Visiting Ubhar in Muscat

In the center of town (so to speak) is one of the more distinctive restaurants in Muscat Ubhar (unusual addition of an ‘h’ into what is more usually spelt Ubar). It’s got a discrete appearance from the outside. Inside however it’s a fusion with dark wood, shocking fuchsia cushions and clear Perspex chairs – better than it sounds.

Ubhars metal covered menu

The restaurant opened a few months ago and is probably suffering from the economic slump and a focus by the affluent local population on coffee shops and fast food . They are missing a unique experience . Standouts were the Appetizers, Soup, and Crème Caramel – the very personable service by the maître d’hôtel and his 100% Omani staff.

A very good soup at Ubhar

One to visit again.

Ramadhan in Oman

I was delighted to share Iftar with a friend – Iftar is the Break-fast meal after the fasting during daylight hours during Ramadhan.

Buffet in Ramadhan

It is a breakfast in a double meaning – it does break the day’s fasting: also just as Breakfast is considered the first meal of the day in Western society Iftar can be considered as the first meal of the day in the Muslim society as the Islamic day starts at sunset. As is often the case Iftar was an open buffet and one of the drinks available for Iftar is Vimto.

Vimto in Oman

This English cordial celebrates its Centennial year in 2008. It probably started its road to popularity in The Gulf in 1928 with the first shipments into Saudi. In Oman, it’s advertised heavily during Ramadhan though it’s used all year round – a cheery drink for all occasions .

Oman Air to Muscat

The fields of English sub-urbia

The rain of a typical British Summer has kept trees in early summer leaf (except the Horse Chestnut which, where we live, has been badly affected by the new fungus which creates an Autumn brown off in early July). On the ground the constant downpours have forced the birds of the garden under the creepers, rather than on their well-stocked bird-tables. Floods have again damaged peoples lives. Its has been a difficult summer for many – but travelling with Oman Air from Gatwick shows many clouds do have silver-linings and rain’s of course is the green mosaic of the sub-urban countryside.

The flight into Muscat was moving off from its bay early and kindly they called the last 3 passengers by name; mine included. Fortunately, Gatwick is not Heathrow and a distance that was signed at 20 minutes actually was around 5. The meal included Tamarind Sorbet;

Tamerind Sorbet

Tamarind by ‘Al Nabil’ is probably my favourite drink (its usually only availably during Ramadhan unfortunately). This sorbet was tasty but could have had a little more sugar to hold it together and was on the verge of being a drink . I chose Lamb Rack for the main course,

Lamb Rack

which was generously garnished with thyme. The flavour was excellent, though overcooked to my taste, Omanis would disagree as they expect well-cooked meat. It was quite tepid when served – the right temperature on airline meals must be a very difficult target to achieve.

and finally the best part of the flight – landing ahead of schedule into a warm Muscat night – home