Every time my friend Syed Naveed publishes a new post on his blog “The Need for Coffee,” I’m struck by how effortlessly he turns personal journeys into stories worth sharing. His choice of words, his eye for detail, and the emotions he captures in his writing always leave an impression. He doesn’t just write about coffee — he tells stories that make you feel like you’re right there, cup in hand.
In this piece, he takes us on a journey through Oman, visiting specialty coffee shops during multiple work trips. But this isn’t just about the cafés — it’s about the people, the spaces, and the experiences that define a growing coffee scene.
Here is the story, as told by Syed Naveed:
“This year,” says Naveed, “I’ve traveled to Oman several times for work, and with every trip, it’s become harder to leave. In the evenings, I’d wander the city, visiting different coffee shops and soaking in a culture that reminded me of Dubai, yet had its own quiet charm.”
“My most recent visit — just before Ramadan — lined up with a special moment. Thanks to Andrew, I was invited to attend the very first gathering of the Oman Coffee Community.”
“It brought together baristas, roasters, coffee lovers, and industry professionals to taste coffees from various roasteries. Even more significant, the event also marked the election of the country’s first official board for the specialty coffee community — a major step toward a more organized and promising coffee future in Oman.”
Azura Coffee
“When asking around for recommendations, one name always came up — Azura, The Coffee Company. Naturally, it became my first stop.”
“Shoutout to Leo for brewing me a beautiful Rwandan coffee from Rwacof growers. With its floral notes, passion fruit brightness, and a touch of citrus, it went beyond anything I expected.”
La Cabra
“My last experience with La Cabra was in House of Wisdom — though without their signature bakery items, something felt incomplete.”
“So when someone recommended their location in Oman, my expectations were sky-high — maybe unfairly so. But this time, the experience not only met but exceeded them.”
“The olive lemon cake paired with the Cerro Azul filter coffee created the perfect harmony. Add to that the minimalist interior and elegantly understated exterior — every detail contributed to a well-rounded and memorable experience.”
Sector Seventeen
“One café in particular really stood out — Sector Seventeen. It’s a space born from childhood memories.”
“The founders grew up in Sector 17 of Chandigarh, India — once a visionary urban hub designed by Le Corbusier. The café reflects that legacy through design: clean lines, rounded corners, and a logo inspired by the number 17 in Punjabi.”
“Subtle grid patterns are integrated into the furniture, walls, and even the manhole cover at the entrance — a quiet tribute to the city’s architectural soul.”
“And the coffee? I had The Secretariat, their take on an espresso martini, using washed Ethiopian beans. Balanced, floral, fruity — an excellent cup.”
“Even the food menu had a story. Everything was curated under Simran’s Kitchen, led by a local culinary expert known for food blogging and workshops. And what amazed me most was that everything — the design, branding, menu, and social media — is managed by the Dhanju family. A complete family-run concept executed with passion.”
Black Haze
“For something different, I turned to Reddit, where one café came up repeatedly — Black Haze. Its moody atmosphere intrigued me.”
“The space felt more like a nightclub — dim lighting, neon yellow around the bar, a bold ambiance.”
“Behind the bar was Ahyad — a modest but skilled coffee mixologist. He served me the Black Pearl, a dark and creamy coffee mocktail that looked as mysterious as it tasted.”
“Then came a washed coffee from Los Pirineos, roasted by Tim Wendelboe. A perfect finale to what had been an otherwise ordinary day.”
Kaleem
“Kaleem was another name that kept surfacing in local recommendations. From the outside, it looked like a concrete block on the edge of a park. But once inside, I discovered a beautiful blend of nature and modernism.”
“The triangular entrance, asymmetrical pathways, and perfectly arranged brewing station all pointed to thoughtful design.”
“Although I usually lean toward washed coffees, I couldn’t ignore their natural anaerobic offerings. I ended up with a Guatemalan — tropical, clean, with a hint of unripe berries and a candy-like sweetness that lingered.”
“Brewed by @donquixotedudeee and @_lvcifxr, who also gave me a quick tip on coffee-to-water ratios — the kind of exchange you’d expect in a café in Dubai. A true coffee conversation.”
La Cava
“La Cava was the perfect place to unwind after a long workday. Thanks again to Andrew for the tip — this one delivered.”
“Minimalist interiors made the space easy on the eyes, while quirky wall accents gave it personality. It’s the kind of café you unintentionally spend more time in than planned.”
“Oman’s specialty scene keeps impressing me. The quality is consistent, and each new spot feels like a win.”
Aram
“Walking into Aram reminded me of my favorite local cafés back in Dubai. Nestled in a vibrant, artsy neighborhood, the café overlooks the House of Musical Arts — so beautiful that it kept stealing my attention away from the people I was with.”
“Inside, the calm and cozy interiors perfectly matched the peaceful exterior.”
“I ordered a Panama Geisha on filter — superb. The Yemeni coffee, however, cost twice as much and didn’t quite live up to the price.”
“But the Tiramisu? Probably the best I’ve ever had. Especially alongside the Geisha.”
“This is the kind of café I’ll keep coming back to every time I’m in Muscat.”
What’s Next?
Naveed concludes: “My visits to Oman aren’t over, and I’m already looking forward to the next one. I know there are so many amazing cafés — both in and outside Muscat — that I haven’t yet explored.”
“So I need your help. Which specialty coffee shops should I visit next? Whose story deserves to be told in a follow-up post? Send me your suggestions — I’ll be sure to check them out on my next trip.”
