Omani Coffee

We got to learn about Omani coffee and dates today.  We learned the proper procedure for entering an Omani's home and how to go about eating a meal in the traditional way.  The customs and traditions pertaining to opening ones home to guests are amazing.  I had known that many Omani's are very hospitable but I was unaware that there is a specific routine of questions and answers that are followed when entertaining guests in the home. 

The routine is as follows.

1. The oldest in the group enters the home first followed by the men in order of age.  At this time the host and the oldest guest exchange greetings and superficial information  on their families (only children and males, never the wives or females).   Everyone sits in a circle but never cross legged.  You must sit with one knee in the air.

2. The host then cuts up the fruit or has the youngest guest cut the fruit and pass it out.  When distributing the food, you must start with the host or the oldest guest depending on who is distributing the food.  Everyone takes one piece with their right hand and eats slowly, never taking too large of a bite.  The guests will continue to be offered fruit until the guest adamantly rejects the food in a respectful fashion.  Also, the group eats only one type of fruit at a time.  Usually there are 5 or 6 types of fruit.  So this process is repeated through all the fruit.  (you must also remember that on most occasions the fruit will be followed by an enormous meal, so you cannot allow yourself to eat more than 2 or 3 pieces of each fruit as you are still required to eat the main meal)

3. The next course consists of either dates or Halwa (a type of date pastry) or both.  This course is served in the same fashion as the fruit.
4. The end of the meal is concluded with traditional Omani coffee.  Omani coffee must be served very hot.  When pouring cups of the coffee one must remember to fill the cups only a quarter full, as any more is considered an insult.  The guests must also drink the coffee as quick as possible, though it may be scalding hot.  The host will continue refilling your glass until you say thank you while shaking your cup.  Only then will he allow you to stop drinking coffee. 

Until Next Time,

Sam