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5 Best Traditional Qatari Dishes You Need to Try!

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!

Souvenir Shops in Qatar: Your Guide to Unique Gifts to Take Home

Souvenir Shops in Qatar: Your Guide to Unique Gifts to Take Home



Good memories are gifts that will forever be folded in our minds. A lot of these memories can take place in foreign places while traveling for a vacation or for other reasons. Therefore, it doesn’t matter how small or big, every traveler needs a little something to take home with them after their vacation to remind them of the good memories or to help them share their experience with their loved ones,

In a country like Qatar, souvenirs could be found anywhere, but the best souvenirs to buy are the ones that represent the culture and traditions, which only can be found in particular souvenir shops in Qatar. Those Qatari souvenir shops collect different kinds of traditional gifts such as coffee, dates, clothing, jewelry, paintings, Qatari flags, and many more to guarantee that the traveler has plenty of souvenirs to choose from. In this article, we will present some of the best Souvenir Shops in Qatar, as well as a list of items that can be purchased as Souvenirs in Qatar.

5 Souvenirs that are Worth Buying in Souvenir Shops in Qatar!



Finding a unique gift in Qatar may seem tricky at first but it is easier than you think. At first, you may need to decide what category of souvenir you are looking for, A lot of the souvenirs you can buy in Qatar are genuine Arabian products. Below is a list of the top souvenirs you can purchase in souvenir shops and stores in Qatar.

 

  • Perfumes and Colognes in Qatar’s Souvenir Shops



The Arabian perfume industry is very old and dates back to the 17th century. You can find a wide array of fragrances in Qatar with different shapes and scents in different souvenir shops. If you are looking for something a bit more cultural, then you can get Arabian Oud or Arabian incense. Oud is a special type of wood that has a very unique and distinct smell. It is used in fragrance and incense products in Qatar. To know more about Arabic perfumes in Qatar read our article on Best Arabic Perfumes In Qatar, UAE & Saudi.

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  • Handicrafts in Qatar’s Souvenir Shops



One of the most popular souvenirs you can purchase in Qatar souvenir stores is the traditional handmade carpets that come in various shapes and colors. Handmade carpets and rugs are very reasonably priced, and together with a gift box, they make a very beautiful and thoughtful gift. You can also opt for decorative items like Swarovski crystal jewelry, crystal figurines, glassware, woolen items, silverware, pottery, and tablecloths in Qatar’s traditional stores. Qatar is also known for its handcrafted sandalwood that can be put in a gift set containing sandalwood incense, oil, and a bar of sandalwood soap. If you want to go for a more modern take on souvenirs from Qatar, there are also options like mugs and t-shirts. Additionally, you can also get traditionally handmade Qatari clothing like the Abaya or the Ghabra, which will give you the feeling of being a true Qatari person. All these items are available in Souq Wakif and Souq Al Deira which we will present further in this article.

  • Food, Snacks and Coffee in Qatar’s Souvenir Shops



As Qatar is an Arabic country, it is known for its Arabic sweets that are made in most souvenir shops such as Baklava, which is a very popular Arabic sweet made with filo dough, almonds, and syrup. You can also get Halawa, a sweet made with nuts and sweetened with Arabic syrup. You can get any of these items in gift boxes and gift bags in souvenir shops.  In addition, available items include sweets like Qatayef syrup and candy, sweets made using dates, bananas, coconut, nuts, dried dates, figs, and raisins. For even far more traditional food, a box of dates would be delicious with the famous Qatari dates syrup and date molasses.

Another popular Qatari food item is the Barq Al Sharki, which is a type of carbonated drink that you can find in different shops in Qatar. If you want to go for snacks, there are plenty to choose from such as the popular Arabian Biscuits, Arabian Cookies, Arabian Saliva, Arabian Pretzels, Arabian Peanuts, and Arabian Nuts. You can get them in gift boxes and gift bags in different shapes. A great souvenir that can be a good gift for someone who likes coffee is Arabian coffee beans that can be put in bags or tins.

 

  • Arabian Jewelry, Accessories and Books in Qatar’s Souvenir Shops



Many Qatari huge markets have Qatari stores, in which you can purchase authentic Arabian jewelry. You can get a variety of earrings, necklaces, and rings at reasonable prices and in different colors and designs. You can also get some traditional Arabic accessories like shawls and scarves that has Arabic character. On the other hand, if you are a bookworm, you can also get a few books written in Arabic. There are many beautiful and interesting books written in Arabic that you can take back home that are spread in different souvenir shops in Qatar.

 

  • Culture-Related Gifts in Qatar’s Souvenir Shops



If you are looking for something related to the culture of Qatar, there are many options available. Some of the popular ones include the Coffee table book on Qatar, a Qatari flag, a framed map of Qatar, a Qatari wall hanging, or a Qatari coin set. You can also get a traditional Qatari robe or a scarf. To go for a more modern take on Qatari culture-related items, you can get a Qatari pillow. You can also get a framed Arabic calligraphy or painting as a Souvenir from Qatar. If you like photography, you can also get a framed picture of Doha or a picture of the iconic landmarks of Qatar like the Museum of Islamic Art or the Pearl Tower. A more interesting gift would also be a framed picture of the footprint of the tallest building in Qatar or a beautiful artwork made out of silk and cloth in Qatar with your name written in Arabic calligraphy.

 

  • Qatari Traditional Clothing in Qatar’s Souvenir Shops



If you are looking for something different, you can go for a traditional Qatari dress or a costume.  These dresses and costumes are very traditional and unique souvenirs that have a very unique fashionable look. You can also get a handcrafted bag, or a belt made using the same fabric as the dress. Some people like the idea of the Qatari traditional dress, therefore, they get a painting of a woman wearing a traditional Qatari dress or of a Qatari flag painted on a traditional Qatari dress.

 

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Top 4 Traditional Souvenir Shops in Qatar to Buy from

Once you have decided on the category, you can easily find them in 4 of the best places we collected for you here below:



  • Souvenir Shops in Souq Wakif

Souq Waqif is a traditional market that has been established for over 100 years and is located near Meshirab Valley in Doha. The market is a very well-known place for local residents and tourists in Doha and is one of Qatar’s most popular and visited tourist venues. The market boasts many narrow alleyways that inspire a sense of ancient history romances. Waqif Market has many souvenirs and traditional shops that have clothing, spices, and handicrafts as well as dozens of restaurants offering traditional and international meals. It also has many stores that sell the most delicious Arabic sweets that are done by the finest hands and with the finest material. One of the best traditional sweets such as Baklava is famous in this Qatari Market.

 

  • Souvenir Shops in Souq Al Haraj



If you are looking for something specific like a special type of handicraft or a Souvenir from Qatar, then you can browse through the Souq Al Haraj which is a Souq specifically designed for tourists. Souq Al Haraj is a Souq where you can find almost anything you want as a souvenir. It is one of the oldest Qatari shops in Qatar. It is known for its low prices and good products. It also has many second-hand stores.

 

  • Souvenir Shops in Souq Al Deira

This Qatari market is located next to Souq Waqif. Al Deira Market Qatar is a world-renowned market located in the heart of Doha. It also, as Souq Wakif, has many Souvenir stores. It is even considered one of Qatar’s most popular markets and places to buy souvenirs. The market is known for its wide range of products including clothing, electronics, and food. It is also a great place to find authentic Arabic products and has a number of restaurants and cafes that you can rest in after your shopping in its huge souvenir shops.



  • Souvenir Shops in Souq Al Warakeh

The market contains a range of the best souvenirs and heritage gifts. It is the ideal place to shop at prices that suit everyone. It is a sanctuary for many Arab and foreign people. Many embrace beautiful heritage goods. The old Al Wakra market contains many shops, cafes, restaurants, and shops specializing in selling men’s and women’s clothing and supplies as well as shops specializing in selling oud and incense, and other food goods that are very people in Qatar and are considered as the best souvenirs in Qatari shops.



In Conclusion

There is nothing better than taking home a few memories from your vacation. Souvenirs help you relive those beautiful moments even when you are miles away from them. If you are planning a vacation in Qatar, you should keep this article handy to find the abovementioned souvenir shops. It will help you pick the best souvenirs to bring back home from your trip to Qatar. From authentic Arabian products to unique pieces, Qatar has it all. So, why not pick a few items from this list and take home a little bit of Qatar?