Joanna James
Souq Waqif, also referred to as the "standing market" is a popular shopping area to explore the variety of traditional crafts, folk art and even cafes serving food from across the globe.
Souq Waqif is a popular attraction that is located not very far from the Banana islands, also a popular tourist destination which is home to the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. Almost every tourist ensure to visit the standing market to find collectables and memoirs to take back home. One great souvenir would be a dallah, which is a traditional Arabic coffee pot that has been in use for centuries. They are usually used to brew and serve Qahwa or Khaleeji; special types of Arabic coffee. The dallahs are usually made of brass. Though steel, silver and even gold are used for special occasions or of course, used by royalty!
Another great souvenir would be Kilim rugs; which is essentially a flat tapestry-woven rug. They are from the Persian origin and the designs of the rug can have many variations in the motifs; some even have meanings and beliefs attached to it: the "elibelinde" motif, illustrates a female figure which expresses motherhood and fertility. Most of the motifs symbolize the safety and protection of the household. While some use these rugs as decorative pieces, some collect them!
If you want a tattoo but don't want to commit to it forever, the henna tattoo is certainly an option you would want to try. Henna is essentially a plant-based dye that has been used to dye skin, hair and even fabrics. It's used as a tool to create body art, is one that you see in increasing popularity and associate it with Bollywood movies! However, its origin goes to the eastern Mediterranean, where it was used to adorn the skin of young women. Applying henna is a skilled art and requires a lot of patience! However, you can just get it done by a henna artist at Souq Waqif or if you want to try it at home, you can get henna stencils and give it a go!
If you are a foodie or love to experiment in the kitchen, don't leave the market without checking out their spices: saffron, sumac, and dried flowers etc., you can get them here. Souq Waif is situated not too far from many Doha suites. Follow the aroma and you are bound to end up on one of the spice souqs that have numerous packets of colourful spices stacked on top of each other. It is quite the sight for the eyes and your sense of smell. In addition, be sure to pick up a recipe book to better learn the Arabic way of cooking. Whenever you are back in your hometown, you can always recreate the aroma of the Arabian atmosphere in your own kitchen and travel down the memory lane!
Quite a recent twist in the way of having coffee, these are cones made of biscuit and have a chocolate coating on the inside. Use it as a cup, pour your coffee into it, drink and eat the cup! These are specially made for Arabian coffee as they are a little bitter than the ones you might be used to. However, there are no restrictions; no one is going to judge you.
You might have tried the common pink variety. However, you might not have tried saffron cotton candies, a unique delectable treat that is from Iran. So make sure you try this!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
