DRINKS

Alcohol

Islam prohibits alcohol consumption for Muslims. There is therefore no local production of beer or wine. However, the Sultanate tolerates the sale of all alcohol (wine, beer, aperitifs, spirits) to the holders of a licence (to be obtained from its embassy), in specialised stores ("bottle store" but not in supermarkets) and at high prices (sometimes twice European tariffs)! Alcohol is also available in almost every hotel, in several restaurants in the capital, as well as in a few private clubs. Some of them have particularly well stocked cellars, bringing together great wines from around the world: from France, of course, but also from South Africa, Australia, Chile, etc.

It should be noted that, on the one hand, no alcohol is served during Ramadan, even in hotels and bars with a licence, and on the other hand it is forbidden to transport alcohol, except to carry it at home or at its hotel (keep the note on self).

Water

Despite a very desert environment, the Sultanate is able to fill its entire population in drinking water thanks to its huge factories of désalinisation. Local bottled water is sold much cheaper than imported water.

Arab coffee or "kahwa"

It is the NATIONAL DRINK, which holds a significant place and choice in traditional culture: UNAVOIDABLE. Always flavoured with a hint of spices (cardamone or saffron in general), the kahwa is served black and without sugar, with a few dates to reduce bitterness. It is the drink that Omani people systematically offer to their hosts, as a sign of respect and welcome, and this offer is always accompanied by a ritual that must be respected. In general, local politeness wants you to drink three cups of coffee (very small!) and slightly shake its cup when you no longer want it.

Fresh fruit juice

They are common throughout the Sultanate, at very low rates! They are served everywhere: in coffee shops, restaurants, gargottes of service stations… Based on mangoes (the fruit most chosen by tourists!), pineapple, strawberries, bananas, apples, kiwi, etc… it is full of vitamins insured for only a few baizas!

Lemon Mint Juice Juice

This is another very popular drink from the premises… but also tourists! Ultra refreshing, its two basic ingredients are lemon and cool mint, served with crushed ice.

Tea

An Anglo-Indian heritage, it occupies a fairly important place in Arab culture and is therefore regularly consumed in Oman.