Food In Souq Waqif

Food History of Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar

Souq Waqif stands as one of the oldest marketplaces in the Qatari capital of Doha. The Souq has been a social and trading hub for centuries, where Bedouins and locals would gather to trade not just goods like spices, textiles, and perfumes but also food. The market has been meticulously restored to its original glory, maintaining its historical architectural style.

As a center of commerce and a meeting place for different cultures, the food in Souq Waqif is as diverse as its history. Traditional Qatari cuisine has been influenced by a variety of culinary traditions due to the country's location as a trading port and its historical pearl diving and trading. Over the years, the food offerings at Souq Waqif have expanded to include a wide range of Middle Eastern cuisines, as well as diverse international dishes, catering to the palates of residents, expatriates, and tourists alike.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar

Here are the top 10 dishes—both vegetarian and non-vegetarian—that visitors must try when in Souq Waqif:

1. Machboos - A fragrant rice dish often considered the national dish of Qatar, flavored with spices and served with slow-cooked lamb or chicken (Non-Veg)
2. Warak Enab - Grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, which can be found in various Middle Eastern restaurants throughout the Souq (Veg)
3. Thareed - A traditional Qatari stew, usually made with chicken or lamb, and vegetables layered with crispy bread known as 'rigag' (Non-Veg)
4. Tabbouleh - A refreshing salad made from bulgur wheat, finely chopped parsley, mint, tomato, and onion, seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice (Veg)
5. Fatteh - A Levantine dish consisting of pieces of fresh, toasted, or stale flatbread covered with other ingredients such as chickpeas and yogurt (Veg)
6. Kousa Mahshi - Zucchini (courgettes) stuffed with a mixture of rice and meat, cooked in tomato sauce (Non-Veg)
7. Samboosa - A crispy pastry filled with a variety of stuffings, including cheese, vegetables, or ground lamb (Veg option available)
8. Umm Ali - A scrumptious and creamy dessert made of pastry, milk, and nuts, similar to bread pudding (Veg)
9. Shawarma - A well-known Middle Eastern wrap filled with grilled meat and vegetables; though typically made with chicken or lamb, vegetarian versions can also be found (Non-Veg, Veg option available)
10. Falafel - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, typically served in a pita or wrapped in flatbread with salads and sauces (Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar

Besides its rich selection of market stalls, Souq Waqif boasts a vibrant restaurant scene. Below is a list of some of the top restaurants, including their addresses:

1. Al Adhamiyah Iraqi Restaurant
   Address: Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar
   Famous for: Masgouf - A traditional Iraqi dish of grilled fish (Non-Veg)
2. Al Tawash Restaurant
   Address: Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar
   Famous for: Qatari Machboos - A traditional spiced rice dish with lamb or chicken (Non-Veg)
3. Parisa
   Address: Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar
   Famous for: Iranian Kebabs - Grilled meat skewers, although vegetarian appetizers are available (Non-Veg)
4. Damasca One
   Address: Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar
   Famous for: Shish Barak - Dumplings filled with minced meat, cooked in a yogurt stew (Non-Veg)
5. Sanjeev Kapoor's Khazana
   Address: Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar
   Famous for: Paneer Lababdar - Cottage cheese in a creamy tomato sauce (Veg)
6. Al Jasra Traditional Food
   Address: Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar
   Famous for: Arabic Coffee and Dates - A traditional welcoming snack (Veg)
7. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli - La Piazza Restaurant
   Address: Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar
   Famous for: Italian Cuisine, with vegetarian options available (Veg)
8. The Village
   Address: Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar
   Famous for: Chicken Korma - A rich and creamy North Indian chicken dish (Non-Veg)

Each of these restaurants offers a unique dining experience, serving both traditional Qatari dishes and international cuisine, providing options for every dietary requirement.