Dukanah Cafe

Dukanah Cafe is one of the most atmospheric places in Muscat for a traditional Omani breakfast. It is in Al Ghubrah South, not far from the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and its interior is designed to feel like an old Omani house: walls of wood and clay, wooden tables, sofas, stone benches and jute curtains, with an almost cave-like feel in places.

Breakfast is the highlight. The traditional Omani breakfast is the dish to order, and the menu includes fasolia, beans cooked in tomato sauce, served with local bread, cucumbers, olives, feta and sweetened condensed milk. Meals arrive in traditional pots set on felt trays, which adds to the sense of eating in a family home. The menu caters for both meat eaters and vegans.

Mornings are the busiest time, especially at weekends, so booking ahead for breakfast is a good idea. Prices are a little higher than at a simple local café, reflecting the setting and presentation. Free parking is available, and the café is family-friendly, so it works well for groups with children. Ask the staff to explain the dishes if you are new to Omani food, as several items are rarely found outside the country.

It suits families, couples and anyone who wants to try an Omani breakfast in a characterful setting, and it makes a natural stop after a morning visit to the Grand Mosque, which opens to non-Muslim visitors from 8am. Dress modestly, as you would elsewhere in the city.

Al Ghubrah South is a short drive from the Grand Mosque and from the hotels of Al Khuwair, and a taxi or ride-hailing car is the easiest way to get there. Share the café's map location with your driver, as street addresses are not commonly used in Muscat. Allow about an hour for a relaxed breakfast. If you are visiting with a group, ordering several dishes to share is the best way to try the range of the menu. The setting is very photogenic, so ask before taking pictures of other diners. Opening hours vary during Ramadan, so check ahead if you are visiting then.

The café is also a good choice for anyone who cannot fit a full Omani lunch into their plans, as breakfast gives a taste of local flavours in a short time.