Doha, the vibrant capital of Qatar, is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, offering a diverse array of culinary delights to tantalize your taste buds. From traditional Qatari dishes to international flavours with a local twist, here are some must-try foods to savour during your visit to Doha:

1. Machboos:

Machboos is Qatar’s national dish, a fragrant and flavorful rice dish cooked with meat (usually chicken, lamb, or fish), spices, and vegetables. The rice is typically infused with aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, giving it a rich and savoury flavour. Machboos is often served with a side of tangy tomato sauce and garnished with fried onions and nuts for added crunch.

2. Harees:

Al fanar harees | Image by Krista via Wikimedia Commons

Harees is a traditional Qatari dish made from boiled wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb), simmered until thick and creamy. The dish is seasoned with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper, giving it a warm and comforting flavour. Harees are often served during special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings and religious festivals. You can find this and many other renditions of this dish at restaurants in Doha Qatar including the popular Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli.

3. Balaleet:

Balaleet is a popular Qatari breakfast dish made from vermicelli noodles cooked with sugar, spices, and saffron, then topped with a thin omelette and garnished with fried onions and raisins. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours makes balaleet a delicious and satisfying morning meal, often enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or Arabic coffee.

4. Mathrooba:

Mathrooba is a traditional Qatari dessert made from mashed dates, flour, and clarified butter, flavoured with cardamom and saffron. The mixture is cooked until thick and creamy, then served warm or cold with a drizzle of honey or syrup. Mathrooba has a rich and indulgent flavour, making it the perfect sweet treat to satisfy your cravings.

5. Machboos Laham:

Machboos Laham is a variation of the traditional machboos dish, made with tender pieces of marinated lamb cooked with fragrant spices and rice. The lamb is typically marinated in a blend of yoghurt, garlic, and spices, then slow-cooked until tender and succulent. Machboos Laham is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to delight meat lovers.