#OmanPride: Working to spread sweet aroma of Omani halwa

More sports Saturday 23/January/2016 20:27 PM
By: Times News Service
#OmanPride: Working to spread sweet aroma of Omani halwa

Muscat: Visitors to the Naseem Garden can savour the sweet taste of Oman during the Muscat Festival as a long time halwa maker has offered them the national delicacy during all the years the festival has been held.
Ahmad Al Riyami, owner of the Al Asala Factory for Omani Halwa, has been participating in the Muscat Festival since 2001 and has been selling halwa to the visitors ever since.
Apart from selling it, he and his team also showcase the art of making halwa by providing a platform where visitors are shown the process of making the delicacy first-hand.
“I’ve been working on making halwa for 15 years and we have been participating in all Muscat Festivals (held so far). We are continuous participants,” said Al Riyami.
**media[313727]**
A long line can be seen outside the stall, where visitors from various nationalities wait for their chance to purchase a fresh batch of halwa.
“I actually came to the festival specifically for this (halwa), it’s amazing,” said an expatriate visitor, who wanted to remain anonymous.
“We have a high standard of quality and taste so I can say with great pride that many come here for my halwa,” said the owner.
Compared with last year’s festival, Al Riyami said there was the same level of activity at his stall, not more, adding that there had been abundant purchases from his stall.
“We have several types of halwa, priced differently; some are OMR1 and some are OMR2,” he said, adding, “Some of our visitors take the standard quality, medium quality and excellent quality halwas. Everyone has their own choice.”