Best dishes to try in Qatar – Explore the Qatari Cuisine

Machboos, also known as a Kabsa, is an extremely popular dish made and enjoyed with relish in almost every Qatari home. The dish consists of rice cooked with aromatic spices along with the meat of choice – lamb, chicken, beef or shrimp and is very similar to Biryani. Accompaniments and side dishes include cooling raita, roast chicken, an array of homemade chutneys including mint and date along with fresh salads. It's an ideal dish to enjoy with family and friends.

Made with a mixture of milk, flour, butter, saffron, cardamom and sugar, Laqaimat is a favoured sweet dish usually made during Ramadan. The ingredient is mixed together and used to create little dumplings, after which they are deep-fried and finally dipped in either honey or sugar syrup to heighten the sweet factor. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, Laqaimat promises to satisfy even the most discerning foodie with a penchant for sweets. Apart from sampling these treats during the festival of Ramadan, one can sample this dish at most restaurants in Wakra.

Kousa Mahshi is an international-inspired dish, which is nevertheless a favourite all over the Middle Eastern region. Stuffed zucchini, the kousa mahshi features a delicious and mouthwatering stuffing made out of succulent lamb flavoured with garlic and mint, which is then baked in the oven before being served piping hot. It's a filling dish and is best enjoyed for dinner. A classic take on comfort food, kousa mahshi is even served at 5-star restaurants at hotels such as Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli.

A healthy dish packed with nutrients, Harees is usually served by Qataris during Ramadan for Iftar to break their day's fast. Preparation of Harees usually consists of boiling cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with your choice of meat. Consistency tends to vary between a dumpling and porridge. Another Middle-Eastern comfort food, Harees too is a filling and rather a heavy dish, which can be enjoyed either for breakfast or dinner.

Often called the Arab lasagna, this is another much loved Ramadan special and is quite similar to a stew. This flavorful and aromatic dish includes a generous helping of vegetables such as onions, beans, carrots and potatoes, which are then slow-cooked with either lamb or chicken along with d tomato puree and the usual spices. Freshly baked bread is placed on the bottom of the dish, to soak up the gravy as well. This too is another dish which can be enjoyed with relish at get-togethers.

An Indian-influenced dish, Balaleet is pasta made sweet. The delicious dish is made with fried vermicelli and is topped with a saffron omelette. Adding to the soft and crunchy texture of the dish. Balaleet is sweet and savoury all at once, and Qataris tend to enjoy this dish for either breakfast or as a dessert / sweet treat.