The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

Middle East

5 Reasons You Need to Visit Oman at Least Once in Your Life

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When you put your bucket list together, you probably have the typical exciting adventures on it. Attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Canyon are commonly placed on the “must visit” list, and skydiving or swimming with dolphins are on the “to do” side. But an overlooked treasure that should be on everyone’s “must” list is visiting Oman.

This small but incredible country is full of history and charm. Oman is celebrated around the world for its unique architecture and focus on protecting its country’s past and treasures, with good reason. There are some magnificent sights one can only see in this area, so you should make sure to visit Oman at least once in your life and explore.

Add These 5 Attractions  in Oman to Your List

  1. Muttrah Souq – If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the marketplace in Oman, head to Muttrah, in the capital Governorate of Muscat. Here you’ll find just about anything you’re looking for to purchase. The traditional Omani products are sought after everywhere because of their high quality. Bring home some Omani clothes, fabrics, or jewelry as your souvenir.
  2. The Grand Mosque – Omani architecture is seen in many movies and cartoons as the source of their settings. The Grand Mosque is one of the most commonly replicated. It’s one of the Sultan Qaboos’ most impressive creations, built in 2001. The magnificent large dome is seen from miles away and the expansive minarets, arches, and other aspects of the mosque make it unique and awe-inspiring.
  3. Salalah – There are incredible options if you want to book a Salalah tour package from Dubai. The problem is trying to decide which part of this historical city you want to explore. Choose from the city tour in which you get to explore tradition through museums and parks and one of the most ancient cities, Zufar. Or take a camel ride to the Eastern villages to see how everyone lives when they are mired in history and tradition. There’s no wrong choice when you head to Salalah.
  4. The Beaches – Oman is surrounded by the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, so if you want to head to the beaches, there are plenty to choose from. These beaches are known around the world for their spectacular pure white sands. It’s a beauty unlike any you’ve ever seen.
  5. The Castles – With such a vast and ancient history, of course Oman has had to defend itself over time. This is evident in the historical forts and castles that still stand and are there for you to explore. Immerse yourself in the history of Oman while you are transported back in time through forts like the Nakhal or Nizwa and castles like the Jibreen. They’re found just about everywhere you go.

History and Tradition are Still Alive in Oman

Oman has it all: sandy beaches, shopping, nature, and museums. They’re all found in a perfect balance of contemporary living and tradition. Why not do something out of the ordinary and explore this wonder of the ancient world on your next getaway?

A Vegetarian’s guide to Arabic food

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For vegetarians looking to add some different food in to their lifestyle, looking to Arabic cuisine is a great idea. Not only does this food taste absolutely delicious, it generally has a less heavy dependency on meat like in many other countries. Arabic food is really widely varied and instead of the focus on meat, it places far more attention on vegetables and most importantly, the flavoring of the food using spices, herbs and cooking methods which pack each dish with punchy flavors.

Having spent a lot of time traveling, and eating my way through the Middle East, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite vegetarian dishes.

Koshary

Koshary is a dish which originated in, and is now the national dish of, Egypt and it has spread through the neighboring countries. The dish is made using lentils, rice, macaroni noodles and a rich and spicy sauce on top. Not only does this dish make for a fantastic vegetarian option but if you are a budget traveler then you can find this dish throughout Egypt for a very low price.

Falafel

Falafel has been rolled out across the world now but I challenge you to find falafel that tastes anywhere near as good as it does in the Middle East. If you haven’t heard of this dish, it is made using chick peas which have been blended with a range of spices such as saffron and paprika. The paste which is created by crushing the chick peas is then deep fried and served on a warm pitta bread with yoghurt. This is a delicious and wholesome dish which vegetarians will love.

Manakeesh

When you are out and about in the morning throughout the Levant region, you will see Manakeesh just about everywhere and it has become a staple of the diet here. Manakeesh is a bread which is usually topped with cheese, thyme or even ground meat. This dish is a sort of breakfast pizza which is cooked in clay ovens. The bread, or dough, is made fresh on the morning and formed into flatbreads, before being fired on the oven and then topped.

Muhammara

This dish apparently came from Syria but it van now be found throughout the Middle East. The dish is a spicy meal which is made using walnuts, peppers, olive oil and breadcrumbs. Very much a snack, you will be served this spicy blend with some warm Arabic bread, and usually a glass of water! I you order this dish, make sure that you have a small taste before diving in, to avoid burning your mouth.

Hummus

I’ll finish on the most well known of Arabic foods, it seems somewhat simple to put it in this list but how can one make a list without including this phenomenal dish. I love the flexibility of hummus and the amount of flavors which you can find it in, and I also love how many snacks it works with. You can have hummus served with bread, raw vegetables, or even use it to top rice or lentils.

And there you have it, a quick guide to eating Arabic as a vegetarian, if you haven’t began your Arabic adventure yet, now is the time.