Many people love lighting frankincense in order to fill the room with a sweet fragrance but did you know that you can also eat frankincense?! Apparently you can buy the edible type of frankincense (clearer than your usual frankincense) at Muttrah Souq as well as several other locations. Ubhar Restaurant in Bareeq Al Shatti Mall has frankincense icecream on its dessert menu for 1.5 rials. We tried it out on our most recent visit and I must say that it sure does have a unique taste! It seems a bit “gritty” at first but once you get over the fact that you’re eating incense, it is actually quite good. Have any of you tried eating frankincense before? If so, what did you think?
Very interesting, I can’t imagine what the taste is like but I would imagine a bit like Turkish delight. I remember on my last trip to Salalah a taxi driver was drinking a bottle of chilled water with frankincense in it, which looked very refreshing in the heat. It would be interesting to see if their are any health-giving properties to it.
Paul,
Hi there. Yes, there is a slight hint of “Turkish Delight like taste” to the dish! The grains of frankincense on the tongue have such a unique texture to them that it’s hard to describe. I have heard from one of our friends studying Islamic culture and history in a Christian/Muslim relations centre that there are indeed health giving properties to eating the right kind of frankincense. I like your taxidrivers idea of adding it to chilled water. Sounds great! Maybe I’ll give that a try as well. Thanks for commenting.
hahaha
I must say I laughed my head off when I read the title in the mail…… My Mom get’s the idea once in a while to light the stuff around the house (-.-) . I really can’t stand the smell or the smoke.
Antony,
But have you tasted it in icecream?! I’m sure you’d like it. Let me know the next time you’re in town (on break from your studies) and we’ll head over there for dinner and try the frankincense for dessert!
If you put it that way, there are very few things I don’t eat and I’m sure something that comes under ice cream won’t be on the list :p .
we should totally meet up for dinner if you’re there in June ( summer hols then ) .
….and yes that’d be nice
I’ll be here so let’s make sure to meet up this time! I’m guessing you’ll fall in love with the stuff and try packing some back with you to India, haha!
Trygve Harris in Salalah makes it! She sold it at a kiosk during the monsoon festival last year and it was a HUGE success.
Hi, Nadia! Was searching for “Trygve Harris” and found her blog! http://www.absolutetrygve.com/ You’d think Frankincense Icecream would be the norm in Salalah!
I love gum made out of frankincense (we called it ‘loo-ban’—in the mutrah souq I get it at a better price when I ask for it in Arabic lol) with a sugary outside flavour like cardamom or strawberry with the inside being the good quality ‘luban”. Tastes like chiclets but healtheir for the gums, they claim.
Ubhar is a super nice restaurant too. Beautiful decor, nice interpretation of Omani food. I like that they make the average dishes more fresh and exciting.
Princess,
Thanks for the info! Wow! Sounds fascinating. I’ll have to keep my eye out for “frankincense gum”. BTW, totally agree with your take on Ubhar!
I enjoy chewing on it like gum …
i love the taste ….. btw have u tried the Loomi Cookie 
check out the Dried Lemon ….on facebook
Omani Jewel,
Thanks for the link so I could see what the “Loomi Cookie” looks like. Looks delicious. By the way, I like the new cooking aspect to your blog. I get hungry every time I visit!
Hi Andy, Someone just told me about your post. I think that frankincense ice cream will become the norm here in Salalah very soon. The sweet sparkling piney notes and spicy orange smokiness are deliciously complimented but the soft rich creaminess of ice cream! It’s a perfect marriage! I had no idea Ubar served it too. Will try next time I’m in Muscat.
Hi! so nice ice cream i like this one
Thank
Saba
(islam in oman)
Hi Andy dying to try the ice-cream, I believe that they have undiscovered health benefits of the good ole ‘frankie’, I know that when I burn it I feel relaxed, will let you know, a friend once gave me it in liquid form (clear) to add a few drops to water. Tasted alright.
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