A taste of Oman brings cultures together in Australia

The aroma of cardamom, saffron and rose water drifted through The University of Queensland campus as I carefully poured traditional Omani coffee into small cups and served it with dates. Thousands of kilometres from Oman, a familiar cultural ritual became an opportunity to share a taste of home and introduce others to one of my country’s most cherished traditions.
As an Omani PhD candidate at the university’s School of Communication and Arts, sharing Omani coffee was about more than offering a drink. It was a way to bring a part of my heritage into my life in Australia and create a meaningful moment of cultural exchange.
Known as kahwa, Omani coffee is closely associated with hospitality. Traditionally served alongside dates, it reflects values of generosity, respect and social connection deeply embedded in Omani society.
Among those taking part was David Gilchrist, an Australian PhD candidate in Journalism at the university. The experience introduced him to unfamiliar flavours and customs.
“At first, Omani coffee tasted unusual because I was not used to cardamom, saffron and rose water. But as I drank it, I appreciated how those flavours came through, with the coffee acting as a base rather than the main taste. The traditional way it was served also gave me a sense of Omani culture. It was a unique experience, and I’d happily have it again,” he said.
Gilchrist said his understanding of Oman had largely developed through the Omanis he had met, leaving him with an impression of a welcoming, hospitable and friendly culture.
What stood out most was the presentation of the coffee, which he found more ceremonial than the everyday coffee culture he was accustomed to in Australia.
“The cardamom, rose water and saffron were also fascinating because they seemed to tell a story about Oman’s history and trading connections. It made the experience feel richer than simply drinking a cup of coffee,” he said.
Indeed, the spices are more than ingredients, reflecting Oman’s longstanding maritime trading history and connections with different regions of the world.
For Gilchrist, sharing traditional food and drinks is also an effective way to build cross-cultural understanding and strengthen friendships.
“Sharing food and traditional drinks helps people build connections and understand cultures beyond their own. The Omani coffee experience introduced me to aspects of Omani hospitality and tradition,” he added.
Although it offered only a small glimpse into Omani culture, the gathering strengthened his appreciation of the country’s values of hospitality and generosity.
For me, the occasion brought together two important parts of my life: my Omani heritage and my academic journey in Australia. It also demonstrated that cultural exchange does not always require festivals, exhibitions or formal events. Sometimes, it begins with a simple invitation to share a cup of coffee and a conversation.