Travel Oman: A day at Muttrah fish market

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If you grew up in Oman during the 80s and 90s, then you are sure to remember the fish market at the Muttrah Corniche being the bustling heart and soul of the entire area. While it was once upon a time an open-air bazaar with dozens of stalls, it has now been replaced by a state-of-the-art indoor complex that has modern food preservation machinery and freezers, so that the fish and other seafood such as prawns and shrimps stay fresh long after they’ve been caught.

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A peek into the market
Fishermen who’d been up long before the sun had risen would sail back in their wooden fishing boats, which were now laden with the catch of the day. As they returned to shore, they’d be met by the assistants of the shopkeepers who’d been patiently waiting for them to bring back their precious catch. While these assistants would help the fisherman in removing their fresh-caught fish from the boats, their shopkeepers would get the stalls ready for the first sales of the day. Haggling is a much-loved tradition of both shopkeeper and customer alike.

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Catch of the day
The Arabian hammour is one of the most prized fish that swim in Omani waters, and often commands a fairly high price. If you do want to taste some of the country’s most delicious seafood, once the sun sets, head to the local hole-in-the-wall joints opposite the fish market. Here, local cooks who’ve spent the morning at the fish market now show you just how fond Omanis are of well-made fish. They coat the fish with a spice rub and a bit of lemon before placing it in an oven to bake in its own juices. If you prefer a fried option, that’s available as well. It’s served with piping hot unleavened bread, fresh salad, and a chilled soft drink, which aims to add a little extra something to your meal.