Sunday 15 / November / 2026
Salalah: Against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, where the scent of frankincense lingers and centuries of tradition continue to shape everyday life, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara opened the fifth edition of its annual Al Baleed Culinary Festival with a celebration of Oman’s rich culinary identity. On 7 November 2026, the resort’s own Omani talents, Chef Ammar Al Harthi and Chef Khalood Abdullah Jamaan Khazana, came together at Sakalan for an exceptional four-hands dinner, offering guests a thoughtful exploration of the Sultanate’s flavours, heritage and evolving gastronomic landscape.
Rooted in the culinary traditions of Dhofar, the evening offered a deeply personal expression of Omani hospitality. Drawing inspiration from local ingredients, familiar flavours and recipes passed down through generations, the two chefs reimagined traditional dishes through a contemporary lens, honouring their origins while presenting them with the refinement of a modern dining experience.
The five-course menu unfolded as a journey through Oman’s culinary landscape. The experience began with a Lamb Shuwa Maki Roll, a creative interpretation of one of the Sultanate’s most treasured traditional dishes, pairing Omani-spiced seared lamb with sushi rice, mango, crispy sweet potato and pomegranate sauce. This was followed by Crispy Hammour Puri, bringing together delicate Omani hammour, pineapple salsa and fragrant local spices in a vibrant expression of the country’s coastal flavours.
A comforting Omani Camel Meat Soup followed, enriched with coconut milk, wheat, cinnamon and dried lime, offering a tribute to the warming, aromatic character of traditional Omani cooking.
At the heart of the menu was the Omani Frankincense Chicken Arsiya, a refined interpretation of a beloved traditional dish. Prepared with chicken, rice, saffron, Omani spices and Dhofar’s celebrated frankincense, the dish paid homage to an ingredient that has shaped the region’s identity for centuries. Accompanied by date sauce, raisins, chickpeas and cashew nuts, it brought together the richness of Omani culinary traditions with the distinctive aromatic heritage of southern Oman.
The evening concluded on a delicate note with Coconut Ghashat with Cream, a contemporary rendition of a traditional Omani sweet, featuring fresh coconut, vanilla cream and rose water.
Beyond the table, the experience was brought to life by the captivating rhythms of a traditional Omani band. The interplay of music, gastronomy and cultural storytelling created an atmosphere that reflected the warmth and generosity of Omani hospitality, inviting guests to discover the destination not only through taste, but through its people, traditions and living heritage.
For Chef Ammar Al Harthi and Chef Khalood Abdullah Jamaan Khazana, the collaboration represented an opportunity to celebrate their roots and share the depth of Omani cuisine with an international audience. Their partnership highlighted the importance of nurturing local culinary talent and preserving the stories behind the Sultanate’s ingredients, while embracing the creative possibilities of contemporary gastronomy.
The evening also held special significance as part of the resort’s 10th anniversary celebrations. Over the past decade, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara has remained deeply connected to the cultural identity of Dhofar, creating meaningful experiences that bring guests closer to the region’s heritage, landscapes and communities. From the ancient frankincense routes to the traditions of the Omani kitchen, the resort continues to celebrate the authentic character of Salalah through its distinctive approach to luxury hospitality.
Taking place from 7 to 28 November 2026, the fifth edition of the Al Baleed Culinary Festival brings together internationally acclaimed chefs, MICHELIN-recognised culinary talent and Omani chefs from across Minor Hotels. The festival presents a curated programme of collaborative dinners, signature culinary experiences and artisan pastry creations, celebrating the dialogue between global gastronomy and the rich culinary heritage of the Sultanate.
Proudly supported by Experience Oman, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Dhofar Municipality and Amouage, the festival continues to position Salalah as a distinctive culinary destination, where the flavours of the world meet the timeless traditions of Oman.
For reservations and more information, please contact Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara at +968 2322 8222 or visit the website at https://www.anantara.com/en/al-baleed-salalah/offers/al-baleed-culinary-festival-2026
