Oman’s halwa widely known in GCC

Muscat: A new report from Middle East Eye website said Omani halwa is popular across the GCC, exported abroad are a source of pride for many, given its wide popularity.

For centuries, the Sultanate’s legendary hospitality has been symbolised by the sweetness of its national dessert: Omani halwa, as an old adage goes, whoever is invited into a house in Oman deserves a bite of this traditional sweet, which is also popular during Eid, the month of Ramadan, graduation ceremonies, birth and marriage parties. the report added:

Omni chef Ahmed al-Habsi can’t imagine a celebratory event without halwa: “it would feel like something is missing,” the report said.

The report stated that Omani sweets are served with Arabic coffee, known locally as Qahwa, Omani halwa is made of sugar, water, corn starch and ghee, a type of clarified butter commonly used in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. In recent years, new flavors have been added to attract  impassioned gourmets: honey Milk, frankincense, figs, dates, cardamom, rose water, saffron, sesame and various nuts.

At the Barka Factory for Omani Halwa, which was founded in 1951 by Abdulrahim Al-Balushi, and is one of the largest producers of Omani halwa in the Gulf, with daily production oscillating between 240 and 2,000 kilograms, depending on the order book, according to representative interviewed by MEE said.

The report added that In a bid to preserve the prestige of the brand and its distinction in a highly competitive market, it is claimed that ingredients used in the factory are “natural and carefully selected”.

At the Barka Factory for Omani Halwa, prices range from $4.40 to $26 per kilogram, and although most of the production is sold locally, the company exports dozens of tons annually to clients in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, including the royal families.

“When I see our halwa abroad, I feel proud of Oman and our sweets.,” Omani chef Ahmed Al Habsi confesses: