From rustic, everyday comfort foods into modern presentation

In the lively kitchens of Muscat, where pots clang and the air fills with the heady scent of spices, a quiet change is taking hold. It’s being driven by a woman whose unwavering passion for Oman’s flavours goes beyond mere craftsmanship: she’s on a mission to redefine her country’s culinary identity and showcase its richness to the world.

Omani cuisine, with its fragrant spice blends and hearty dishes, is often overlooked beyond its borders. For centuries, it has been a cornerstone of community and hospitality, offering comfort and familiarity to Omanis. Yet, despite its depth and diversity, it struggles to find recognition on the global culinary stage. Many see it as rustic or simple, a reflection of everyday life rather than a cuisine worth celebrating in fine dining venues recognised worldwide.

Masooma Al Balushi’s journey is changing that perception. Her aim is nothing less than to elevate traditional dishes—like Harees, Arsiya, and Shuwa—from comforting home staples to artful expressions that command respect and admiration. She approaches this by infusing freshness and refinement into each dish, carefully preserving their authentic essence while presenting them with modern flair. Her culinary philosophy hinges on support for local producers; she champions sourcing from within Oman, believing that truly authentic flavours come from the land itself.

Her leadership in launching ‘Sablah Night’ has become a cornerstone of this movement. Held at a charming boutique venue known for its bespoke hospitality, the event dedicates an entire weekend to exploring Oman’s rich food heritage. Masooma’s influence shines through every detail—through carefully curated menus prepared with local ingredients, elegantly plated and designed to surprise even seasoned gourmets. These dinners aim to show that Oman’s cuisine is more than just comfort food; it’s a vibrant, sophisticated tradition that deserves global recognition.

Sabhlah Night acts as a catalyst, helping to reshape perceptions by transforming familiar dishes into memorable, contemporary culinary experiences. It’s an immersive celebration of history, culture, and taste, inviting both Omanis and visitors to connect deeply with their roots. The success of these evenings has ignited excitement and curiosity, drawing attention to the country’s culinary potential and encouraging a new sense of pride.

However, the path has not been without its difficulties. Sourcing authentic ingredients remains a challenge—local spices, grains, and herbs are vital to capturing real Oman flavour but are not always easily available. Many ingredients are imported, often of inferior quality, which dilutes the authenticity of traditional recipes. Masooma strongly advocates for a shift towards local sourcing, supporting farmers and producers to ensure that the heart of Oman’s cuisine remains rooted in its land. She believes that embracing locally grown ingredients sustains the environment, boosts the economy, and preserves cultural integrity.

Her efforts are part of a broader global movement—recognising the importance of local ingredients and traditional recipes as symbols of cultural identity. Across the world, people are looking to reconnect with their roots through food, and Masooma’s work exemplifies this trend. She is a trailblazer, fostering a sense of pride that goes beyond nostalgia, reinforcing that Oman’s unique cuisine has a rightful place on the international stage.

Recognition for her work has come in awards at national competitions and medals at global culinary festivals, but what fuels her is a desire to make a lasting impact. She dreams of opening her own restaurant—one where tradition meets innovation, and each dish tells the story of Oman’s land, its people, and its history. Yet, her greatest achievement isn’t trophies or accolades; it’s the spark she’s igniting in others—the growing confidence among local chefs and home cooks eager to celebrate their culinary heritage.

Some of her accolades include the ‘First place in a competition held by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in 2024’, ‘Winner of the 2024 Oman Chef title’, ‘HORECA 2024: Bronze medal in the Cold Food category’, ‘HORECA 2023: Gold medal in the Omani Cuisine category’, and ‘HORECA 2022: Gold medal in the Omani Cuisine category’.

Her influence extends far beyond the kitchen. She is inspiring a cultural shift—an awakening that sees Oman’s rich ingredients and recipes as vital treasures worth guarding and sharing. Her work at Sabhlah Night and other initiatives has begun turning traditional dishes into symbols of national pride, ensuring they are celebrated, respected, and reinterpreted for new generations.

Looking ahead, Masooma’s vision is simple yet ambitious: to ensure Oman’s culinary stories are told with authenticity and creativity, and that her country’s food culture continues to evolve while honouring its roots. She believes that food is more than nourishment—it’s a powerful form of storytelling, one that fosters pride, preserves history, and connects communities.