This November, Salalah is turning up the heat… culinary style! Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is bringing back its much-loved Al Baleed Culinary Festival for a full month of gourmet celebrations. Running all through November 2025, the festival returns for its fourth edition, shining brighter than ever with a fresh new format that celebrates both Oman’s authentic flavours and the talents of world-renowned Michelin-starred chefs. Supported by Experience Oman, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Dhofar Municipality, and Amouage, this year’s line-up blends global culinary mastery with the rich, earthy essence of Omani tradition. I have all the delicious details you want to know, so keep reading to find out more.
Also read: Steve Harvey Brings His Open Fire Food Festival Back To Abu Dhabi This November For A Smoking Show
A Journey Through Taste & Tradition
One of this year’s most anticipated highlights is the Frankincense Experience. A beautiful mix of nature, wellness, and food. Guests will embark on a guided tour of the resort’s farm, followed by a signature frankincense-inspired spa ritual, and end with a two-course harvest lunch made with the day’s freshest produce and seafood. It’s an immersive experience that celebrates Salalah’s iconic ingredient while reflecting the resort’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and wellbeing.
Michelin Stars Shine Bright In Salalah
Prepare for an unforgettable culinary spectacle as two of Europe’s most celebrated chefs arrive in Oman. Chef Jacob Jan Boerma from the Netherlands will headline Symphony of Taste on 12 November 2025. While Chef Christian Jürgens from Germany presents Pursuit of Excellence on 15 November 2025. Both taking place at Mekong. Each exclusive evening promises a four-course menu that perfectly balances the chefs’ creative flair with the vibrant freshness of Omani ingredients, topped off with live entertainment to make every bite feel like a celebration.
Local Stars Take The Stage
Of course, Al Baleed’s very own chefs will also be showing off their culinary artistry all month long. Chef Raveevan Kahawan will treat guests to a five-course Taste of Mekong set menu on 3, 10, and 17 November, alongside the ever-popular Far East Night buffets on 5 and 19 November. Meanwhile, Chef Sufian Akhtar spices things up with Flavours of the Spice Route at Sakalan on 4, 11, and 18 November. Featuring live stations bursting with subcontinental flavours.
Seafood lovers can dive into Chef Andrea Carrone’s Taste of the Arabian Ocean on 6 and 20 November at Al Mina, with an à la carte feast of the day’s catch, handmade pasta, and crisp salads. For a truly local evening, Omani Nights on 7 and 21 November will celebrate homegrown flavours through a four-course menu by Chef Ammar Al Harthi and Chef Khalood Abdullah Jamaan Khazana, paired with traditional Omani music and performances.
Sweet Endings & Culinary Collaborations
No meal is complete without something sweet, and that’s where Head Pastry Chef Khin Hnin Aung comes in. Crafting stunning desserts that add a touch of artistry to every dining experience. Adding even more international flair, Executive Chef Marco Van Rutten from Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam joins the line-up, sharing his Michelin-starred expertise and creative energy.
The Grand Finale: The Al Baleed Kitchen Party
Mark your calendars for 14 November 2025, when the festival’s biggest event takes over Al Mina. The Al Baleed Kitchen Party will bring together a dream team of chefs, Boerma, Jürgens, Van Rutten, and the resort’s own culinary masters, for a night of interactive dining, live stations, and entertainment. Expect a lively atmosphere where fine dining meets festive fun, in true Omani hospitality style.
Plan Your Visit
Throughout November, the Al Baleed Culinary Festival 2025 offers a delicious mix of experiences. From intimate Michelin-starred dinners to lively cultural feasts. Prices start at OMR 20 for themed dining nights, OMR 55 for Michelin evenings. And OMR 69 for the Frankincense Experience. In-house guests can also enjoy exclusive full and half-board packages.
Every dish tells a story, every experience leaves a memory, and every moment celebrates the soul of Oman. For reservations and more information, call +968 2322 8222 or visit Anantara Al Baleed Resort Salalah.
