A spellbinding culinary journey at Shangri-La Al Husn

Times of Oman

26-04-2025

There are evenings that feed the appetite — and then there are evenings that feed the soul.
At Shangri-La Al Husn's exquisite 'Tales of Morocco,' running from April 23 to May 1, the senses are transported straight to the heart of North Africa, where the air is heavy with the perfume of spices, the music is a living, breathing presence, and every dish tells a story centuries in the making.
Stepping into the warm glow of Al Husn's refined interiors, the evening began with the gentle pulse of traditional Moroccan music winding through the air — drums, ouds, and a low hum of anticipation. The restaurant transformed for the week-long pop-up, shimmered under soft lantern light, with rich fabrics and intricate patterns whispering hints of faraway souks and hidden courtyards.
The atmosphere was poised, elegant, and filled with a promise of discovery with media persons and influencers all invited for an exclusive experience.
At the centre of it all stood Chef Mansour Benali, a Casablanca native whose reputation for soulful Moroccan cuisine preceded him. Smiling warmly, he personally introduced each course to a select gathering of guests — a rare touch that immediately deepened the intimacy of the evening. His food was not merely served; it was narrated, layered with tales of family kitchens, bustling medinas, and festive Moroccan feasts.
The specially curated set menu, offered at OMR 29 net per person, opened with a selection of traditional starters:
Delicate Briouats — flaky pastry parcels filled with spiced meat and vegetables; refreshing Zaalouk, a smoky eggplant and tomato salad dressed with olive oil; and Maakouda, crispy Moroccan potato cakes seasoned with cumin and herbs.
Each bite was vivid and textured, building a tapestry of flavours that hinted at the complexity of the courses to come.
As we sat down at the large table, a hearty serving of Harira soup followed — a comforting blend of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and fragrant spices, thick enough to satisfy yet bright with the zest of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. A dish long associated with Ramadan evenings, Harira arrived at the table as a soulful embrace, its aroma perfuming the room even before the bowl touched the linen.
The mains were a celebration of Morocco's love affair with slow cooking and bold spices.
Guests could choose between Chef Mansour's signature lamb tagine or a chicken tagine, both prepared with reverence for traditional techniques.
The lamb tagine — my choice for the evening — arrived bubbling in a classic earthenware pot, its tender meat falling effortlessly from the bone, steeped in a rich sauce laced with saffron, apricots, and almonds. Alongside, a bed of airy, buttered couscous offered the perfect vessel for soaking up the vibrant juices, each mouthful a marriage of savoury and sweet.
Vegetarians were not left behind; a delightful vegetable tagine option was available, bringing together seasonal produce with warming Ras el Hanout spices — a masterful blend that Chef Mansour explained was unique to every Moroccan household.
No Moroccan meal is complete without a touch of indulgence, and the evening's finale was a masterpiece. Mhencha, the traditional Moroccan pastry shaped like a coiled snake, was served — delicate layers of filo dough wrapped around a sumptuous almond and orange blossom filling, dusted lightly with powdered sugar. A freshly poured glass of Moroccan mint tea accompanied the dessert, its bright, cooling notes cutting through the richness and providing a perfect conclusion.
Throughout the evening, the experience was elevated by bursts of live entertainment that captured the spirit of Moroccan celebrations. As the courses flowed and conversation bloomed, the rhythmic cadence of drums grew stronger — heralding the arrival of a graceful belly dancer who wove through the tables with fluid elegance. Her presence was not a performance apart but a natural extension of the night's festivities — vibrant, joyful, and magnetic.
The swish of her costume, the shimmer of her movements under the light, brought an added layer of authenticity and wonder to the dining experience.
In a world often driven by speed and immediacy, Tales of Morocco offered a rare invitation to linger — to savour, to listen, to celebrate.
Every element, from the soulful food to the evocative music and celebratory dancing, came together seamlessly to craft an experience that was not just about Moroccan cuisine, but about the very spirit of Morocco itself.
Tales of Morocco continues at Shangri-La Al Husn until May 1, from 7pm to 10.30pm each evening, exclusively for guests aged 13 and above. Advance booking is highly recommended for those ready to lose themselves in an unforgettable Moroccan night — where every moment is an invitation to journey deeper into flavour, culture, and celebration.