Food wagons a big hit among beachgoers

Mobile food wagons are proving to be a beautiful addition on beaches that provide employment to scores of local youth.

These brightly lit wagons, an initiative of Muscat Municipality, sell burgers, kebabs, grills, barbeque and other traditional Omani food, apart from beverages, from 5 pm till late in the night. And they have proved a hit among customers.

Young Omanis have started several such food wagons at beaches, holiday spots, parks or places frequented by families and youngsters across the country.

The wagons also provide basic seating facilities for customers who comprise both foreigners as well as the local population.

“It was my dream to open a mobile restaurant across the country, but we didn’t have permission from the civic authorities. The first step was to get permission and here we are,” said Nasser al Balushi, who runs a couple of food wagons at Qurum beach and elsewhere. “The response from the public has been very encouraging. It has made us set up more wagons and employ scores of local youth. Both takeaways and catering orders are increasing by the day,” he adds.

“Customers want to try the squid, liver and beef along with kuboos. I’m sure such outlets give the youth an opportunity to learn the first lessons of entrepreneurship,” said Mohsin, who runs many wagons on the sea side. However, opening a mobile restaurant is not that easy. Quality and hygiene standards are high and authorities keep a constant vigil on these outlets. According to Abu Wadah, a restaurateur, rules for starting a food wagon are strict. Permissions are required from the municipality, ROP, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulances. The wagon should be a custom-made caravan with interiors made of stainless steel. “However, we would like to have some part-time workers who can help us in the evenings when the rush is heavy,” says Nasser, who plans to open some more wagons.

Those used to street food in Asian countries find these eateries a good addition to their sunset experiences on the sea side. “We come here almost every day to try out dishes at these food wagons; they are amazing. The food, ambience and the service is excellent,” says Aparna, an expat from the Indian state of Kerala.