In just a few days, the biggest football event in the world will take place. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to experience the rich culinary offerings when coming to Qatar to cheer for the World Cup 2022.
Machboos (also known as Kabsa): A rice dish made from basmati rice with spices, herbs, and either chicken, lamb, fish, or even camel. Qataris sometimes add a bit of lemon juice or rose water to enhance the flavor. The rice is delicious, rich, and flavorful. (Image: Myholidays).
Khubz: A type of flatbread made from flour, water, and salt. The dough is kneaded and then rolled out thin, cooked on a tawaah – a large flat iron plate heated over charcoal in the traditional way. This crispy bread has a texture similar to Dosa. This street food is served at tourist spots like Souq Waqif (Doha). Khubz can also be transformed by spreading Kiri cheese or Nutella on it. (Image: Silk Road Recipes).
Thareed: A stew consisting of carrots, chickpeas, onions, and potatoes cooked with chicken or lamb in a tomato sauce and spices. Bread is placed at the bottom of the dish to soak up the stew, making it softer. Traditionally, tannour bread is used, but nowadays, tortilla bread is also quite popular. This is an easy-to-enjoy, nutritious dish that is not heavy. (Image: Sugar Flour Dough).
Harees: Wheat soaked overnight, boiled until tender, cracked, or coarsely ground, then slow-cooked for about 5-6 hours with lamb or chicken. The dish is served with Ghee butter. Locals also enjoy garnishing it with cinnamon and Egyptian fennel to enhance its appearance and taste. This dish is famous and very popular during major festivals in Qatar, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. (Image: Miansari66).
Madrouba: Similar to Harees, this dish is slowly cooked with rice simmered for hours with milk and butter, infused with the flavors of cardamom and chicken. The dish is best enjoyed while still warm. (Image: @whonoms/Instagram).
Balaleet: A sweet noodle dish made with sugar, cardamom, rose water, and saffron. The dish is both soft and crispy, with the sweetness of the spices and the savory flavor of the noodles, often served with fried eggs. Qataris enjoy Balaleet for breakfast or as a dessert after a main meal. (Image: 196flavors).
Luquaimat: This dessert has a sweet flavor. A mixture of butter, milk, flour, sugar, saffron, and cardamom is deep-fried until golden and then dipped in sugar syrup or honey. The cake is soft inside and crispy outside. (Image: Sanoop.cp/Shutterstock).
Shawarma: A popular wrap dish in the Middle East. In Qatar, the dish is adapted with various ingredients, offering a unique flavor. The filling includes chicken, beef, fish, or shrimp along with fresh vegetables. The wrap is made from thinly rolled flour dough. (Image: Zomato).
Umm Ali: A dessert made from bread, milk, and cinnamon. Additional ingredients such as sugar, nuts, and raisins can also be added. This dish originates from Egypt but is quite popular in Qatar and favored by locals. (Image: Hungry paprikas).
