Top five restaurants offering authentic Qatari cuisine

Top five restaurants offering authentic Qatari cuisine

The whole country is celebrating Qatar National Day (QND) and it has been a double celebration for this beloved nation that has recently won the rights to won host the Asian Games 2030.

So if you want to go out and taste authentic Qatari cuisine today then here are five top restos that are offering traditional fare comprising of Machbous ( rice, meat/chicken, onions and tomatoes mixed with spices) and Thareed (mixture of Khubz rgag and broth, vegetable and chicken/meat) which are very popular throughout  the year.

For dessert, Lugimat, Aseeda, Balateet and Om Ali are well-known favorites. Here according to us are the top five restaurants you can visit today and let your taste buds experience QND cuisine.

1. Jiwan Restaurant (NMoQ)

Jiwan Restaurant 

The National Museum of Qatar houses this exquisite high fine-dining restaurant located within the unique Desert Rose designed landscape merging the desert and the sea.

The sheer elegance of Jiwan takes you on a journey through Qatari Heritage delving one into inspirational Qatari cuisine.

Location: 4th floor of National Museum of Qatar, Doha. 
Timings: Monday -Thursday and Saturdays 12:30 pm -9:00 pm. Fridays: 1:30 pm - 9:00 pm.

2. Al Jasra (Souq Waqif)

Al Jasra Souq Waqif

The ever popular Souq Waqif boasts of the famous Al Jasra restaurant that offers authentic Qatari food and hospitality experience with traditional menu having the most in-depth taste and value. 

The top of the menu is the traditional Qatari Machbous with meat and chicken flavors coupled with the fact that the prices are reasonable and the portion sizes reasonable.

Location:  Souq Waqif
Timings: Everyday 8:00 am - 11:30 pm

3. Shay al Shoomos (Souq Waqif)

Shay al Shoomos (Souq Waqif)

Another great Qatari Cuisine Corner is the Shayal Shoomos where one can start the day with the traditional Qatari breakfast.

Interestingly, the owner of this family-owned business, Shams Al Qassabi prepares and cooks the delicious meals in an open kitchen.

Let your palate taste authentic homemade Qatari food like Rgag, Saj, Eggs, Balaleet, Aseeda and a selection of spiced hot drinks. The ambiance showcases true Qatari hospitality as the inner walls are lined with memorable photos of warm welcome and hospitable gestures extended to several VIPs guests.

Location: Souq Waqif, 
Timings: Monday - Thursday: 7:30 am - 1:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday: 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm. Fridays: 7:30 am - 11:30 am.

4. SMAT (Corniche)

SMAT (Corniche)

If you are really a smart food buff than another amazing restaurant with breathtaking views of the Corniche is the SMAT.

With a breathtaking off view of the Cornice this restaurant modern ambiance with outdoor seating arrangements and most of the dishes have the chef's own touches to the traditional dishes to tickle your taste buds.

Location: Second Floor, Orient Pearl Restaurant, Corniche, Doha.
Timings: Everyday 8:00 am - 1:00 am 

5. Sofrat Omi Lolwa (Near Gold Souq)

Sofrat Omi Lolwa (Near Gold Souq)

Souq Waqif takes the cake for another authentic Qatari dishes with an inspiring display of Qatari aesthetics doubled with the fact that the food is simple yet loaded traditional flavors.

The breakfast includes Machbous, Thareed, and Harees along with other delicious dishes.

Location: Near gold souq, Souq Waqif.
Timings: Saturday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 11:00 pm. Fridays: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm.