Listly by Joanna James
Doha is making great strides in the food scene by constantly evolving and embracing a multicultural fusion of flavours that are diverse and delicious, enticing locals and visitors to enjoy their authentic food as much as they enjoy the diverse attractions and amusements offered by this vibrant city.
A lovely aromatic dish enjoyed by many for lunch or dinner and on special occasions. Made with slow-cooked meat (chicken or lamb) flavoured with authentic spices and herbs served with warm savoury rice. An accompanying salad and sauce of your preference add the crunch and texture to this wholesome and filling meal as served at many Doha restaurants.
A dessert classified as a typical Middle Eastern preparation, this sweet concoction is made with a mix of chopped nuts and mixed dried fruit covered by sweetened milk and baked till crispy and golden on top. Out of the oven, powdered cinnamon is sprinkled, and it is ready to be enjoyed. Creamy and divine many Qatari people and visitors at hotels such as Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara love to savour this traditional sweet dish.
A well-known traditional dish of rice porridge consumed with relish any time during the day. Washed rice is boiled with milk, butter, cardamom and chicken, then simmered over low heat until the moisture is absorbed, and the rice and chicken become a fragrant mass of mushy goodness. It is served with a topping of ghee and powdered cardamom or even ghee and fried onions. Each restaurant may vary the spices used and the toppings, however, the resulting meal is sure to make you feel replete.
This is an Arabic version of a stew prepared in most Qatari homes for dinner using creative imagination and available ingredients. Fish and a couple of meats along with a variety of vegetables make it a balanced and nourishing meal. Spiced with ginger and garlic the thick aromatic broth is soaked up and eaten with bread as the staple.
Resembling Indian dosa, Ragog is a Qatari creation of a heavenly filling of meat, vegetables and egg oozing from a slim cover of crispy batter. Topped with grated cheese, this is an even tastier snack and comfort food. Great with a hot pot of tea to wash it down.
A light finger food item you can have on the go. The stuffed vine leaves bring out an awesome combination of minced meat (beef or lamb) and rice seasoned with pepper, garlic and coriander, ideal with a dribble of lemon juice.
Not as crispy as a biscuit, nor as soft as a cake, disc-shaped dough coloured with turmeric and flavoured with rose water are deep-fried drained. A drizzle of honey or sprinkling of icing sugar is a matter of choice. One can finish a whole platter of this light and tasty concoction in a single sitting with ease.