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How to Experience Authentic Qatari Cuisine by the Sea – A Guide for Food Lovers

From rice dishes that smell divine to desserts that taste heavenly, food in Qatar is a feast for all the senses. The country's cuisine is shaped by influences from Persia, Lebanon, North Africa and India. Qatari cuisine isn't just about food; it tells you all you need to know about the crucible of culture that Qatar is. If you want to enjoy your Qatari meal by the sea, whether at an elegant restaurant or a souq, here's how to do it. Qatari Cuisine Qatari cuisine is part of traditional Arab cooking, and its dishes have deep roots in the region. The national dish is machboos, a delicious meal made using the slow-cooking method. The rice is cooked along with meat, usually lamb or chicken, and vegetables. Seafood and dates are also staples of the local cuisine. While cuisines in the region share many similarities, Qatari cuisine is quite unique in both flavour and preparation methods. You can enjoy traditional Qatari food in many local restaurants called matbakhs, found around popular locales such as Souq Waqif, The Pearl-Qatar and the Doha Corniche. Dining by the Sea Qatari food is packed with flavour, and the aroma alone is enough to make you hungry. To make your dining experience even better, try a restaurant by the sea. The fresh sea air, the view and, if it's supper, the setting sun create the perfect atmosphere for foodies who appreciate natural beauty. Seafood is highly popular here, so restaurants often feature menus full of seafood specials. If you're interested in a majlis staycation in Qatar while enjoying delicious food at ocean-view restaurants, choose a hotel such as Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli. Dining Locations If you prefer a more traditional experience, visit the local markets – bustling places with restaurants and cafés serving popular dishes such as machbūs. You can also look out for small hidden restaurants by the sea, often run by local families and serving delicious homemade food. Must-Try Local Food Make sure to order some of these delicious Qatari heritage dishes: •Machboos One of the most popular dishes in Qatar and an absolute must-try, machboos is the national dish. Rice is slow-cooked and infused with local spices, then served with generous amounts of lamb, chicken or fish. Warming spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and dried lime bring the characteristic Arab flavour to the dish. The meat is cooked slowly to allow it to meld with the spices. Some vendors like to top the rice with nuts or raisins to add extra texture and sweetness. It's a hearty dish and can be found at almost every restaurant in Qatar. •Saloona This is a great example of Qatar's love for stews. Saloona is a broth-based dish made with seasonal vegetables, meat such as lamb or chicken, and a mix of spices. All these ingredients are cooked slowly together with clove, ginger, cardamom and black loum (dried black lemon powder). You can find it at restaurants, and locals love to make it at home as well. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with rice – saloona adds delicious Qatari flavour to your seaside dining escapade. •Luqaimat These are deep-fried dumplings that are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Flavoured with cardamom and saffron, then drizzled with sweet date syrup or honey and sometimes topped with sesame seeds, Luqaimat will add a sweet note to your seaside dinner. If you can't quite imagine what they are, think of them as bite-sized doughnut balls made with Middle Eastern ingredients. These fried dumplings are especially popular during Ramadan. •Street Food Qatar has an excellent street food scene, where you can sense South Asian and North African influences. Popular must-try snacks include samosas, reggae bread and falafel. Karak tea is also highly popular, which adds a spicy and sweet note to your street food experience.