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Local food map
Muscat (Oman)
Hotels in area
Dessert
Vegetarian
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
450kcal
3gProtein
54gCarbs
25gFat
1gFibre
100 gServing
* Per serving · 100 g. May vary.
Allergens
🥜 Nuts
Halwa
How to order / say it
Say it
حلوى — [hal-wa]
Order
I'd like to try the Halwa, please.
Locally
أريد حلوي من فضلك
Say locally
Dense dessert made with sugar, rose water, and nuts, often served with coffee.
Why try it?
Omani Halwa is more than just a dessert; it's a symbol of Omani hospitality, often used to welcome guests, celebrate weddings, and mark religious festivals.
How it tastes
Rich, sticky, and sweet, with floral notes and a nutty crunch, Halwa tantalizes with its chewy texture and aromatic essence.
Origin & History — first documented: 1650
Introduced to Muscat in the 17th century via Indian and Persian influences, Halwa has evolved into an essential part of local culture, celebrated for its festive and ceremonial roles.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🍯 500 g sugar
- 🌾 100 g cornstarch
- 🧂 50 ml rose water
- 🧂 1 pinch saffron strands
- 🥜 100 g cashew nuts
- 🥛 250 g ghee
- 🧂 1 tsp nutmeg
Method
- 1 Dissolve sugar in water, add saffron and boil.
- 2 Stir in cornstarch dissolved in rose water.
- 3 Continuously stir while adding ghee incrementally to thicken.
- 4 Fold in nuts and nutmeg, stirring until smooth.
- 5 Pour into a tray and let it cool before serving.
