The food history of Al Kharrara Desert near Mesaieed in Qatar is deeply intertwined with the Bedouin culture and the region’s geography. Traditional Qatari cuisine in desert areas like Al Kharrara has been shaped by a nomadic lifestyle and the need to consume what was available in a harsh environment. The diet here was traditionally focused on dates, cereals, dairy, and meat from camels and goats, as well as seafood along the coast. Over time, with the advent of trade and modernization, the Qatari diet has incorporated flavors and techniques from Indian, Iranian, North African, and Levantine cuisines.
While in the desert area of Al Kharrara and Mesaieed, it is not uncommon for tourists to experience traditional dining settings such as in tents or open-air encampments, which often offer a mix of both authentic Qatari cuisine and a variety of dishes from the broader Middle Eastern and international canon.