(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- Visitors to Muscat Festival in Amerat Park have surprises awaiting them even before they step into the venue. Four food trucks have taken up strategic spots on the service road leading to the festival selling mishkak, burgers, sandwiches, juice and other tempting fare. The food trucks have been seen doing brisk business, especially on weekends.
Managed by young Omani boys, the brightly lit and decorated food trucks sell affordably priced tasty bites drawing crowds in large numbers outside the festival venue.
Ahmed al Kharusi, owner of one of the food trucks, said, 'Business is good here. I do not know if we'd have as many customers if were inside the park. People pick up their choice of food here either on their way to the festival or when they're leaving. Our food is more affordable than that in the festival venue stalls.'
According to Mohammed, another food truck owner, he can't afford the fee needed to put up a stall on the festival premises. 'It's a big amount. We are doing good business here. People are happy buying food from here. We sell mishkak, burgers, corn, cold drinks etc. So if you didn't buy food from stalls in the festival venue and are hungry while going back, you can drop in at our stall. Many have carried home dinner from our trucks,' he said.
A customer at one of the food trucks felt hunger pangs after leaving the venue. 'If we had to go back, we would have to shell out a few more rials to re-enter and eat, besides spending more time returning. So we opted for a food truck. The burgers are tastier and reasonably priced. So we packed dinner for the whole family. The burger patty is homemade; so it's safe,' he said.
The food trucks open as evening sets in. 'We bring the uncooked food and cooking equipment from home to the stall and by 6pm, we are ready to sell. It takes time to set up the stall before we can start selling. The gas stove and the decorations need to be done properly, besides maintaining cleanliness and hygiene levels as required by the authorities for licensed food trucks like ours,' said another food truck operator in the service road.
And while the festival gates close at 11pm, the food trucks continue to receive customers even after. 'Nobody goes way disappointed from our trucks,' said one food seller.
Interestingly, food trucks are becoming a familiar sight in many parts of the city, especially near beaches and parks drawing street food enthusiasts.
Jamal, owner of a food truck outside Amerat Park, said he doesn't keep count of the number of his customers. 'We are on our toes once we open every evening. I am happy selling here as I do not have to pay any rent or extra money to set up a stall in the festival site. Many people meet here and chat for hours while enjoying the food. ِAnd the best part for them is the fact that the food is prepared quickly even as they look on. So they know what they are eating.'
Festival visitor Ishaam said the food feels like it's homemade. 'It's cheaper too. We can sit in our car and enjoy it. What more do we need?'
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