An avid food blogger, Sharifa Al Busaidi has been active in the social media realm for the last two years, reviewing restaurants all over Oman, particularly the new entrants. She has savoured traditional and modern Omani foods, as well as Kuwaiti, Bahraini, Indian, Afghani, Pakistani, Chinese, Filipino, Thai, American, Belgian, French, Japanese, Lebanese, Syrian, Egyptian, Turkish, Brazilian, Moroccan, Indonesia, Mexican, Italian and Portuguese cuisines.
Her food interests can be traced back to her childhood. Having been blessed with a mother and two grandmothers (one Omani and the other American) – all incredible cooks – Sharifa remembers tucking into traditional Omani food during her Eid visits here from Bahrain (where she was raised) and relishing American dishes during her holidays there. “It made me realise from a young age that when it comes to food, the possibilities are endless,” she maintains, as Sharifa talks about her passion for food and the eating out scene in Oman in the following interview.
How would you describe the local food and beverage scene?
I would describe the local food scene as ‘developing’. In comparison to other Gulf countries, Oman started quite late with the introduction of franchises from various corners of the world, as well as introducing cuisines other than Indian food. But I am proud of the immense progress we have made in the last five years.
Would you say there has been a growth in the eating out habits of people?
There has been a huge growth in the eating out habits of people. Previously, during lunchtime on Fridays and Saturdays, for example, people would always eat at home and restaurants would primary be occupied during dinner. Now, many of the restaurants open all day, and people occupy them all day.
Are diners today more savvy and demanding?
There is no doubt that diners today are indeed more savvy and demanding. The fact that people are travelling all over the world and have seen the standards of food and service globally has resulted in their expectations that are similar to the standards that are available elsewhere, especially as can be seen in our neighbouring UAE.
What are the important factors that most diners consider while selecting a place to eat?
The below factors are, in my opinion, essential for diners in Oman:
- A cute/catchy theme/décor to help post cool pictures all over social media
- A variety of flavoursome options to suit multiple palates
- Visually attractive presentation to get artistic food photographs to share
- Reasonable price so that the entire families can dine out
Do people rely on apps and social media while opting to eat out?
Though word-of-mouth is still, in my opinion, the strongest form of marketing in Oman, the use of Instagram to seek recommendations on where to eat is prevalent these days.
What has been your experience of dining out in Oman?
My experience has been that most restaurants start out really well when they open and the staff are, generally, from the country that the restaurants represent. Unfortunately, after time, there is a decline in food standards and a change in flavour (lack of consistency) and it often turns out that a chef from different nationality is in the kitchen, thus impacting the authenticity of the food.
Would you say food connoisseurs in the capital have the best international food?
It is unfortunate that many do not end up experiencing the authentic flavours of the international cuisines, thus missing out on a true experience of that particular cuisine.
What is your perspective on Muscat’s choice of outlets?
I applaud Muscat on the diversity of choices, as it enables people from various segments of society to enjoy a night out within their budgets. A person can have a high end ‘fancy meal’ at a five-star hotel, for example, spending, say RO50, and also enjoy really delicious shawarma for 300 baizas at a coffee shop. And both meals would be yummy and satisfying! I love it!