Do you know that you’ve been missing out on a culinary treasure trove waiting for you to explore? Qatari foods offer you a tantalizing journey that’s been hiding in the country for decades!

The cuisine is diverse, with many options for vegans and meat eaters. You can try their vast array of breads, grilled meats, and some of the best desserts you’ll ever see!

So, read on and ride on this Qatar food train as we share some of the most exquisite, traditional Qatari foods!

What’s Special About Qatari Foods

Qatari cuisine is characterized by its use of locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Dates, saffron, and fresh fish from the Persian Gulf are staples in Qatari dishes, providing a unique and flavorful culinary experience.

Grilling is a prevalent cooking technique, resulting in tender and well-seasoned meats. Qatar’s coastal location ensures a heavy reliance on seafood, which is often integrated into various dishes.

The cuisine balances sweet and savory flavors, and aromatic spices play a crucial role in enhancing the taste of many traditional Qatari recipes. 

Qatari foods reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and geographical location, offering a blend of flavors and ingredients, making it a distinctive and delicious cuisine.

Most Famous Food In Qatar: Qatar National Dish

Makbous (Steamed Meat With Seasoned Rice) 

Makbous is one of the more traditional Qatari foods. It is a flavorful and aromatic culinary delight that combines steamed meat with seasoned rice.

The Qatar national dish typically features tender pieces of meat, often lamb or chicken, marinated in a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. The meat is then slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the spices to infuse it with a deep and savory flavor.

The seasoned rice in Makbous is equally important and is prepared with care. Fragrant basmati rice is cooked with a medley of spices, herbs, and sometimes dried fruits, such as raisins or apricots, to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The rice serves as a perfect accompaniment to the succulent meat.

Makbous is often garnished with toasted almonds or pine nuts, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. It’s commonly served with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad to complement the meat’s and rice’s richness.

Breakfast Items In Qatari Foods

Shurbat Hareira (Warm Wheat Porridge)

Perhaps the most famous breakfast food in Qatar, the Shurbat Hareira, is a warm and hearty porridge that has been in the local culture for generations. Although it’s enjoyed all year round, locals will recommend you to start a cool winter morning with a warm bowl of Shurbat.

This Qatari dish begins with meat or vegetable stock, simmered with different herbs and spices. Wheat is added to the mix, absorbing all that goodness and adopting a creamy texture.

You can also add a wide range of vegetables to Shurbat, including carrots, celery, and onions. Meat is also a popular addition for an extra hearty meal. Garnish the dish with nuts and fresh herbs and you’re in for a treat!

Ful Medames (Stewed Fava Beans)

Ful Medames is another hearty Qatari meal you can make from fava beans. Accompanied by pita bread, flatbread, or even your regular bread, this dish makes for the perfect breakfast.

Packed with nutrients, Ful Medames is healthy as it is tasty. To make this dish, you can soak the fava beans overnight to soften them. Then, simmer them on a low flame while adding herbs, spices, and vegetables as per your liking.

This is one of those Qatar dishes that the entire family eats together to cherish and foster their bonds.

Shakshuka (Poached Eggs in a Spicy Tomato Sauce)

As a popular indulgence in the Middle East region, Shakshuka is just delightful. It features poached eggs bathing in a spicy tomato sauce. Red and vibrant, the sauce envelopes the eggs.

The eggs’ yolks remain runny, ready for you to scoop with fresh bread.

The best part? It’s not just for breakfast; you can enjoy it whenever you crave something hearty and satisfying. Shakshuka’s all about simple ingredients coming together to create something seriously delicious.

Grilled Meat Dishes In Qatari Foods

Shish Tawook (Grilled Marinated Chicken Skewers)

One of the most famous Qatari dishes, Shish Tawook is a meat lover’s dream! It comprises tender chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, that is then grilled to perfection. The charred flavor you get on your first bite just feels amazing.

Boneless chicken pieces are marinated in a tantalizing mixture of yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and an array of spices. The paprika, cumin, and turmeric add that extra kick to the taste. You can enjoy it with bread, rice, or just as it is!

Traditionally, the Qatari people consume it with pita bread and fresh salad, so that’s a solid place to start!

Mishkak (Grilled Marinated Meat Skewers)

Featuring beef or lamb, Mishkak is another Qatar food that shows just how much Middle Easterns love barbecue!

The key to its irresistible flavor lies in the marinade. The meat is first marinated in a mixture of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and garlic. It is combined with yogurt or olive oil to tenderize, while also infusing the meat with a burst of savory goodness.

Sometimes, you can add a touch of acidity from lemon juice or vinegar to enhance the flavors.

Enjoy Mishkak with traditional accompaniments like flatbreads, rice, or a simple salad. You can also find it on the streets, as it is one of the most famous Qatari dishes.

Qouzi (Roasted Lamb or Goat)

Qouzi is a dish associated with celebrations and special occasions, symbolizing generosity and hospitality in the Qatari culture.

This feast centers around roasted lamb or goat, slow-cooked to tender perfection. The preparation of Qouzi is an art that begins with selecting a whole lamb or goat, which is then marinated in a mixture of spices, herbs, and often yogurt.

You can then roast the marinated meat in a special underground oven called the tandoor. Cooking the meat in this traditional manner makes it super tender while keeping in all the flavor.

Traditionally, Qouzi is graciously served on a bed of fragrant rice, often mixed with nuts, raisins, and aromatic spices.

Vegetarian / Vegan Dishes In Qatari Foods

Bamia (Okra Stew)

Bamia, also known as Okra Stew, is a hearty and flavorful dish that has earned its place in Qatari cuisine. This stew combines tender okra pods with a tomato-based sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

You can use fresh okra and sautee it until it’s slightly browned, which helps reduce its natural sliminess. On the other hand, the sauce is complex, often including onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, paprika, and coriander.

Delve into this delicious vegan delight with a flatbread to enjoy the traditional Qatari experience!

Falafel Sandwich

The beauty of the Falafel Sandwich lies in its adaptability and customization. This sandwich offers a blend of textures and flavors – the crispy falafel, the fresh vegetables, and the creamy sauces.

Qatari foods are all about convenience, and this sandwich showcases just that. It consists of crispy, golden-brown falafel balls nestled in soft, warm pita bread, creating a flavorful and satisfying handheld meal. 

You can play around with the ingredients and add as many different toppings as you want.

Thareed (Vegetable and Bread Stew)

What sets Thareed apart is the addition of torn or cubed pieces of flatbread. The bread serves a dual purpose. It acts as both a thickener for the stew and a substantial source of carbohydrates. 

The foundation of Thareed is the richly flavored vegetable stew. It typically includes a medley of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and eggplant, all simmered together in a fragrant tomato-based broth. 

As the stew simmers, the bread softens and absorbs the stew’s flavors, creating a unique texture and taste.

Seafood Dishes In Qatari Foods

Samboosa Samak (Fish Samosas)

The star of Qatari foods, Samboosa Samak features a tasty fish filling. You can use white fish like cod or haddock and gently cook it with an array of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a hint of chili for a subtle kick. Some vendors even add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to enhance the flavor profile before wrapping it up inside phyllo pastry.

The samosas are then deep-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender, flavorful fish.

Samboosa Samak is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course when served with a side salad or rice.

Madrouba Samak (Creamy Fish and Rice)

Traditional Qatari dishes often have a creamy, rich texture, just like the Madrouba Samak. The delectable creamy element actually comes from adding rice to freshly cooked fish.

Rice is slow-cooked with the fish and its flavorful broth, absorbing the essence of the spices and the natural richness of the fish. The result is a creamy, aromatic rice that complements the tender fish perfectly.

One of the distinctive features of Madrouba Samak is the traditional cooking method. The dish is prepared in a specific type of clay pot known as a “madrouba” or “marmite.” This pot helps retain the flavors and moisture, ensuring that every bite is a savory indulgence.

It’s a royal dish, and you’ll find it in most Qatari households during large gatherings and religious festivals.

Hamour Mahshi (Stuffed Hamour Fish)

One of the most special Qatari foods, the Hamour Mahshi boasts the Hamour fish itself, a prized catch known for its firm, white flesh and delicate flavor.

Chefs stuff the fish with delicious filling after cleaning and preparing it while leaving the skin and scales intact.

The traditional stuffing comprises saffron-infused rice and fragrant herbs. This filling is then generously packed into the cavity of the Hamour, infusing the fish with a burst of flavor as it roasts.

Desserts In Qatari Foods

Esh Asaraya (Cheese And Cream)

People with a sweet tooth label Esh Asaraya as the best food in Qatar when it comes to desserts. The name translates to bread of the harem, and it is a sweet symphony of creamy textures and decadent flavors.

The dessert comprises bread or cake soaked in a sugary rosewater syrup, which you can then top with sweetened cream cheese and crushed pistachios and almonds. It is the perfect blend of sweet, soft, and crunchy.

Esh Asarya depicts what traditional Qatari food is all about; taking simple ingredients and making a restaurant-quality dish out of those!

Lugaimat (Deep-Fried Dumplings Soaked Syrup)

These dumplings are a popular treat during festive occasions and family gatherings. If you’ve eaten plain donuts, that’s what resembles a lot with this Qatari food. The dough balls are deep-fried and then soaked in a sugary syrup infused with traditional flavors like saffron, cardamon, or rosewater.

Lugaimat turns out super crispy on the outside and soft and warm on the inside. You can also garnish these little dumplings with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sometimes a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.

Combined with the flavorful sweetness of the syrup, lugaimat is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of hospitality and celebration in Qatar.

Umm Ali (Sweet Bread Pudding)

Interestingly, this dessert’s name translates to “Ali’s Mother”. It has a rich history and is cherished as a comforting and satisfying treat in Qatar. 

Umm Ali has three parts; layers of flaky puff pastry broken into bite-sized pieces, chopped nuts and fruits, and sweetened milk or flavored cream that brings everything together. A final touch of richness comes in the form of a sprinkle of desiccated coconut or sometimes a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. 

You can enjoy this dessert warm, as soon as it comes out of the oven!

Balaleet (Sweet Vermicelli Noodles)

At the heart of Balaleet are thin toasted vermicelli noodles with a slightly nutty flavor and a delightful crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the sweet elements of the dish.

The sweet aspect of Balaleet comes from sugar, saffron, and cardamom. Some versions of Balaleet also include rosewater to add a delicate floral note to the dish. 

Again, Balaleet highlights how Qatari foods turn simple ingredients like noodles into amazing delights.

Maakroun (Date-Filled Pastries)

Maakroun is a dish made from simple ingredients like flour, semolina, and butter. The filling for the dish consists of naturally sweet and sticky dates, which are pitted and mashed to a smooth consistency. 

These pastries are baked until they achieve a lovely golden brown hue and a delicate, crumbly texture.

Maakroun is traditionally enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or Arabic coffee, making it a delightful way to end a meal or indulge in a sweet snack. 

Mehalabiya (Rosewater-Flavored Milk Pudding)

Mehalabiya is a creamy and fragrant milk pudding infused with the delicate flavor of rosewater, a testament to Qatar’s love for floral and aromatic ingredients.

The base of Mehalabiya traditionally has milk, sugar, and cornstarch. These ingredients are combined and gently simmered until the mixture thickens, resulting in a luscious and smooth pudding. Rosewater takes this regular pudding to new heights in terms of flavor. 

Mehalabiya is a versatile dessert that you can have lots of fun serving! You can mold it into individual servings, cut it into squares, or present it as a creamy custard in a bowl. The visual appeal makes it popular among kids as well.

Jallab (Grape Molasses Drink)

Jallab is a refreshing and iconic Qatari beverage known for its sweet, fruity, and slightly tangy flavors, particularly popular during the holy month of Ramadan.

The key ingredient in Jallab is grape molasses, which is made by boiling down grape juice until it becomes a thick, syrupy consistency. Traditionally, Jallab is topped with chopped nuts, particularly pine nuts and crushed almonds, as well as raisins to complement the drink’s natural sweetness.

It’s famous in Qatar as the perfect welcoming gesture and a popular choice for breaking the fast during Ramadan.

Beyond its refreshing qualities, Jallab embodies the heart-warming aspect of Qatar’s cultural facts and traditions. It serves as a symbol of Qatari hospitality and the commitment to preserving age-old customs.