Before oil and gas, Qatar's economy depended on pearl diving, fishing and trade, and its food reflects those links with Persia, India and East Africa. Today Doha's restaurant scene is global, but traditional Qatari dishes remain at the heart of family life and festivals.

Traditional dishes

  • Machboos: spiced rice cooked with chicken, lamb or fish and dried black lime (loomi), the national dish.
  • Harees: wheat and meat cooked slowly and beaten into a smooth porridge, eaten especially during Ramadan and Eid.
  • Thareed: pieces of bread soaked in a stew of meat and vegetables, another Ramadan favourite.
  • Madrouba: a creamy rice and chicken porridge with spices.
  • Grilled hammour: the Gulf's favourite fish, often served with rice.

Sweets

Luqaimat, crispy fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup and sesame, are found at every gathering. Balaleet is sweet vermicelli with saffron and cardamom topped with an omelette, eaten for breakfast.

Karak and coffee

Karak, strong tea brewed with milk, sugar and cardamom, came with South Asian workers and is now a national obsession, sold cheaply at roadside stalls. Arabic coffee (gahwa), flavoured with cardamom and served with dates, is a symbol of hospitality.

Souq Waqif

Doha's Souq Waqif, a restored traditional market, is the best place to try local food, buy spices and watch falcons being sold. Its restaurants and cafés are busy late into the evening.

The majlis

The majlis is a sitting room or gathering space where men meet to talk, drink coffee and discuss community matters. It is central to Qatari social life and is on UNESCO's intangible heritage list as a shared Arab tradition.

Desert and sea traditions

  • Falconry: a prized sport and heritage; Qatar hosts falconry festivals and even has a falcon hospital.
  • Camel racing: held in winter at Al Shahaniya, with robot jockeys.
  • Dhow boats: traditional wooden boats still sail Doha Bay, and the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival celebrates maritime heritage.
  • Garangao: in mid-Ramadan, children go door to door singing and collecting sweets.

Etiquette

  • Dress modestly, particularly in malls, government buildings and souqs; signs often remind visitors.
  • Use your right hand for eating and greeting.
  • Do not photograph Qatari women, or anyone, without permission.
  • Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
  • During Ramadan, do not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight.
  • Tipping 10% to 15% is common in restaurants if service is not included.

See our Qatar country guide for costs and data.