This internationally known, decadent, and sugar-packed dessert is usually made with a mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, which is deep-fried and then bathed in syrup or honey. The origin of lokma fritters is ancient but often debated. It is presumed that they first appeared in Greece or Turkey, though some suggest Arabic origin.

The dish is considered to be one of the oldest recorded desserts in Greek history. It is said that the pastries were even given to winning Olympians as a treat and were called honey tokens. Loukoumades, or loukmades in Cyprus, can be found throughout the streets of Greece, in shops selling nothing else but this caloric dessert. 

Kabsa is a rice dish that is enjoyed throughout the Gulf States of the Arabian Peninsula. Heavily influenced by Persian and Indian biryanis, kabsa makes use of the water that was used for cooking fish or meat and re-using it to cook the spiced, long-grain rice in it, perfectly blending all the flavors and spices.

The dish can be made with chicken, lamb, camel meat, fish, or even shrimps, truffles, or duck meat. The meat or fish is usually placed on top of the rice, and the whole dish is served on a large platter, meant to be shared and eaten by hands. Although it originated in Yemen, this traditional combination of rice and meat is incredibly popular in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where it is considered a national dish. 

A staple during the month of Ramadan in numerous Middle Eastern countries is a plate of jareesh, a satisfying meal which combines coarse wheat and meat. This centuries-old dish probably originated in Saudi Arabia, but has since spread throughout the entire Middle East and India.

Numerous countries in the area have created their unique varieties, employing authentic ingredients and giving the dish local names. In Middle Eastern countries, harees is usually prepared with coarse ground wheat which is mixed with water, butter, and meat, then left to soak overnight. 

Lokhemat is a traditional sweet originating from Oman. It's made with a mixture of flour and yeast that's flavored with cardamom. The dough is shaped into balls that are deep-fried in hot oil until golden. Once done, lokhemat is served with a syrup based on sweet limes and cardamom.

The balls are typically served as an accompaniment to black coffee, and the sweetness of lokhemat counteracts the bitterness of the beverage. Lokhemat can also be drizzled with honey and it's often served for Ramadhan and festive occasions.

Madrouba is a spicy and comforting Omani and Qatari porridge made with chicken, overcooked rice, and a plethora of flavorings such as turmeric, cumin, cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, garlic, and black pepper. Variations do exist, though, as there is no fixed recipe.

One of the more common is madrouba made with wheat and not rice. It is recommended to serve madrouba while it is still piping hot, preferably garnished with fresh lime zest.

Hailing from Oman, mishkak is a popular street snack consisting of beef, chicken, or mutton that is marinated, skewered, and grilled to perfection. The meat is cut into bite-sized cubes, which are then typically marinated in a combination of various herbs and spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cloves, ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, curry powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt, coriander, tamarind paste, raw papaya, salt, oil, and water.

Apart from marinating it for a longer time, the secret to making a perfectly succulent mishkak requires removing the meat from the grill at the exactly right moment. This meat specialty is typically enjoyed with a spicy tamarind sauce or chili sauce and a fresh salad, and it can also be placed inside warm bread and served as a sandwich. 

Chicken kabouli, kabuli, or qabooli is a traditional rice dish that is similar to a biryani. It consists of basmati rice that is flavored with an Omani masala blend of whole or ground spices such as cardamom, coriander, cloves, and cinnamon.

The aromatic rice is combined with fried onions and pieces of chicken, which are typically boiled with spices and then fried. This dish is often garnished with various ingredients such as sultanas, dates, chickpeas, potatoes, and nuts such as almonds. 

This rice dish is an Omani take on traditional Indian and Persian chicken biryanis. Just like other chicken biryanis, this one also consists of basmati rice mixed with chicken parts (legs or breasts). What makes this dish truly Omani is the use of spices and herbs that are typical of Omani cuisine.

Although not as heavily spiced as other chicken biryanis, Omani chicken biryani is still a fragrant and flavorful dish, and it is typically accompanied by sides such as cucumber raita, lime wedges, and slices of sweet onions. In Oman, this dish is usually eaten for lunch or dinner, and it is available in numerous cafés, restaurants, and similar eateries throughout the country.

Often dubbed as the national dish of Oman, shuwa is usually prepared with bone-in cuts of lamb or goat meat, or occasionally beef or camel. The meat is coated in a spice blend that typically combines chili peppers, cardamom, cloves, cumin, or coriander.

It is traditionally wrapped in banana or palm leaves and then placed in a woven bag before it is roasted and smoked in underground pits. Because of the extensive preparation, shuwa is usually enjoyed on special occasions. The meat is served on a bed of rice together with a tomato-based sauce, and it is supposed to be shared among the guests.