Kargeen Cafe
“After a long and hot day in the Omani sun, Kargeen is the perfect place in Muscat for a sundowner and Arabic dinner.”
Kargeen is the old Omani word for a little wooden cottage and this modern restaurant in Muscat, Oman, succeeds in combining that old cosiness with a modern lounge experience. I love the majlis-style dining sitting on sedans in small rooms or outside in the garden.
The trees are filled with dozens of lights and the fireplace adds a romantic touch. Not that you need the heat of that fire.. In summer Muscat hardly cools down, not even at night. Coolness comes from the air conditioning equipment which I had never seen standing outside (and of which I am somewhat judgemental). Not the most aesthetic choice but definitely a welcome treat in such a torrid heat.
The menu consists of a rich variety of traditional Omani dishes, all infused with those great arabic spices like cumin, cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon. Besides that they also serve great pizzas, all brought to you by the most attentive waiters all dressed in traditional clothing copiously decorated with jewelry or traditional khanjar, a traditional dagger.
To top off the evening order one of the exotic shisha (water pipe) – a popular and relaxing pastime enjoyed throughout the Middle East. They come in fresh pineapple, coconut or apple taste which enhances the flavour and look very exclusive!
