Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
rolled filo pastry filled with pistachio, pine and cashew nuts and honey; otherwise known as 'ladies'
fingers'
asabeeh
baklava
a generic term for any kind of layered flaky pastry with nuts, drenched in honey
barazak
flat, circular cookies sprinkled with sesame seeds
isfinjiyya
coconut slice
kunafa
shredded wheat over a creamy, sweet cheese base baked in syrup
labneh
makbus
sweet yoghurt cheese balls, sometimes made into a frittata-like creation or rolled in paprika; sometimes
eaten for breakfast
mahallabiye
milk-based pudding
mushabbak
lacework shaped pastry drenched in syrup
umm ali
bread-based pudding made with sultanas and nuts, flavoured with nutmeg
zalabiyya
pastries dipped in rose water
Children are welcome in restaurants across the Peninsula, except in the more exclusive,
chic establishments of the Gulf, and many midrange restaurants provide children's menus.
High chairs are not commonly available.
Fresh or powdered milk is widely available except in remote areas.
Labneh
and yoghurt
are generally considered safe for children.
SEASONAL TREATS
January-February
Start atop Oman's Green Mountain for citrus delights such as oranges, sweet lemons and limes. Des-
cend to the Dhofar coast for the sea's annual harvest of abalone and conches.
March-April
Head for the coastal plains to sample corn, tomatoes, capsicums and chillies. Cut across to the Al-
Hasa region and sink your teeth into Saudi's first dates.
May-June
Search the plantations for papayas and green mangoes, salted and pickled, and eaten with lamb
stew. Ascend the Asir Mountains in time for the
mishmish
(apricot) season.
July-August
Select a Ramadan tent for
iftar
specialities at a Gulf hotel. Spend
eid
in the desert towns of the interior
where killing the fatted calf is more than just a metaphor.
