Driving all the way to Seeb for a lunch/dinner can be worth all the hunger pangs if Qibara is your destination. Located within the Seeb Mall, just off the main Seeb Corniche road, it could easily become a regular go-to place with its inviting ambience and delightful spread of dishes, even for foodies on the other side of Muscat. It has a rustic appeal that suspends the busy life in the Seeb Souq and the Mall to recreate a quaint old-world charm that is strikingly woody in its décor.
It was the distinct trace of timber in the air that riveted our attention as we entered the restaurant with the Arabic-inspired door leading us into what can best be described as a wooded haven. From the seats and tables to the coasters and the menu, the restaurant is flavoured with all things woody. Jackson Paul, the restaurant manager, drew our attention to the old-fashioned sewing machine stands that act as bases for most large tables; the benches also project a raw timber look. Rustic iron chairs around round tables, picture frames of old Muscat on the walls, miniatures of decorative pieces from yesteryear, traditional Arabic woodwork on counters, chunky wooden beams lining the black-hued ceiling, light bulbs evocative of years gone by, little black switches that are distinctly last century…all the little details seem to unfold chapters from history books, presenting a piece of Oman’s tradition. Old-timers are bound to feel nostalgic with the décor and the young a sense of contentment in the warmth it evokes.
‘Qibara is a celebration of the old times when things were simple, healthy and affordable,’ reads the aesthetically designed menu. One quick look at the prices mentioned against beautifully photographed dishes makes the affordable factor clear. The health part is easily demonstrated by the friendly staff who take time to explain the dishes and request your feedback. As far as the dishes are concerned, despite the Arabic imbued in the name, the menu is a blend of Omani as well as other cuisines from around the world.
We were in for a feast with the flow of refreshments and dishes that seemed to know exactly how to appease our palates – even the vegetarian items. The sensuous sounds of background music, combined with the eye-grabbing presentation of dishes made it a satiating experience. Like the cold-pressed fresh fruit juice which came in a container that mimicked a light bulb. Our lassis – mango topped with saffron and strawberry with mint – came in steel tumblers, like the ones that adorned kitchens of old.
Our creamy chicken soup was served in a bread bowl, with the top featuring a little button. This is a wholesome dish and one soup is good to go if you are not endowed with a large appetite. The lentil soup was equally appetising and we did full justice to it. This was followed by Thai Mango Salad featuring a mix of raw mangoes, bell peppers and cashews with a peanut butter dressing, and Tandoori Chicken Salad, packed with avocado and a yoghurt dressing. The mango salad, one of their signature dishes, is perfect comfort food, even for those who are stubbornly non-vegetarian.
For starters we were served ‘Trio of Naan Bread’ and ‘Threaded Chicken’, both served with condiments. While the naan, laced with garlic and curry leaf is perfect for pure vegetarians, it is the spicy chutney served alongside that makes it a must-try for every kind of diner. We took one bite of the naan dipped in the chutney and wondered, aloud, if the chef would share the recipe. It is divine!
The mains were as elaborate – ‘Grilled Chicken Breast’ served with baby carrots, French beans and pommes with a morel mushroom sauce; and Mushroom Cashew nut Rice. The portions sizes of most dishes are large, making them apt for sharing. It is best to visit the place with friends and/or family to make the most of your meal. Qibara also has a delivery service for orders within a 10km radius and have an active catering service for corporate and home events with customised serving dishes – even the chafing dishes are made to reflect the wooden concept of the restaurant – and a menu that can be tailored to client requirements.
We finished off the elaborate meal with a choice of ice creams and cakes – Fried Chocolate Ball, Homemade Coconut Ice Cream and a generous slice of Chocolate Cake. It was a feast – the Qibara way!
c presentation, with nostalgic notes of old world charm fine-tuned into the menu){kind=link}