Joanna James
Are you planning a holiday to Qatar? Perhaps, you’ll be there on business. Either way, don’t leave the country without tasting authentic Qatari dishes. Inspired by its nomadic ways along with African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine, food in Qatar defies expectations.
How about a rice dish with the right amount of meat or fish, spices, dry lime, almonds and raisins? The best restaurants in Doha, Qatar including Al Baraha by Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks are sure to have this mouthwatering delight on the menu. All spices, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaves, onions, garlic, pepper and special dry lime add a complex depth of flavour to this dish. Tomato sauce and paste add a rich crimson hue to the dish along with your choice of meat (beef, lamb, chicken) or fish. Some add rose water and sprinkle a bit of lemon to give that extra edge to the Machboos. If you love a bit more spice, ask the restaurant for a spicy salsa to go with your main dish.
A classic Middle Eastern dish, Saloona is a comfort food for local Qataris. Often, families cook Saloona for dinner when the entire family eats together. This domesticated dish is versatile, and families use whatever they have in the larder to cook it. But, Saloona starts with meat or fish. Then they add fresh vegetable tomatoes, aubergines, potatoes and carrots), chopped garlic and ginger with a kick in it. If you’re lucky enough to try this dish, use chunks of bread to soak up the stew and don’t be shy to lick the plate clean.
Inconsistency, Harees match porridge. But, Harees is more of a savoury dish compared to your regular breakfast porridge. They make it with ground wheat, meat and plenty of butter. Qataris love to dig into Harees during Ramadan or other festival occasions. Some people use barley instead of wheat to cook this dish. The meat, spices, and herbs (curry leaves) including cardamom and grains make it one of the healthiest options available. You can add ghee or olive oil to increase the textural appeal. Try this dish at a souq unless you are lucky enough to snag an invitation to a local home.
Madrouba is a rice pudding that you can eat any time during the day. Unlike Harees, Madrouba is made with rice simmered slowly in milk. They cook the rice long enough in milk infused with butter, chicken, beans and cardamon to get the right consistency and taste. You can add fried onion as topping for added crunch just before digging into your bowl of Madrouba.
How to enjoy Luqaimat in Qatar?
Luqaimat is crunchy on the outside and soft within. This sweet and fluffy dessert tastes heavenly, like honey and ambrosia. Luqaimat is a deep-fried dough, soaked in honey. The word ‘Luqaimat’ means ‘bite-sized’ in Arabic. There are several ways to prepare this bite-sized dessert. Mostly, they make the dough with butter, flour, some milk, sugar, cardamom and saffron.
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.
