How to eat like a local in Doha

A marvellous city of many attractions, Doha draws crowds to its cityscape. In true major trading, country-style Qatari cuisine and by extension dishes in Doha draw inspiration from Mediterranean, Indian and African cuisine with a solid nomad-inspired theme.

How to enjoy Machboos in Doha?

A good introduction to Qatari food, machboos is the country’s national dish. Most of the best restaurants in Doha serve this dish daily. It is a rice dish made with spice-infused meat or seafood. The meat can vary from lamb, and chicken to camel, and shrimp or fish are popular choices second only to meat. A tangy and sweet tomato sauce and a fresh, crisp salad accompany the rice dish. There is a trace of the Indian influence (biriyani) to machboos, but it is an authentic Qatari dish. Try it at resort restaurants like the Banana Island Resort Doha.

How to enjoy Saloona in Doha?

A hearty stew, saloona is made with either lamb, beef or fish with lots of vegetables like carrots, aubergines, potatoes and tomatoes. They add ginger and garlic to make the dish more flavourful. Usually, saloona is a family gathering special meal. But, you can get this dish at restaurants too. Order it with plenty of French bread to soak up the thick sauce. Bite into chunks of meat and vegetables, You can order a side salad with your saloona to alternate between tender and crispy textures.  

How to enjoy Madrouba in Doha?

Your trip to Doha will be missing something essential if you don’t try madrouba. This dish is concocted out of rice, milk, butter, chicken and mashed beans. Cardamom adds a subtle and fragrant depth to the porridge. They cook the ingredients slowly for hours to get that soft texture and creamy, buttery and spice-tinged goodness.  This is such a beloved dish that even 5-star hotels serve it.

How to enjoy Warak Enab in Doha?

Stuffed vine leaves are popular in most Middle Eastern countries. Qatar’s version of this is called warak enab. They stuff the grapevine leaves with minced beef or lamb along with rice to make warak enab. Pepper, garlic and coriander leaves enhance the flavours of the vine leaves, rice and minced meat. Pair your warak enab with slices of lemon and a rice dish. Try different versions of stuffed vine leaves at different restaurants.

How to enjoy Kousa Mahshi in Doha?

Kousa mahshi is stuffed courgettes. The stuffing consists of minced lamb, seasoned vegetables, parsley and mint. Some restaurants serve a chickpea version to cater to the vegetarian crowd. Dip the stuffed courgettes in tomato paste and yoghurt to feast on delightful bites.  

How to enjoy Luqaimat in Doha?

Luqaimat is a sweet, luxurious dumpling served with cardamom and saffron. The deep-fried golden-brown dumplings ooze with sugar syrup. The best luqaimat are crunchy on the outside with a soft inner layer. You can try traditional versions as well as more modern chocolate snicker ones at cafés in Doha. Pair your luqaimat with a strong cup of Arabic coffee.

How to enjoy Umm Ali in Doha?

This traditional Egyptian desert has a Doha version.  Umm Ali is a sort of bread pudding with added raisins, nuts and sweet milk. They bake the dish until it gets that golden brown crisp-edged goodness. Then they sprinkle cinnamon on top. Some add dried fruit to the dessert. Try the creamy sweetness with some coffee.

How to enjoy Khanfaroosh in Doha?

A deep fried sweet in between a cake and biscuit, khanfaroosh is usually infused with saffron and rose water. Before serving the flaky, soft khanfaroosh get a dusting of icing sugar or a drizzle of honey. The rose water lends these delicacies a touch of floral fragrance. Take your khanfaroosh with mint tea to dream of luxurious days in a desert palace filled with Chinese silk, good food, perfume and magical stories.