Food and drink play a key role in Qatari life. Eating and drinking is an important social and family ritual and if you’re visiting Qatar, experiencing the country’s traditional cuisine is one of the best ways to make sure you have an authentic Qatari experience. 

Eat like a real Qatari by having a light meal in the morning and evening and your main meal in the middle of the day. For those who practise Islam, the Friday midday meal after prayers is their family’s main weekly gathering. And if you’re lucky enough to be invited into a Qatari family’s home, you’ll usually have the chance to taste several delicious dishes all in the one meal.

Sharing similarities with other traditional cuisine across the Arab world, you’ll find strong influences from Iranian, Indian and North African food. So read on to find out more about the traditional delicacies you can expect to find on your trip to Qatar.

1.Machbous

Ask a Qatari to recommend a signature Qatari dish and chances are they’ll say Machbous. This rich combination of Eastern spices, basmati rice, pine nuts raisons and either mutton, chicken or hamour fish is a staple meal in Qatar and if you’re lucky enough to eat it in a family home, it’ll probably be served in a large communal dish. 

If you’re trying to find it in one of Doha’s more touristic areas, head to the food stalls at the Souq Waqif – one of Doha’s most important markets selling traditional garments, food and handicrafts. 

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