We're going to be in Muscat for a couple of days next month. While we know what we want to see and do while we're there, we're not too sure about eating out. Can you suggest a few places that won't break the bank? Muscat has a wealth of restaurants and cafes to suit the smallest budget. Depending on the kind of cuisine you are after or which part of the city you're in, there is plenty to choose from.
Qurum, the capital's most popular shopping district, is where most of the good restaurants are located. It is a good idea to stroll around and ask to see the menus before picking one. Nandos' (Qurum, 00 968 245 61818) does fusion African food (about Dh20-30 per person). Try and get there early to avoid the queues or call to reserve a table. It's famous for their grilled chicken (choose from lemon, herb, extra hot and other options) and the filling sandwiches.
Craving Lebanese food? You can't go wrong with Automatic (00 968 244 87200), which runs a chain of restaurants all over the capital (Qurum, Al Khuwair, Seeb) and serves up everything from shawarma (about Dh3) to falafel (about Dh4). Al Tarboosh (Qurum, 00 968 245 65673) is another gem, with similarly priced delights. Mumtaz Mahal (00 968 245 68480), an Indian restaurant sitting on a small hill overlooking Qurum Natural Park, offers glorious curries, fragrant rice preparations and kebab platters, with a panoramic view of the city and live music on most nights. A little expensive at about Dh80 per person, but totally worth the experience.
If it's South-east Asian cuisine you're after, try China Town (Qurum, 00 968 246 97374), unbeatable for its soups, noodles and quick service. From about Dh35 per person. Indian-style snacks are the speciality of Kamat (Ruwi; 00 968 247 83300). The menu is full of South Indian vegetarian staples such as masala dosa (crisp rice pancakes stuffed with potato and served with an assortment of sauces, Dh8). If you arrive at lunch or dinner time, order a thali, the all-you-can-eat platter (Dh15). It's satisfying, cheap and healthy.
Muscat's quaint Corniche is peppered with tiny shops that do fast-moving snacks such hot samosas as well as fresh juices, icy-cold slushes, and tiny cups of tea and Omani kawa (from Dh3 onwards). If you go in the evening, stop at the pretty man-made waterfall and enjoy the sea breeze while you wait for the ice cream van to come by - a strawberry and vanilla cone or a small bag of caramel popcorn will set you back by the princely sum of Dh1.50.
Cafes are plentiful in the city. Second Cup (00 968 245 66616) in Capital Commercial Centre in Qurum (ask for "CCC" when seeking directions) is a cosy cafe in the central atrium, sitting in the midst of lush foliage and a tiny waterfall. It's popular for its sandwiches and pastries (prices start from about Dh15). Or take a walk along Qurum beach and spend an hour at the glass-fronted Starbucks (00 968 247 99899) - perfect for people-watching while relaxing over a cappuccino.
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