Joanna James
Doha is the capital of Qatar, known for its modern skyscrapers and luxury hotels. However, this city also has a rich food heritage. Qatari food is a delight, using different spices, and textures – it is rooted in Bedouin traditions and influenced by Gulf and Indian cuisine. If you’re visiting Doha, here are 7 dishes that will offer an authentic taste of the city.
Qatar’s national dish is Machboos. This is a fragrant rice dish made with long-grain basmati rice, as well as meat (lamb, chicken or seafood) and spices. The secret ingredient that gives Machboos its unique taste is the dried black lime, locally known as loomi. This adds a tangy, earthy flavour to the dish. It’s slow-cooked to let the flavours combine.
This is a traditional dish made from meat such as lamb or chicken and wheat. It is slow cooked into a thick porridge. Though it is simple, it is both nourishing and comforting. A favourite during religious holidays, Harees is full of flavour due to the long cooking time and seasonings like cinnamon, cardamom and even ghee. It can be found served in restaurants in Doha Qatar, situated next to top hotels like Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli.
Sometimes called the Qatari version of bread stew, Thareed is a filling dish made by layering crispy or flatbread at the bottom of a deep bowl. A flavorful broth made from chicken or lamb, carrots, zucchini, potatoes and spices is poured over it. The dish is both crispy and soft, while also being savoury and spicy.
This sweet and savoury breakfast dish is a surprise. Balaleet features vermicelli noodles sweetened with sugar, cardamom, rose water and saffron, topped with a thin savoury omelette. While it may seem strange, the sweet and salty flavours are well-balanced. It is traditionally served during Eid mornings but is also a great start to the day.
Madrouba is a comforting rice and chicken porridge with a creamy texture. It's cooked until the grains break down completely. The dish is infused with spices like turmeric, cumin and cardamom and drizzled with butter or ghee for richness. Sometimes, lentils or beans are added. Eaten during the cooler months or when one is feeling under the weather, Madrouba is the ultimate comfort food in Qatari households.
Luqaimat are deep-fried dumplings that are golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are made from flour, yeast, saffron and cardamom, and served hot with date syrup or honey and topped with sesame seeds. These are a favourite dessert during religious and national celebrations and are best enjoyed fresh and hot.
Saloona is a spiced meat and vegetable stew. It usually has chunks of lamb, beef or chicken cooked with potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and green beans in a seasoned broth. The recipe varies but common flavours are ginger, garlic, turmeric and chilli. The dish is commonly served with rice or flatbread.
Whether you’re a foodie or a curious traveller, trying out Doha’s traditional dishes will give you a deeper understanding of Qatar’s heritage.
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.
