It's hard to believe that just a few decades ago, Doha was a small seaside town. Today, gleaming skyscrapers light up the night sky (literally) while 4WDs whiz around the city's newly built highways. Anyway, onto stomach business. Let the food reign!
Qatar has a vibrant mix of cultures and you'll find a wealth of international cuisines around the country. 5 of the best Qatari dishes, according to local food stylist Mohammed Al Ansari, are Machboos; Saloona; Madrouba; Luqaimat and Balaleet. These are some of the traditional foods.
However, on this post I'm keen on street food 'cause who doesn't love street food? Don't get me wrong, all of the above taste magical with all the fragrant blend of spices and flavours, but street food forever has a special place in my heart (stomach 😋)
Ragag
Arabic crepes folded or rolled into cones and come plain or topped with cheese, eggs or honey. I tried one with nutella and it hit different. They're served with anything from karak tea to kebabs. The central square in Souq Waqif has local women cook the crepes out in the open in the evening.
2. Karak Tea
Just like my country people, Karak is an essential part of everyday life in Qatar. Cafes and households all alike. Karak is black tea boiled with milk, sugar and cardamom and served in small glass cups- similar to Swahili chai.
3. Shawarma
Middle East most famous fast food. Shawarma is juicy spit-roasted beef or chicken wrapped in pita bread. Ah! If 'food-gasm' was a thing this would be it. Good to know you all share the same thoughts.
4. Falafel
In Mombasa we call it bajia. There is no shortage of this in Doha. Order yours to eat-on-the-go served in a sandwich with humus, or take a seat and enjoy with salad.
5. Kunafa
Cheese lovers and sweet teeth, all rise! It's your time to shine. This is similar to basbousa, but more stretchy. Kunafa is a combination of crispy fried kataifi pastry stuffed with stretchy cheese,
soaked with sugar syrup and topped with crushed pistachios. It's a classic dessert served across the Middle East.
Finally....
6. Watermelon ice cream
Sweet, cooling, refreshing and totally Insta-worthy. Icy Melon delivers.
Doha remains a city of pleasant contradictions
where tradition and modernity coexist. But nonetheless, food is king.
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