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Updated by Joanna James on May 02, 2024
Headline for Traditional Qatari Dishes Everyone Must Try - Top Authentic Qatari Dishes to Try in Qatar
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Joanna James Joanna James
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Traditional Qatari Dishes Everyone Must Try - Top Authentic Qatari Dishes to Try in Qatar

Qatari cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in the Middle East. A holiday in Qatar offers travellers the chance to dig into delicious local treats. Here are some of the best local dishes everyone must sample during a holiday in the desert nation.

1

Machboos

Tipped to be a staple served in most local homes across Qatar, Machboos is a dish that resembles a Biryani in that it is rice cooked in a host of spices and infused with meat or seafood. Also called Kabsa in different regions of the country, this aromatic rice dish is a staple during lunchtime and even at special occasions as the rice is flavoured with not only herbs and spices but a variety of protein sources such as chicken, fish or shrimp as well.

2

Madhruba

Usually served during the holy month of Ramadan, Madhruba is a comfort food that's basically porridge. Made using butter, rice, milk and cardamom, the ingredients are slow-cooked until they disintegrate into mush and then are stewed with chicken or other meats and beans. This is often the first dish that locals consume to break the fast of the holy month as eating a heavy meal or full meal after a long fast can lead to indigestion. Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli and most other restaurants in Wakra also serve this dish.

3

Saloona

As another popular comfort food in Qatar, Saloona holds a special place in the hearts of those who love a good broth. Served on its own or with a cup of steamed rice, Saloona is a vegetable or meaty broth that typically contains potatoes, eggplant, carrots and tomatoes.

4

Thareed

Thareed is another Ramadan or Eid dish that's often compared to a western stew but dubbed Arab Lasagne by expats. Using a plethora of spices, a number of vegetables including potatoes, carrots, beans and onions are cooked with tomato sauce and chicken. When serving the dish, a slice of bread is placed at the base of the dish so that it will absorb the broth once the stew is poured on top of it. Flavourful and wholesome Thareed is a dinner time favourite.

5

Margoog

Health-conscious travellers looking for a tasty treat that's also full of vitamins and fibre won't be disappointed with Margoog. Vegetables such as eggplant, carrots, zucchini, potatoes and tomatoes are tossed into the pot with tenderised meat before little strips of dough are also boiled in the stock so as to soak up the taste of the broth.

6

Kousa Mahshi

This snack, that's essentially stuffed zucchinis, is a big hit all across the Middle East. The meat filling inside the zucchini is flavoured with mint and garlic before being baked to perfection. Served warm or straight out of the oven, Kousa Mahshi is a snack that can be consumed at all hours of the day.

7

Balaleet

Pasta fans will like this sweet dish that's made up of fried vermicelli and a saffron omelette. Soft and crunchy, the textures of this dish are what make it a favourite among locals and frequent visitors.