, but in the last year it has increased a lot,” he said.

The trash and garbage left behind at campsites can be deadly for desert animals. When metallic things like cans or camping gears are left behind, they become rusty and affect the natural lifecycle. And litter in the desert is not only endangering the environment, but also is endangering the prospect for the country’s tourism sector.

“Campers and holiday makers to the desert must take with them garbage bags and collect any materials that are harmful to the desert. It is important that we keep our deserts clean. Not just for the insects or lizards but also for future generations,” he said.

Nowadays, tourists who come to organised desert safaris and safari crew are educated about the ecology and wildlife of the desert.

“The environment is a very important factor for Guide Oman. Of course we have a very beautiful and pristine environment here. We want to

keep seeing it pristine. And one of the issues we have is the management of garbage. Bringing large groups to desert is an area of concern for us because we do come here frequently and we want to continue to see it in the pristine way we saw it last time. So we like to think the guests can help by taking photographs and leave only foot prints, or I guess it’s okay to leave a few tyre tracks too,” said Rebecca Mayston, manager, Guide Oman.

The Guide Oman crew leads by example, collecting rubbish they find along the way and educating the guests on the importance of keeping the desert clean.

“It is important to make sure that the sand dunes are cleared of the litter and all of the garbage is picked up and kept in the vehicles till we exit the desert to a suitable disposal place.

Every vehicle in the convoy is given garbage bags and there are plenty more garbage bags available if they need more than the initial given quota. We also have machinery with the catering crew to help accommodate the removal of all the garbage out of the desert and we have a specific garbage truck. One philosophy is that if you can bring it into desert you should also be able to take it in your car out of the desert. It helps us to keep the environment as it is today for the future generation.”

—shafeeq@timesofoman.com

BOOK AN ECO-FRIENDLY DESERT CROSSING Contact The Guide Oman +968 9803 8820 (Rebecca) | +968 9228 5813 (Abdul Rahman) mail: rmayston@theguideoman.com theguideoman.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

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NOWADAYS, TOURISTS WHO COME TO ORGANISED DESERT SAFARIS AND SAFARI CREW ARE EDUCATED ABOUT THE ECOLOGY AND WILDLIFE OF THE DESERT. ANIMALS LIVING IN THE DESERTS OF OMAN Mammals

Cape hares Sand cats Red foxes Caracals Arabian wolves Camels

Invertebrates

Insects and arthropods Scorpions Spiders Ants Bees Wasps Moths Beetles

Reptiles

Snakes (mostly vipers, sand boa) Lizards Geckos Sand monitor

Birds

Hundreds of bird species inhabit or migrate through the desert region each year. Vultures, buzzards, and falcons are some of the most prevalent, though they are not endemic to the area.

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STORY SALIM AL AFIFI

There isn’t a weekend that passes without a trip to a Shawarma joint. It has become sort of a ritual for me — savouring the juicy, thinly-sliced seasoned meats, aromatic garlic paste, and crispy French fries wrapped in freshly baked flatbread. The smoky taste is etched in my mind, and it is the only meal when I totally forget about calories, simply allowing myself to savour every last bite.

But where does Shawarma come from?

What are the variations? Most importantly, where’s the best place to indulge?

I hit the street to find out.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED

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Shawarma is a seasoned meat, marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, hand-layered and roasted on a cone-shaped vertical rotisserie spit, slivered into bite-sized pieces, and served in a wrap or on a plate along with delicious handmade condiments and breads. It can be made using a variety of proteins, but the most popular in Muscat is chicken. Other varieties include fish, beef, and — my absolute favourite — lamb.

This gastronomic phenomenon can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, specifically, Turkey in the 18th century, where they used to roast the meat horizontally on fired up charcoal before discovering that roasting it vertically ensured that the chunk of meat enjoyed a full bath of its own fat, which helped it to retain good moisture.

According to Michael Heyne, founder of Shawarma Verts Kebap in Berlin, the Shawarma came under the name of Döner Kabab which translates to “rotating” or “turning”, and was introduced by Iskender Efendi of Bursa, a major city in Turkey.

Thanks to Turkish fellows who migrated to other parts of the world, people got to experience the taste of what they call ‘food of the kings’, and it became tremendously popular and culturally celebrated dish in the Middle East and North Africa. The Arabs adopted this culinary delight and named it Shawarma, known in Turkey as ‘çevirme’, which also means ‘rotation’. Today it is recognised globally, with scrumptious marinade variants and distinctive modern forms.

• Shawarma roasts for 15 to 30 minutes, and the sandwiches are swiftly made fresh-to-order.

• They are affordable, averaging OMR0.400 for a small and OMR1 for a large.

• Shawarma can be eaten at any given time, with most shops opening from mid-morning until super-late (I enjoyed a Shawarma brunch and washed it down with a minty yoghurt drink.)

• Shawarma is considered a healthy fast food, containing only 300 to 500 calories per sandwich.

• Shawarma is a street food that is now considered an integral part of Omani food culture.

• Shawarma has a unique homemade feel to it, and the open kitchen it’s cooked in adds to the homey, comfort-food feel.

• Shawarma shavings from the gigantic, 120-kilo cone of chicken at Old Turkish restaurant in Al Khuwair, produces enough meat for 200 large sandwiches.

The process of making Shawarma is intriguing, and although variations abound, there are a few guidelines that are followed and applied by all restaurants.

First things first, getting the meat. According to Chef Sayyid of Good Evening Restaurant in Al Ma’abela, the quality of the meat is absolutely crucial as it can make or break the taste of the Shawarma. So, selecting good meats from trusted sources is essential.

After carefully cleaning the chicken or meat, it is deboned and thinly sliced into several pieces, which ensures they absorb plenty of the marinade, typically made of garlic, onions, tomatoes, salt, herbs, black and white pepper, soft cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, lemon, and Arabic or Turkish spices. They also use vinegar in the mixture to keep the Shawarma pile moist and flavourful for more than nine hours on the spit. The marinated meat is left to rest for an entire day in the fridge to allow the spices to infuse the meat.

The next day, the piling session begins. The creative laying process is pure art, and can only be done by the masters themselves. For chicken Shawarma they start off by placing the thighs at the bottom of the spit.

Their bulkiness and thick-size make them a perfect fit for the base. Then the master starts layering pieces

of chicken onto the spit, along with a few pieces of skin for a crispy texture and additional flavour. The beef is layered in a similar way except that sheep suet (sheep fat) is added between layers of meat to give the roasting meat what I call ‘an excruciatingly lipsmacking’ taste.

The meat pile is placed on a spit and cooked using low to medium heat which is later adjusted to medium-high until the meat is fully cooked. This typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, then the first layer is sliced off, allowing the following layer to be cooked for the same amount of time, then sliced off again, the procedure is repeated till there is no meat left on the spit.

The cooked meat is finely sliced and is usually layered with lettuce, garlic paste, tahina, and French fries inside small pita bread.

Chef Arda Turkmen, a famous Turkish chef I met in Dubai, said that the first cut is usually not good. Opt for the following slices, which will be full of juices since they were not directly exposed to high levels of heat. He also mentioned a fundamental tip: Never turn off the heat or stop the rotation of the meat. Slice continuously to ensure succulent Shawarma and to prevent drying.

No one likes a dry Shawarma. True that.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SALIM AL AFIFI

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There are many Shawarma variation from across the region, each featuring their own distinctive elements. Egyptian Shawarma usually features za’atar (oregano leaves), bell peppers, and yoghurt in the marinade, which gives the meat a milder taste.

Lebanese Shawarma sandwiches are stuffed with sliced onions, fresh parsley, and long, vinegary cucumber pickles, a major variation on the mayo and french-frystuffed Turkish Shawarma. The Shawarma master of Yum Yum restaurant in Qurum, Chef Adnan, also adds orange slices into his marinade to add a tangy taste, as well as to make it super tender.

Indian Shawarma sandwiches

often contain cabbage, and the meat is sometimes wrap in Indian paratha bread. Usually spicy variants with Indian masalas are on offer. At Al Raihan Coffee Shop in Al Ghubra, they serve a spicy, Mexican-inspired Shawarma marinated with chilies. It is a must-try for spicy food fanatics.

Turkish Shawarma has its own famous variant: Rather than using chunks of meat, sometimes ground beef (which is the original Turkish Doner Kabab), is used.

It is super lean, soft, and sticks together when sliced creating a leaf-like form. You have to head to Al Hilal Al Turkey in the Al Khoud Souq to taste this particular Turkish delight.

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There are three main types of breads used in Shawarma eateries. There is the widely known Lebanese bread, a soft flatbread made with wheat flour and leaven, then there is Turkish bread known as ‘Pide’, which is a thick, broad, rounded flatbread made of wheat and adorned with sesame and Nigella seeds on top, and the last one known as Arabic bread, a paper-thin flatbread, which is larger and softer than Lebanese bread.

Variations include the Indian paratha bread used at some tea shops, and at Yum Yum restaurant they offer unique, French-inspired Shawarma sandwiches served on white and brown French baguettes that are stuffed with Shawarma meat, veggies, and pickles. The aromatic combination of juicy meat, tahina spread, and fresh, hot bread is exquisite.

A Shawarma sandwich is not complete without a set of sauces and pastes that add scrummy, tongue-tingling flavour to the sandwich. Here are the most popular: • Garlic Mayonnaise: A mushy, creamy paste made from eggs, oil, salt, and lots of garlic — the most popular dip.

• Garlic Paste (Toumiya/Toum): A creamy, fluffy white paste made of garlic, kosher salt, and oil.

• Tahina: An oily paste made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds.

• Hummus: Cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahina sauce and olive oil.

• Hummus Beiruty (Lebanese Hummus): A hummus paste mixed with parsley and some garlic.

• Mutabal: A thick, sour-y paste made from roast eggplants, yoghurt, olive oil, salt, with a few drops of lemon and bit of tahina sauce.

• Other condiments you can enjoy with a Shawarma include ketchup, chilli sauce, and mayonnaise.

Going for a Shawarma will always be on the top of my to-do list every weekend.

The intense, fast-paced vibe of Shawarma restaurants excites me and makes me feel the weekend vibe. And, from the moment I open my foiled sandwich and get a whiff of garlic-y meat, until I lick the last drop of tahina sauce from my fingers, I am fully immersed in the experience, enjoying the best that food can be.

—salim@timesofoman.com

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Al Hilal Al Turkey For an ultimate Shawarma experience.

They serve best beef Shawarma in Muscat —

Good Evening Restaurant For appetising Egyptian-style beef Shawarma —

Al Khoud Al Tijiary St, Al Khoud, Seeb, Oman +968 9268 6557 Shawarmas available from approximately 5pm to 1am

Al Khair Street, Ma’abela, Seeb +968 2445 5763 Shawarmas available from 8am to 1pm 5pm to 3am

Muscat International Airport Sultan Qaboos University

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Old Turkish Restaurant For the best chicken Shawarma sandwiches in town — Souq Al Khuwair Street, Al Khuwair, Muscat (near Rawasco Supermarket) +968 2448 7822 Shawarmas available 24-hours

Arax Restaurant For delicious Lebanese-pickled Shawarmas —

Yum Yum Restaurant For the best and only French-Lebanese Shawarma experience — Al Qurum Gardens Complex, Qurum, Muscat +968 2205 5055 Shawarmas available from 12pm to 12am

Oasis Centre, Shatti Al Qurum, Muscat +968 2460 0935 Shawarmas available from 10am to 12am

Al Raihan Coffee Shop For spicy IndianMexican Shawarma — Al Ghubra Al Janubiyyah, Muscat, Oman +968 9725 0005 Shawarmas available from 6pm to 1.30am

Baba Salem For some good old, Turkish Shawarma in a traditional ambiance — 2237 Way, Qurum, Muscat (facing Qurum Gardens Complex) +968 9455 5530 Shawarmas available from 11am to 1am

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Khimji’s Restaurant division organised a staff party.

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 17 APRIL 22, 2016

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The British Embassy marked the UK’s National Day on the occasion of the 90th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The celebration was held at Port Sultan Qaboos with the visiting world famous Cunard luxury ocean liner ‘The Queen Elizabeth’ as a spectacular backdrop. British Ambassador to the Sultanate Jon Wilks and HH Sayyid Tariq bin Shabib Al Said attended the ceremony. -Photography: O K Mohammed Ali

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SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY Fill empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column, and area.

Level | Very Easy

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VISIT US AT FACEBOOK.COM/HIWEEKLY FOR THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE

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