Tag Archive for: Qatari dishes

5 Best Traditional Qatari Dishes You Need to Try!

By: Hiba Arafat



There is so much more to eating than just different cuisines and flavors. Each country has its own set of traditions, rituals and beliefs that are embedded in the food they eat and the dishes they cook on a daily basis. Traditional Qatari dishes are no different. In fact, there is so much to discover when it comes to these traditional Qatari dishes – some of which have been passed down from one generation to another for many years now. There’s just something about eating any traditional dish that your ancestors ate before you that reminds you of home and how fortunate you are to be able to taste it again. It also gives you a greater appreciation for your own culture and what you can do with simple local ingredients. It is what makes your people special, united, and proud. Qataris are well known for how much they are proud of their traditional Qatari food and dishes.



Traditional Qatari dishes are characterized as one of the most delicious and tastiest recipes of various foods and sweets, which have a special character, especially in Gulf foods, as it is one of the most famous kitchens in the Arab world. The reputation of traditional Qatari dishes made many people turn to the search for those dishes, because food tastes have an important role in the life of Qataris as an important social and family ritual. Therefore, we present to you today some five of the best traditional Qatari dishes and Traditional Qatari food restaurants you can visit in Qatar to live the authentic experience.

 

About Arabic Traditional Qatari Dishes



 

Arabic Traditional Qatari dishes are one of the most varied and delicious cuisines in the world. The culture of Qatar is similar to the neighboring culture of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This means that most of the dishes are Arabic with a lot of Persian and Indian influences. However, it has its own distinct flavors that are unlike any other cuisine. Some of the most famous dishes are seafood, soups and stews. The most popular Qatari food is Arabic bread. This is an Arabic staple that is eaten with every meal. Traditional Qatari foods are usually served on a large platter, this allows people to eat on the same platter using their right hand, as a part of the traditional way of eating those traditional dishes and tasting them as it really is.

 

Try Traditional Qatari dishes in World Cup 2022



Having the world cup of 2022 in an Arabic country like Qatar is an opportunity to taste all Qatari foods. Therefore, if you are visiting Qatar in the world cup 2022, you cannot miss out on the experience of trying delicious foods of authentic Qatari dining by visiting one of Qatar’s pop-up restaurants. Several upcoming restaurants in Doha are hosting pop-up events during the football World Cup, which will not only allow you to try authentic Qatari dishes but also allow you to experience trying those amazing traditional Qatari dishes using your hands. Eating with your hands is not only a cultural experience, but it’s also a delicious one. You’ll be able to taste the complex flavors of the local ingredients that go into these traditional Qatari dishes, unlike with a fork and knife, which will hide the true flavors of the Qatari food.

 

Traditional Qatari Food Restaurants



 

If you are craving the flavors of authentic Qatari foods and you are visiting Qatar any time of the year, here are some of the best restaurants that serve traditional Qatari food that gives you the whole experience of being in an Arabic country:

  • Al Waha – Al Waha is one of the most famous traditional restaurants that serve traditional Qatari dishes in its capital Al Doha. This restaurant offers traditional Arabic and Asian cuisine with an Arabian twist. Al Waha is known for its large portions, so be prepared to take some food home with you.
  • Al Manchab is one of the most famous traditional Qatari restaurants in Doha.  It is a very cozy restaurant that fits family vibes. This restaurant offers authentic traditional Qatari dishes and food and is arguably one of the best places to try it. Make sure to try the famous Zahabiya rice as it is one of the most.
  • Walima is another traditional Qatari food restaurant, located in Doha, that has a middle eastern decor with modern touches, it is known for several traditional Qatari dishes such as “Saloona”, which is an Arabic dish that we will present later in this article. It is a restaurant that is known for its beautiful view.
  • Jasmine Palace Restaurant is another restaurant located in Doha. At the first glance you will find that the menu at Qasr Al Yasmeen Restaurant is a mixture of Syrian and Andalusian dishes, but in the Qatari style. It is special in its Qatari dishes and food as well as an Arabian cozy decoration. This restaurant is characterized by its fragrant aroma, as this is due to the spread of the smell of jasmine on all its sides. It is also characterized by providing distinctive services to its customers, serving the tastiest delicacies. In addition, you will listen to many Arabic musical instruments as soon as you enter Qasr Al Yasmeen Restaurant.

 

Here are the 5 best Traditional Qatari Dishes You Definitely Need to Try!

 

Al-Qarah Kebab: traditional Qatari dishes

Al-Qarah kebab is one of the most known traditional Qatari dishes that consist of a spiced meat dish that is served with a special flatbread called Shubat. This dish is often made with lamb or mutton and is cooked in an earthenware pot over a wood fire. Al-Qarah kebab is often served during special occasions and holidays like Ramadan. It is usually eaten with other traditional Qatari dishes and foods like Zahabiya rice. Al-Qarah kebab is also served as a snack during the day or with tea at night. It is often eaten with dates or Qarqoush, which is a sweet syrup made from dates.



Maghrabiya: a traditional Qatari dish

Maghrabiya is a traditional Qatari dish made with a mixture of meat and spices. The meat is wrapped in a semolina dough and then baked in an earthenware pot. This dish is eaten as a main meal and is commonly accompanied by Arabic bread, salad, and Qarqoush. It is also eaten with a special sauce called Tahini, which is made from sesame seeds. Maghrabiya is often eaten during special occasions, such as weddings, New Year’s Eve, Ramadan, etc. It is one of the best Qatari foods and is often served in restaurants.

 

Mansaf: a traditional Qatari dish

Mansaf is a traditional Qatari dish made with lamb and a special creamy rice called Shuwa. The lamb is stewed in spices and then placed on top of the Shuwa and baked in an earthenware pot. Mansaf is often eaten during special occasions, such as Ramadan, weddings, etc. Among other traditional Qatari dishes, Mansaf is considered one of the best and is often served in traditional Qatari restaurants. Mansaf is usually eaten with Qarqoush, a traditional Qatari syrup made from dates. The dish is usually served in a large communal dish with everyone eating from the same tray.



Saloona: classic traditional Qatari dish

Another classic traditional Qatari dish, which is considered as the main dish that is cooked in every Qatari house, that can be prepared with anything available is Saloona. The dish is generally prepared with beef, fish, or lamb. One can use seasonal vegetables to prepare them with ginger and garlic. Visitors coming to Qatar can find Saloona in any traditional restaurant. In fact, there is a traditional restaurant in every market in Qatar. The salon can be eaten with bread soaked in broth.

 

Besheer: A Traditional Qatari desert 

After having a great traditional Qatari dish, Besheer, a traditional Qatari dessert made with rice and milk, will make your stay in Qatar even better. It is one of the most famous Qatari dishes and is a must-try. What makes Besheer so unique is its cooking process. While many desserts are baked, this one is steamed. This keeps the rice moist but firm and gives the dish a unique consistency. Besheer is often topped with dates, pistachios and coconut shavings. While dates are the most common topping, you may find other fruits like apples or oranges on the dish, depending on the season.



Conclusion

In conclusion, a country such as Qatar, not only it is known for its best luxuries such as new Arabic perfumes, but also is known for its richness of foods and traditional Qatari dishes. Being a country between Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates gives it a lot of diversity in foods and dishes. Qatari dishes such as Maghrabiya, Al Qarsh Kebab, Mansaf, Mushakhan and Basheer are all dishes that are part of the traditional Qatar life that is cooked by every family. Such dishes may not be found in any restaurants in Qatar but can be in every restaurant that serves traditional food such as Al Waha, Al Manchab, Walima and Jasmine Palace Restaurant are all special for different things, but they all serve traditional Qatari foods at its best, after all as it is known ” The key to a man’s heart is through his stomach”, therefore, Qatari people always make sure they steal your heart!

10 Best Places to Eat in Qatar!



Every country has special cuisines. Some countries are known for their amazing seafood, while others have some of the best steaks and meat. What most people don’t know is that Qatar is known for its different cuisines in the best places to eat in Qatar. It is one of the countries that have some of the best places to eat in all of the Gulf regions and possibly the entire world. Although there are plenty of places to eat in Doha and other cities in the country that serve up some seriously delectable dishes, not all can give you the best experience. As a result, today we are going to help you enjoy a great experience at some of the best places to eat in Qatar. Therefore, If you love food as much as we do, let us introduce you to 10 of our favorite best places to eat in Qatar of different types of cuisines:

Best Places to Eat French Food in Qatar

Best Places to Eat in Qatar: Cafe Vivant



If you love French food, then you have to make Cafe Vivant a mandatory stop while you’re in Qatar so you could enjoy the best places to eat in Qatar that serves some of the most delicious French food around. This restaurant has been a staple of Doha’s culinary scene for decades. If you’re feeling hungry for great French food and want to enjoy a taste of France when you’re as far away as you can get, go there! The menu is extensive and features almost everything you would ever want to eat. They have all the classic French dishes, including soups, salads, sandwiches, kinds of pasta, and a whole lot more. If you have never tried French food before, they have a great selection of dishes that are perfect for first-timers. Do not hesitate! Try the best place in Doha for a foreign experience.

Best Places to Eat Arabic Food in Qatar

Best Places to Eat in Qatar: Kababji Arabian Restaurant



If you’re craving some good Arabian food, then you can’t go wrong with a trip to one of the best places to eat in Qatar, Kababji Arabian Restaurant. Located in Hamad International Airport, this is probably the best place to get a taste of Arabian cuisine. There are a lot of Arabian restaurants in Doha, but Kababji is the only one where you can enjoy a meal while waiting for your flight to depart. Kababji is a bit more expensive than other restaurants in Doha, but it’s well worth the extra money. The service is fast and the food is delicious. They have a wide selection of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. So, no matter what you are in the mood for, you will probably find it on the menu. All the above information can help you make sure it is one of the best places to eat in Qatar.

Best Places to Eat in Qatar: Tamim’s Fine Restaurant



Tamim’s Fine Arabian restaurant is the place for you if you want to have an experience in the best places to eat in Qatar. This is one of the best places in Doha to get a taste of traditional Qatari cuisine. They have lots of great dishes with a wide variety of seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. You can enjoy anything from soups and salads to sandwiches. They even have a few delicious desserts that are perfect for completing a nice meal. The atmosphere at Tamim’s is extremely casual and chill. This is a great place to go with friends or family and just relax while enjoying some tasty Qatari food. If you are in doubt about what Arabic or Qatari dishes you should eat, check out this article on the 5 best traditional Qatari dishes you need to try.

Best Places to Eat in Qatar: Damascus One Restaurant



This restaurant is located in Doha, Qatar, in Souq Waqif, which has one of the best souvenir shops in Qatar. The distance between it and the Corniche is 2.9 km away. It carries impressive ratings as number 10 of the 89 Arab restaurants located in Doha and has received a certificate of excellence in 2019, which makes it your top choice if you want to try the best places to eat in Qatar that serve Arabic food. As Qatar restaurants rank 123 out of 1004, the prices in the restaurant are not high at all but are accessible to everyone that wants to try the best places to eat in Qatar that serves delicious Syrian and Arabic food such as Shawrma and Mnasaf. The perfect place to have the best meal to enjoy buying Arabic perfumes when you are done.

Best Places to Eat Indian Food in Qatar

Best Places to Eat in Qatar: Al Markali, Doha Rotana Hotel



If you’re in the mood for some incredible Indian food, then you have to try Al Markhali at the Doha Rotana Hotel. This is arguably among the best places to eat in Qatar’s different Indian food and is a must-visit for anybody who loves Indian cuisine. The food is extremely authentic and tastes like it was prepared by a master chef in India. The waitstaff has excellent service, and the atmosphere is perfect for a nice romantic evening. Markhali is pricey, but it’s a great place to go for an occasion. They have a wide selection of vegetarian dishes and an even wider selection of meat dishes. They also have plenty of great appetizers and desserts. If you are in Qatar and you love Indian food, then you absolutely cannot miss out on this restaurant.

Best Places to Eat Italian Food in Qatar

Best Places to Eat in Qatar: Valentino Dining Room, Hyatt Doha Hotel



If you’re looking for some great Italian food, then the Valentino Dining Room at the Hyatt Doha is the only place you should go. This is the first Italian restaurant in Qatar and one of the best places to eat in Qatar. The restaurant has been serving up amazing pasta, pizza, and more for over three decades. If you are a fan of Italian food, then you need to make a special trip to this restaurant. They have everything from penne to pizza, as well as plenty of delicious desserts. The service is impeccable and the atmosphere is great for a date. This is definitely one of the best places to eat in Qatar and is perfect for a special occasion or even just an evening out with your friends.

Best Places to Eat in Qatar: Vine, The St. Regis Doha



If you love French food and have been dreaming of enjoying a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, then Vine at the St. Regis Doha is the only place to go. This is the only Michelin-starred best place to eat in Qatar and serves authentic French dishes that will have you dreaming of Paris. If you are a fan of French food, then you have to make a trip to Vin. Their menu is extensive and has everything from appetizers and salads to soups, main dishes, and desserts. They also have an extensive wine list, so you can pair your food with the perfect glass of wine for an amazing experience. This is an expensive restaurant, but it’s worth every penny.

Best Places to Eat Seafood in Qatar

Best Places to Eat in Qatar: La Ma, The St. Regis Doha



If you’re in Qatar and craving some delicious seafood, then you have to make a trip to La Mer at the St. Regis Doha. This is arguably the best seafood restaurant in the entire country and serves up some mouth-watering seafood dishes. The seafood is fresh and prepared in ways that will make even the most discerning seafood connoisseur happy. If you love seafood, then this is the place for you. La Mer has a great selection of dishes, including soups, salads, appetizers, main courses, and desserts. They also have a kids’ menu for children who aren’t quite ready for prawns and scallops yet. If you love seafood, then put it on the list of the best places to eat in Qatar.

Best Places to Eat Turkish Food in Qatar

Best Places to Eat in Qatar: Al Rifaaa Al Turkey



This restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Qatar for serving well-known Turkish cuisine. The restaurant has become a well-known place that everyone must try if they come near Doha. The restaurant is suitable for individual customers or family gatherings because it has a play area for children. Fortunately, in this place you can enjoy an average-priced meal while listening to the playing of great musicians.

Best Places to Eat Different Types of Food in Qatar

Best Places to Eat in Qatar: Sugar and Spice



At the top of the list of fashionable places to eat in Qatar is Sugar & Spice, which is one of the largest and finest restaurants in Doha. The restaurant is designed in a distinctive architectural style as a wooden house within a garden planted with green herbs that creates a warm environment. The venue is equipped to be ready to host families; there is a dedicated space that is fully equipped to receive children, as well as individuals. Although it is considered a star restaurant, its prices are very affordable and inexpensive. The hotel is located within a 5-minute walk of Aspire Park in Doha; therefore, it is very easy to get there. There’s also a great band that plays a lot of musical tunes for visitors and guests, so you could enjoy a collection of different Arabic dishes and international ones.

 

In conclusion



Eating good food can help raise dopamine, the hormone that gives you the feeling of happiness. As a result, a part of a good trip is to try different good dishes in the best places to eat in Qatar of different kinds of food. Therefore, it is very important to choose your restaurants wisely so you can be satisfied and happy. If you love food, then you have to make a trip to one of the above-mentioned restaurants. These are some of the best places to eat in Qatar and will satisfy even the most discerning of eaters. Therefore, carry this list of the best places to eat in Qatar with you to help fill your stomach!