When you are planning an escape to the Middle East, Qatar must be the first on your travel list, particularly to the food lovers. The Qatari cuisine is a mixture of comfort, tradition, and regional taste, with aromatic spices and slow-cooked stews. As you walk through crowded souqs or even when you are in a traditional restaurant, the food tastes how warm its culture is. When you book your trip with Qatar Tour Packages, you will get a chance to experience the real taste of the world.
When you avail Qatar Holiday Packages you are not just taking a trip to discover the beauty in the country but also a trip to discover the food heritage of the country. Make your trip even more enjoyable and leave it to the care of Go Kite travel- best travel agency in Dubai, the company which makes travelling adventures smooth and local.
Here are the 12 Traditional Qatari Dishes You Must Try
1. Machboos
Machboos is one of the most popular Qatari meals which are prepared with the help of spiced meat and rice (in most cases chicken or lamb or seafood). It is simmered at low temperatures using spices that add aroma to it like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. It is very popular in most of the Qatari houses due to their strong smell and strong taste.
2. Harees
This is a creamy porridge that is made of lamb/ chicken or wheat. It is typically cooked during Ramadan and celebrations. The grains are cooked slowly until tender and then they are combined with meat to provide a smooth thick texture. Harees is a light meal and easily digestible since it is mildly seasoned and nutritious.
3. Balaleet
Balaleet is a sweet and savory dish made with sweetened vermicelli and saffron, cardamom, and rosewater served with a savory omelet of eggs. This dish is typically served for breakfast and has a strong combination that surprises the first-time eaters. Balaleet is reminiscent of the Qatari passion to create something new in the sphere of traditional cuisine, and it still remains a favorite of many generations.
4. Madrouba
Madrouba is an oily rice recipe which contains chicken, milk, butter and a combination of spices. All the ingredients are boiled until they are silky and soothing. It is regarded as a comfort food that is usually prepared in most homes and is most common in the cold seasons. Madrouba is usually served hot and it has a bit of spicy taste which is well balanced with the soft rice bottom hence it is very fulfilling.
5. Thareed
Thareed is a tasty meat stew, which is sometimes referred to as Arab lasagna. It is prepared with vegetables and crunchy flatbread and it is accompanied by a delicious broth. It is a traditional dish that is served in Ramadan and it is believed to be nourishing and filling. The juices are soaked by the bread and the bread becomes soft and delicious, with the broth providing a wonderful kick of spice.
6. Majboos Samak
Majboos Samak is the fish version of classic Machboos, prepared with locally available fish such as hamour. This is a coastal specialty and a reflection of the Qatari affection to the sea. The marinated fish and spice rice cooked together, and the flavors blend beautifully. Majboos Samak is usually accompanied with fried onion and almonds, it is a strong, salty food with fresh sea taste.
7. Saloona
Saloona is a Qatari stew that is cooked using meat and vegetables like carrots, potatoes and tomatoes. It is cooked slowly with garlic, ginger and other local spices hence it is thick and flavourful. Saloona is one of the dishes that are cooked in the house and it is usually served with rice or bread and it portrays simplicity and the homeliness of the Qatari food.
8. Luqaimat
Luqaimat are golden crispy dumplings, which are soft inside, sweetened with date syrup or honey. They are tiny sweets which are mostly consumed during Ramadan. They are slightly crispy and lightly flavored with cardamom and they are normally accompanied with Arabic coffee. As an after-meal dessert or a snack during a celebration, Luqaimat is a delicious blend of sweet and texture that makes everyone want to have more of it.
9. Khanfaroosh
Khanfaroosh is a deep-fried spongy cake which is prepared with flour, saffron and cardamom. It is a popular tea time treat, slightly sweetened and often rosewater flavored. Its fresh fragrance and softness are peculiar to the Middle Eastern snacks. Khanfaroosh tastes wonderful whether it is offered to visitors or shared with family and friends, and it is an excellent example of Qatari hospitality and home-made baking that goes back many generations.
10. Stuffed Camel
Stuffed Camel is one of the most lavish dishes in Qatari cuisine and is reserved to grand celebrations. It is the fillings of an entire camel with rice, eggs and spices, in other cases other smaller animals (chickens or lambs) are placed between the layers. It is hardly ever cooked because of its magnitude except in weddings or other celebrations.
11. Shakshouka
Shakshouka is a very delicious dish of eggs, which includes tomato sauce and pepper. The eggs are lightly poached and cooked in a spicy onion, garlic and chili. This is a straightforward but satiating meal that is ideal at breakfast or brunch. Served hot with bread, Shakshouka is comforting as it is tasty.
12. Dates and Arabic Coffee
It is not a simple snack, but a cultural rite of this old set of food. Dates are natural and sweet, energy giving and the lightly spiced Arabic coffee (Qahwa) is refreshing and pleasant smelling. This pair is being given as a gift during welcome and meetings and it is an indication of Qatari hospitality.
Conclusion
Qatari food is a delicious trip into rich cultural heritage, generous hospitality and ancient traditions. Every dish has a story behind it, such as the coziness of stews such as Thareed to the sweetness of Luqaimat. These ancient dishes are not only food, but the experience that unites people and reveals the soul of Qatar.
Being a food enthusiast or a curious traveler, you will not be disappointed in incorporating these authentic flavors into your plans and making your travel experience even more impressive. Visiting the eating delights of the country is possible with Qatar Vacation Packages and affordable Qatar packages, and you will not lose a single beat. Allow your taste buds to experience the delicious flavors of Qatar so that your trip will be memorable.
