Qatar’s cuisine is a flavourful blend of tradition and heritage. From aromatic rice dishes to sweet treats and fresh seafood, these seven authentic Qatari dishes offer a true taste of the country, a rich culinary culture that every traveller must try.
1. Balaleet
Ever heard of noodles that give off sweet and savoury flavours? Well then, this is a dish to definitely try out. This dish of vermicelli noodles, seasoned with cardamom, sugar, and saffron, is often paired with an omelette as well, according to individual preference. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it may be a foodie’s paradise, especially for those who love to try out new flavours and dishes.
2. Thareed
Thareed, as the locals refer to it, is more commonly known as an Arabian stew that is absolutely flavourful. It is often enjoyed during religious festivities, especially during Ramadan, due to its nutritional value. This stew is concocted with slow-cooked meat and boiled vegetables, served with crispy and crumbly bread to soak up all the flavour. It truly is a gastronomical wonder!
3. Harees
This dish is especially famous during Ramadan and festive occasions. It is an incredibly smooth and creamy soup that is slow-cooked with wheat, meat, and butter. The dish does get seasoned slightly to bring out the infusion of the rich aroma and flavours that the soup holds. The culture in Qatar brings pride with their religion, which is why this dish is so strongly liked and a fan favourite during the Islamic festivals, as well as other special occasions.
4. Majboos
This dish is Qatar’s national dish, which is absolutely fragrant due to the wonderful condiments added to it. It’s often paired with slow-cooked meat, and the flavour of the dish is extremely exquisite and rare, making it a wonderful choice as a first dish when in Qatar. This dish is often paired with yoghurt or salad and is a true testament to Qatari culture and heritage. If you’d like to try majboos during your all-inclusive Majlis staycation, then the menus at Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli are a good option to consider.
5. Madrouba
This dish is considered a local favourite and a comfort food for many. Made from rice, milk, butter, and slow-cooked meat, Madrouba is flavourful and soft, as it’s mixed up and mashed till smooth in texture and easy to eat. The aroma of the dish is on a totally different level because of the ghee or cardamom added to it, making it extremely flavourful and enjoyable.
6. Luqaimat
This is a fabulous dessert to try out, as it offers the best of both worlds! It is a dumpling that’s coated in honey and sesame seeds and is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The best part is that it is deep-fried and a wonderful local dessert to try out, both sweet and flavourful.
7. Khanfaroosh
This sweet treat is perfect to pair with an evening with a cup of Karak tea, a fried delicacy that isn’t overly sweet. It has a bit of spice added to the dough, primarily fragrant saffron and cardamom, along with the flour and eggs. Khanfaroosh is a classic Gulf dessert, similar to both a doughnut and a soft sponge cake.
