Food In Al Khor Island

Food History of Al Khor Island, Madinat ash Shamal, Qatar

Al Khor Island, also known as Jazirat bin Ghanim and Purple Island, is nestled in the region of Madinat ash Shamal in the northern part of Qatar. Its history with food is tied to the traditional Qatari cuisine which consists of a melting pot of influences from Iran, India, and various areas of the Arabian Peninsula. Fishing and pearl diving were central to the early economy of the region, which also influenced the local diet predominantly featuring seafood. Traditional spices and cooking techniques that include slow cooking and grilling are cornerstones of the cuisine on Al Khor Island.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Al Khor Island

Here is a list of the top 10 food dishes that tourists should try when visiting Al Khor Island, with a notation on whether the dish is vegetarian (Veg) or non-vegetarian (Non-Veg):

1. Mathrooba - A creamy, porridge-like dish made with buttery oats and chicken or lamb (Non-Veg)
2. Machboos - A spiced rice dish often served with fish or seafood, a specialty in coastal areas like Al Khor (Non-Veg)
3. Madrouba - Rice mixed with milk, butter, and various spices, with chicken often being a key ingredient (Non-Veg)
4. Samak Mashwi - Grilled fish marinated in traditional spices, reflecting the fishing heritage of the island (Non-Veg)
5. Thareed - A stew-like dish often made with vegetables and chicken or lamb, similar to a pot pie without the crust (Non-Veg)
6. Falafel - Deep-fried chickpea balls or patties served with dips such as tahini (Veg)
7. Tabbouleh - A refreshing parsley salad with bulgur, tomatoes, and a lemony dressing (Veg)
8. Hummus - A creamy spread made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice (Veg)
9. Baba Ganoush - A smoky eggplant dip enriched with tahini and olive oil (Veg)
10. Fattoush - A Levantine bread salad made with mixed greens, fresh vegetables, and crispy pieces of pita (Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Al Khor Island and Their Specialties

Here are some of the top restaurants located in Al Khor, each with their well-known dishes. Please note some of these restaurants may have other addresses in Qatar, but included are their closest branches to Al Khor Island:

Al Sultan Beach Resort

Al Khor Coastal Road, Al Khor, Qatar

Specialty: Seafood Platters (Non-Veg)

Lenotre

Al Khor Mall, Al Khor, Qatar

Specialty: French Pastries and Cafe Fare (Veg/Non-Veg)

Al Mourjan Restaurant

Corniche Street, Al Khor, Qatar

Specialty: Machboos (Non-Veg)

Captain’s Table

Al Khor Community, Al Khor, Qatar

Specialty: Grilled Seafood dishes (Non-Veg)

Al Manal Restaurant

Al Khor City, Al Khor, Qatar

Specialty: Arabic Cuisine (Veg/Non-Veg)

Eggspectation

Al Khor Mall, Al Khor, Qatar

Specialty: Breakfast Platters (Veg/Non-Veg)

Zaatar w Zeit

Al Khor Mall, Al Khor, Qatar

Specialty: Lebanese Manakeesh (Veg/Non-Veg)

Jones The Grocer

Al Bayt Stadium Park, Al Khor, Qatar

Specialty: Gourmet Sandwiches and Salads (Veg/Non-Veg)

Shakespeare and Co.

Al Khor Mall, Al Khor, Qatar

Specialty: European-Influenced Cuisine (Veg/Non-Veg)

While these restaurants offer a variety of dishes, the listed specialties give an idea about the flavors that visitors can expect in traditional and modern cuisine on Al Khor Island. Most establishments offer a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to cater to a diverse group of diners.