Oman's Historic Bazaar: Souq Seeb

Lifestyle Monday 25/April/2016 11:57 AM
By: Times News Service
Oman's Historic Bazaar: Souq Seeb

If you head north along the coast of Muscat you will come to “Muttrah's sister," a beautiful ring of markets and shops — traditional Omani clothing tailors, jewellery and perfumery houses, fresh-out-of-the-water fish markets, spice shops, and everything in between. It is an old part of the city that attracts locals and expatriate residents who enjoy exploring the thin alleyways, breathing in the fresh ocean air, and bargaining for great deals in the place known as Souq Seeb.

The beautifully designed souq is huge, so it is best to get yourself familiar with the area by roaming around the ring-like road. On one side you can see the furniture vendors and upholstery shops, known for their affordable prices. You'll also see a few car stereo shops, where, despite their lack of curb appeal, employ some of the best car sound system technicians in the city. Over on the beach side, you will find clothing shops, jewellery shops, perfumeries, restaurants, mosques, and the entrance to the historic central souq for vegetables, foodstuff, spices, ingredients, and meats. It is best explored first thing in the morning for the freshest seafood and produce. The stalls are in full swing by 8am, but shut down by 11:30am. Inside the souq there are many stalls that sell traditional Omani halwa, coffee beans, grains, and local dates, at prices much lower than major supermarkets. For dry goods and clothing, the best time to come is after the evening prayers, when the souq is back in action until around 9pm or 10pm.

On the perimeter of the souq overlooking the sea, there are numerous casual restaurants serving local delicacies such as seafood, charcoal-grilled mishkak, and fresh squeezed juices. They don't look like much, but the fresh seafood is inexpensive and delicious at little stands like Shrimp's Coffee Shop.

Souq Seeb’s beach has a unique vibe of its own. Wandering between the lines of cars, gazing at the boats and fishermen working on the sea is extraordinarily refreshing. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy mingling with the fishermen who can be found further north of the souq, going towards the new Seeb Corniche.

The souq is more than a place to shop, it is a part of the daily rhythms of life for Seeb residents. It is a gathering place where residents young and old come to catch up on the events of the day, to share a coffee and some laughs. It is a neighbourhood place, and no matter how many malls are built, the city wouldn't be the same without it.[email protected]