Café Review: Kadm Café and Bait Muzna

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Kadm Café and the Bait Muzna Gallery are one of the most elegant and peaceful cafés in the district of Matrah in Muscat. 

Multicoloured mural in Kadm Cafe in Matrah, Oman

Kadm Café  (with the Bait Muzna Gallery) is one of my favourite cafés in the Matrah district of Muscat. One of my Omani friends recommended it to me. It offers a comfortable coffee area with an art gallery which showcases regional artists and also has a gift shop. It’s – handily – opposite Bait Al Zubair museum, one of the best museums in Oman on the country’s heritage and culture.

Address: Saidiya Street, Old Muscat

Opening hours: 8.00 am to 10 pm every day except Friday - 1.00 pm to 10.00 pm

QR Code to their Menu

1) 3 Reasons why you should visit this place:

Kadm Café is original. It is enjoyable having coffee in a place where you can also discover some local artists, Omani and international.

The terrasse is peaceful and nicely decorated. Of course, it is only for the winter months :)

The Café offers a variety of coffee and sells local brands.

2) Getting there

Watercolour map of Matrah showing the location of Kadm Cafe and Bait Muzna Gallery

A (very approximate) watercolour map of the area 

Kadm cafe and the Bait Muzna Gallery are in Matrah, one of the oldest districts of Muscat in Oman, opposite Bait Al-Zubair Museum. There is plenty of parking space nearby.

3) Why the name 'Kadm'?

A reference to the original name of the capital of Oman

It is said that in 3000 BC, the name of the Omani capital was Kadm. Today, it evokes Oman’s historical heritage and seems appropriate for a café that combines cultural elements with local products.

4) Highlights

4.1 Mosaics of blue

Ground floor of Kadm Cafe with Omani man ordering a coffee

Many shades of blue and turquoise are scattered around – on the counter, the mosaic, paintings on the walls.

4.2 Colourful and fun packaging

Although Fazenda coffee is Brazilian, I love the packaging of this Miosa coffee brand which displays beautiful Arabic calligraphy and architecture (I first typed in ‘architexture’… which might be more appropriate in this context!).

4.3 Mirrors!

The mirrors are a popular item for selfies of all kinds. They also add a sense of space to the different levels of the room.

Top gallery at Kadm Café, Muscat

4.4 Tables with colourful ceramics

A blue cup of coffee on a multicoloured tiled table

The colour of the coffee cup on the colourful table was a feast to my eyes!

5) Discovering local artists

5.1 'Old Door' by Juma Al Harthy

'Old door' by Juma Al Harthy

I was drawn to the work of Juma Al Harthy, an Omani artist who gets inspiration from traditional Omani doors.

5.2 'Al-Qaryatan Interior' by Clive Gracey

This photograph of a traditional room in Oman shows off Clive Gracey‘s interest in Omani architecture and culture. This Irish artist has lived in Oman for over 30 years and he has also had exhibitions of his work in the UK and in the USA.

5.3 'Large Omani man and woman' by Kostis Grivakis

Kadm Café and Bait Muzna Gallery

A Greek artist who lives in Oman, Kostis Grivakis, also shows some of his fun work depicting Omani men and women. I really love it!

6) A terrasse for the winter months

White sunlit terrace on the top floor of Kadm Cafe in Matrah, Oman

The ceramic lamps and flowers add to the small terrasse. From there, you can enjoy views across the area of Matrah.

This post was all about Kadm Café and Bait Muzna Gallery in Matrah. Opposite the Café, you will find the Bait Al Zubair museum.

WELCOME to JOUSSOUR to OMAN

Hello and welcome to Joussour to Oman! I’m Christine van den Hogen, a Franco-British writer, teacher and watercolourist. I’ve been living in the Middle East for 7 years and 4 years in Oman.

I’m passionate about helping independent travellers interested in cultures create immersive journeys.

Joussour to Oman is my cultural travel blog and it’s my hope to share my first-hand experience as someone who lives here as well as insights from local people. I want to share insiders’ tips with you so you can plan your trip to Oman efficiently and truly EXPERIENCE Omani culture when you come.

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Author: Christine van den Hogen

Christine is a Muscat-based writer, watercolourist and teacher. She's been living in Oman for 4 years and she's also lived in Jordan and Dubai. She shares resources and stories to help independent travellers plan creative trips and truly experience Middle Eastern cultures.

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