Omani Halwa meets Mochi at Expo 2025 Osaka
Osaka, Japan – Omani halwa, a traditional sweet renowned for its rich flavour and cultural significance, is taking centre stage at Expo 2025 Osaka through an innovative fusion with Japan's beloved mochi.
Celebrated not just as a dessert but as a symbol of friendship and peace, Omani halwa has long been gifted by Omani traders during their travels abroad. Now, it is bridging cultures once more — this time in the form of a culinary collaboration that combines Omani halwa with the soft, rice-based mochi, offering visitors a truly cross-cultural taste experience.
Amjad bin Nasser al Jadeedi, Operations Manager of the Sultanate of Oman Pavilion, explained the origin of the idea. 'We wanted to create something unique that speaks to the values shared by Omanis and the Japanese people. So, we thought — why not combine two iconic sweets?' he said.
The Oman Pavilion team worked closely with a Japanese mochi factory, teaching them the intricate process of making Omani halwa. The resulting product — mochi filled with halwa — has proven to be a hit with visitors. 'The flavour is exceptional and has been well received,' Jadeedi noted.
The fusion sweet is sold at the pavilion's café, alongside cookies and cakes inspired by Omani ingredients. But the gastronomic experience doesn't stop there. The pavilion also features new beverage creations such as a date and frankincense latte and a frankincense iced tea — drinks that were introduced for the first time at the expo and have seen strong demand since day one.
'This has become an all-sensory experience for visitors,' Jadeedi added. 'They can see, smell, touch, and taste the essence of Oman.'
The Omani presence at Expo 2025 Osaka continues to draw attention not just for its cultural depth, but also for its innovative way of bringing two worlds together through the universal language of food.
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