Joanna James
Travel experts have said that you will not truly experience the magic of a destination until you have tried out the local cuisine for yourself. Apart from its prominent art, history, and culture, Doha is also known for its renowned culinary style. Here's a list of the best dishes to try in Doha:
Originating in Saudi Arabia, Machboos is a fragrant and hearty rice-based dish, which is commonly prepared by cooking basmati rice with a variety of spices and marinated meats or seafood. This dish is also hailed as the national dish of Qatar and is served at traditional functions. The best restaurants in Doha serve up this speciality with a variety of accompanying side dishes.
A Qatari take on bread pudding, this popular dish is a favorite among the locals of Doha. This dessert consists of puff pastry and sweetened milk and is regularly garnished with roasted nuts or raisins. There are many establishments that serve good Umm Ali; for instance, at restaurants offered by the likes of Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks.
Cheese lovers rejoice! Kunafa is a decadent dessert, which is made by stacking sweet-syrup-soaked filo pastry one on top of the other with layers of light cheese in between. What more could you need in a dessert?
Stews make for great comfort food and Saloona is Doha's take on a traditional stew. This hearty dish is prepared with meat and vegetables including carrots and potatoes. It can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by rice to form the perfect meal. A hearty and filling dish, try this out if you are ever in need of a comfort food while on your travels in Doha.
Although not technically a dish, this list would not be complete without adding Doha's most famous tea-based beverage. Karak is a sweet and spiced tea concoction and can be found in almost every eatery across the capital.
Think doughnuts but smaller; Luqaimat is a small, bite-sized dessert, which is extremely popular across Doha. Soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, these miniature doughnut holes are commonly dipped in sweet syrup or served with honey.
No trip to Doha is complete without trying an authentic Qatari shawarma. This popular street food is made by slicing off shards of perfectly marinated meat, which are commonly rotating on a revolving grill. The well-cooked meat is wrapped up and paired with a selection of vegetables, pickles, and sauces.
Many cultures across the globe value the significance and importance of sitting down and sharing a meal with your loved ones. In Doha, the embodiment of this value can be experienced through Arabic Mezze; a selection of various dishes, including different types of hummuses, baba ghanoush (an eggplant dish), and different pairings of meat dishes accompanied by Arabic breads and wraps. This dish is an ideal choice for families or friends on holiday who are looking to catch up over a meal.
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.
