Joanna James
Considered a foodie's dream come true, Qatar is the heartland of Middle Eastern cuisine. Offering diners a plethora of mouth-watering local and fusion dishes, there are certain staples that a food tour in the country would be complete without. Here's a rundown of some such treats.
As the national dish of Qatar, no trip to the desert nation would be complete without savouring a plate of this scrumptious meal. Made using slow-cooked chicken or other meat varieties, Majboos also features steamed and seasoned rice that's served alongside a salad and tomato sauce. As a popular lunch meal, this dish is made in households across the country and is known for its fragrant rice and general depth of flavour. The tomato sauce is also homemade, so the mix of the meat, rice, and tomato is what creates the irresistible aroma of this dish. Topped off with herbs such as rosemary, some of the best spots to dig into a plate of Majboos are the Al Manchab Restaurant.
This classic stew is a comfort food that most Arabs rely on when there aren't enough ingredients in one's pantry. Made using what ingredients happen to be on hand at the time, Saloona can be prepared with either meat or seafood as long as it is cooked with garlic and ginger. Whatever veggies that happen to be available are also chopped and tossed into the soup, which is usually eaten with bread that's dipped into the broth to soak up the wholesome goodness of the dish. Walima is a fantastic restaurant in Doha to order this dish as it is prepared with chicken meat.
If there was a Middle Eastern equivalent of a doughnut, then surely, Luqaimat is it. Served in local restaurants such as Chai Halib, this popular dessert is a great way to end a meal at a local eatery. The sweet-tasting dumpling is infused with saffron and cardamom, which not only adds flavour to the dessert but also a fragrance. Deep-fried and then tossed into a bowl of sugar syrup, Luqaimat is soft and chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. This dish is often served with a cup of Arabian coffee in meeting rooms in Doha as refreshment.
Tourists staying at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels By Tivoli or any similar rest will also come across this beloved local dessert with a centuries-old history. Served in Middle Eastern nations including Egypt, Qatar's own version of Umm Ali is comparable to bread pudding although it is seasoned with condensed milk, raisins, and nuts and baked to perfection.
As one of the most ordered items on the menu in Doha's Hawn Cafe, Khanfaroosh is at once a cake and a biscuit that is deep-fried and served with honey. Garnished with icing sugar, the dough for Khanfaroosh is infused with saffron and rosewater, which accounts for its floral aroma. Featuring a crunchy exterior and a creamy interior, a plate of Khanfaroosh pairs well with a cup of mint tea.
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.
