Situated by the Persian Gulf, Qatari cuisine is a love letter to the nation’s diversity and rich cultural heritage. Influenced by Levantine, Emirati and South Asian flavours, discover what makes Qatar’s culinary scene unique, with a guide to the best dishes to try in Doha.

Machboos/Majbous

Considered both an Emirati staple and the country’s national dish, Machboos is hard to miss — whether you’re dining at underrated hole-in-the-wall eateries or hotel restaurants in Doha, Qatar. This fragrant rice dish features tender cuts of lamb, chicken, or seafood, seasoned with a Qatari spice mix and accompanied by slow-cooked veggies.

Salona

This hearty stew is another Qatari staple, packed with flavour and aromatic spices. Salona/Saloona is made with lamb or chicken, slow-cooked till tender in a stew of tomato puree, coriander, garlic and a variety of vegetables.

Balaleet

Balaleet is a beloved breakfast classic, and perfects the balance between sweet and savoury. The dish features vermicelli sweetened with a sugary cinnamon syrup, then topped with a fried or scrambled egg. Restaurants like Saasna, located 4 minutes from Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli, even offer a fine-dining variant of the Qatari staple.

Harees

A Ramadan speciality, Harees is a comforting addition to your culinary itinerary in Doha. It’s one of the oldest dishes found in the Gulf region, featuring a creamy, spiced porridge made with wheat and tender meat.

Luqaimet 

Image by Jason Goh from Pixabay

Every region has its own version of fried sweet dough; the Gulf is no exception. This irresistible dessert consists of crispy, golden dumplings doused in a generous helping of date syrup and garnished with a sprinkling of sesame seeds.