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Updated by Joanna James on Mar 16, 2024
Headline for 7 Best Qatari Foods and Where to Find Them in Doha - All foodies to Doha should read this!
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7 Best Qatari Foods and Where to Find Them in Doha - All foodies to Doha should read this!

Qatari cuisine is a melting pot of many dishes and cultures. Its influence can be seen in other regions in the Middle East, from Bedouin culture to even South Asia! The capital is the best place to experience the unique options in store for all food lovers.

1

Saloona

This dish is a traditional Arabic-style stew often prepared at home during family dinners. The dish can incorporate any ingredients available at home, but its familiar components include a protein like lamb, chicken or fish, cooked alongside seasonal vegetables and spiced with ginger and garlic. Arabic bread or rice is eaten alongside to soak up the flavoursome broth. Find a modern twist on this tasty and filling dish at Walima, where it is served accompanied by slices of fresh lime and rice.

2

Warak enab

Stuffed leaves of the vine are a common dish in Middle Eastern cooking, but the version found in Doha is particularly tastier. Warak enab has either ground lamb or beef mixed with rice, flavoured with pepper, garlic and coriander. It's best had with a squeeze of lemon before eating. Try it at 'Shisha', a popular spot in downtown Doha.

3

Majboos

It is the national dish of Qatar and a must-eat when in Doha. It's typically made using chicken or lamb, which is slow cooked with a slew of spices to create a depth of flavour. The dish is served on top of seasoned rice and along with a fresh salad and a special tomato sauce. This dish is widely available in most Doha hotels and restaurants but some of the top picks include Al Manchab, which is a nice restaurant with a great ambience as well! The likes of Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara are among the top places to try out such dishes.

4

Madrouba

It is similar to savoury rice congee and is suitable to be eaten at any meal. The dish is prepared with white rice boiled with chicken, milk, butter, beans and cardamom. The concoction gets simmered for a long time until it forms a soft, soupy texture. Before serving, it gets topped with fried onions or ghee. Many establishments will have their variations – Café Easir, close to the waterfront, serves a delectable chicken madrouba.

5

Luqaimat

A popular dessert found everywhere in Qatar is the luqaimat, which are sweet dumplings spiced with saffron and cardamom. These bite-sized delights are deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup. The best ones will be crispy on the exterior and soft as you bite into them. Head to Chai Halib for a staggering variety of flavours, and don't forget to pair yours with some robust Arabic coffee for the ideal afternoon pick-me-up!

6

Umm Ali

Umm Ali is a popular dessert found in Egypt. Nevertheless, the Qatari version is equally delicious. Somewhat reminiscent of bread pudding, the desert is made with old bread, raisins, nuts, spices and sweetened condensed milk. The mixture gets baked until golden brown and flaky on top. It is then garnished with cinnamon before serving. Head to pastry shop Karaki for dessert and pair this with their speciality; Karak tea!

7

Khanfaroosh

This sweet treat is something between a cookie and a cake. The sweet dough is flavoured with saffron and rosewater before being deep-fried, and served drizzled with honey or sprinkled with powdered sugar. At Hawn Café, khanfaroosh are exceptionally good, sweet, crispy and soaked in honey – Yum!