Traditional Omani halwa warms up for Eid al Fitr
Published: 05:03 PM,Mar 23,2025 | EDITED : 10:03 PM,Mar 23,2025
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No festival in Oman is complete without the rich, aromatic taste of traditional Omani halwa. As Eid al Fitr approaches, expected on March 31, halwa makers across the Sultanate of Oman are already stirring up this beloved delicacy, ensuring it adds sweetness to the celebrations.
From bustling commercial outlets to humble family-run grocery stores, shelves are being stocked with freshly prepared Omani halwa. For centuries, this glutinous, saffron-infused dessert has been at the heart of Omani hospitality, always served alongside dates and kahwa. Whether in offices or homes, a platter of Omani halwa is a signature of warmth and welcome. During festive seasons and special occasions, tonnes of Omani halwa are sold across the country and beyond. Visitors often take back a box of this cherished sweet as a memento of their time in Oman, making it a popular gift for birthdays, weddings, Ramadhan, and Eid. The art of halwa-making is deeply rooted in Omani heritage, with many makers concentrated in the Batinah. As Eid draws near, they are busy blending ghee, honey, and aromatic spices in large pans, a technique originally influenced by Zanzibar.
“Omani halwa is a perfect, healthy mix of cornflower flour, sugar, saffron, water, and dry fruits, all carefully balanced to achieve the perfect taste,” explains Mahmoud al Hosni, a renowned halwa maker. “The finest varieties are crafted using premium sugar cane and walnuts.” The legacy of Omani halwa dates back to the 1950s in Zanzibar, where the late Ali bin Suleiman Al Hosni’s halwa was so famous that his home was known as ‘The Halwa Home.’ After late Sultan Qaboos invited Omanis abroad to return in the 1970s, Ali bin Suleiman established a small shop in Al Seeb, which later passed to his son Salim.
“Omani halwa is not just a dessert; it is a symbol of our culture and heritage,” Mahmoud adds. “It represents our tradition, our hospitality, and our national pride. It is our duty to preserve this sweet legacy for generations to come.”
From bustling commercial outlets to humble family-run grocery stores, shelves are being stocked with freshly prepared Omani halwa. For centuries, this glutinous, saffron-infused dessert has been at the heart of Omani hospitality, always served alongside dates and kahwa. Whether in offices or homes, a platter of Omani halwa is a signature of warmth and welcome. During festive seasons and special occasions, tonnes of Omani halwa are sold across the country and beyond. Visitors often take back a box of this cherished sweet as a memento of their time in Oman, making it a popular gift for birthdays, weddings, Ramadhan, and Eid. The art of halwa-making is deeply rooted in Omani heritage, with many makers concentrated in the Batinah. As Eid draws near, they are busy blending ghee, honey, and aromatic spices in large pans, a technique originally influenced by Zanzibar.
“Omani halwa is a perfect, healthy mix of cornflower flour, sugar, saffron, water, and dry fruits, all carefully balanced to achieve the perfect taste,” explains Mahmoud al Hosni, a renowned halwa maker. “The finest varieties are crafted using premium sugar cane and walnuts.” The legacy of Omani halwa dates back to the 1950s in Zanzibar, where the late Ali bin Suleiman Al Hosni’s halwa was so famous that his home was known as ‘The Halwa Home.’ After late Sultan Qaboos invited Omanis abroad to return in the 1970s, Ali bin Suleiman established a small shop in Al Seeb, which later passed to his son Salim.
“Omani halwa is not just a dessert; it is a symbol of our culture and heritage,” Mahmoud adds. “It represents our tradition, our hospitality, and our national pride. It is our duty to preserve this sweet legacy for generations to come.”