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Uncover the Delicious World of Cuisine in Qatar

Sushant Mahajan, May 7, 2025
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Whether you're planning a full-fledged Qatari holiday or just making a smart stopover... your taste buds are in for a treat.

Qatar. The name itself brings up images of futuristic buildings and trendy skylines. For some, it may bring memories of big sporting events or even world-class concerts. But for us Indian travellers, who cherish good cuisine experiences, Qatar Cuisine has got a delightful surprise: a diverse culinary scene full of flavours and spices. So, whether you are planning a week-long itinerary or a quick and smart stopover to this Middle Eastern gem, it has become easier to get a Qatar visa for Indians, opening up a paradise of flavours for the Indian travellers. This will ensure a trip full of diverse experiences for all Indian travellers.

Qatar cuisine is like a beautiful story woven from threads from all over the world, including Persia, the Western world, and, yes, from India too. This translates into familiar cuisine options for all Indian travellers, along with surprises for exciting discoveries.

The Crown Jewel: Machboos – Qatar's Answer to Biryani?

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Every country has its star dish, or so-called national dish. For Qatar Cuisine, the national dish is undoubtedly Machboos. You can think of it as the close cousin of our beloved Indian biryani, with a unique Qatari soul. Known for its simplicity and versatility, this rice dish is slow-cooked with tender meat and a blend of aromatic spices. These days, it is being experimented with other seafood versions, too. The aromatic spices give it a familiar taste with a twist of tangy flavour, which is unique to this dish. This often comes from the addition of the black lime (loomi) in the dish. Do not leave Qatar without trying this national dish with diverse flavours.

Comfort Food & Hearty Stews

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If you find comfort in a warm bowl of Dalia or similar porridge-like dishes, then you will surely like Harees or even Madrouba. There is a certain allure of this comfort food that makes you feel right at home. While Harees is a slow-cooked dish of wheat and meat, Madrouba combines rice, milk, spices and fish or chicken. Both of these dishes have a porridge-like consistency, which is similar to our Dalia. Rich in flavour and nutritional values, both of these are made at special occasions and family gatherings in Qatar Cuisine.

Qatari Saloona is like a friendly relative of Indian curry. This is basically a spicy stew made from vegetables and meat, often enjoyed with rice for a complete meal. Thareed is also a must-try stew in Qatar, which is famous for its thin bread that soaks up all the flavours of vegetables and meat.

Small Bites, Big Adventures: Street Food & Appetisers

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If you are a foodie looking for sensory overload, then the bustling alleyways of Souq Waqif will provide you with more than just shopping opportunities. Here, the aroma-filled air will lead you to diverse street food. Crispy falafel or juicy shawarma, you name it, and this street will have it. The authentic taste of Arabian flavour in this well-known Qatar Cuisine will leave a mark on you for sure. And of course, you can find Samboosa here, a version of our Samosa. It will often have a thin crust with a filling of meat or cheese, making it a perfect snack while you explore other food items. As long as appetisers are concerned, you can also explore the classic Middle Eastern finds like creamy hummus, smoky mutabbal (eggplant dip), and fresh tabbouleh. Perfect for sharing and refreshing as starters, these appetisers will make your day.

Sweet Symphony: Desserts to Delight Your Indian Palate

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For all those sweet-tooths out there, desserts in Qatar Cuisine offer distinct indulgence. First on the list is Luqaimat, which, if it reminds you of Gulab Jamun, then you are on the right track. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these are drizzled with sweet syrup or honey. Second, we move on to a distinct dish which is both sweet and savoury: Balaleet. It is a dish made of sweetened vermicelli which is topped with a savoury egg omelette. Other popular sweet dishes in Qatar Cuisine include Umm Ali (delicious bread pudding) and the delicate cheese pastry Kunafa, which you might find a fan of, who enjoys Rabri or Malpua.

Ready to Savour Qatar?

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From the aromatic Machboos to the sweetness of Luqaimat, cuisine in Qatar is an important part of its national identity. As such, exploring Qatar Cuisine offers a rare opportunity to experience the diverse culture and heritage of the country. So, start planning your delicious journey and experience the different, incredible flavours firsthand. If you are planning a trip to Qatar and experience any queries or issues regarding the Qatar tour packages, its visa, or any other challenges, you can get in touch with our travel experts at 022 4164 2214. Feel free to connect with us and start your Qatari adventure with Musafir.com.

Do check out our complete Travel Guide to Qatar or Qatari Adventure-Only Guide.

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