Kosupa Travel

While Qatar has recently gained attention as a World Cup host, its charm extends far beyond modern skyscrapers. In the capital Doha, the traditional Arabic market, Souq Waqif (also spelled Souq Waqif), offers a maze-like atmosphere steeped in local culture. This article continues from the previous installment, focusing on the food scene at Souq Waqif.

Check out the first part here!

Easily Enjoy Traditional Arabic Cuisine

Souq Waqif offers numerous restaurants serving Qatari cuisine and dishes from across the Middle East. You can savor authentic Arabic dishes like charcoal-grilled meats and spice-infused stews.

At a local Arabic restaurant near the center of Souq Waqif, I ordered a set of three local dishes: Makroona, Margogah, and Majboos. These restaurants offer small portions of multiple dishes, making it easy for solo travelers to sample a variety of cuisines. This system is particularly helpful, as restaurants abroad often serve very large portions.

Additionally, besides Arabic restaurants, you’ll also find Western cuisine like Italian restaurants and cafes. If you’re feeling tired of spicy Arabian flavors, these alternative dining options can provide a nice change of pace.

Street Food You Can’t Miss

While sitting down for a meal is enjoyable, I personally recommend exploring the street food in the market’s outdoor square. Here, you can sample various traditional Arab dishes.

A standout dish is Regag, a traditional street food from Qatar and other Arab regions. Simply put, it’s like a savory crepe. It’s typically filled with eggs, cheese, and other ingredients, and is a popular light snack or meal in the region.

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Pro tip: Mix Regag with Chips Oman, a local potato chip brand. If you see Chips Oman near the Regag vendor, feel free to gesture and request them to mix it in. This is how locals enjoy it!

Chips Oman is the most popular potato chip in the Middle East and is incredibly delicious. If you visit the Middle East, you absolutely must try it!

Exploring Al-Khaleej Sweets Centre

For those looking to fully immerse themselves in Qatari and Arab cuisine, Al-Khaleej Sweets Centre is a must-visit. This shop offers sweets from around the world, with a focus on popular treats from Arab regions and Qatar. It’s a paradise for international snack enthusiasts.

The ability to buy sweets by weight is particularly appealing. While similar shops exist worldwide, the experience at Al-Khaleej Sweets Centre is unique.

The sweets are predominantly in muted colors like white and brown, quite different from the bright pinks and reds you might expect. I was overwhelmed by the selection of unfamiliar treats, likely popular local candies.

After purchasing a variety, I discovered an assortment of caramel-like, cookie-like, and nougat-like confections. Most were quite sweet and likely to appeal to many international palates.

Turkish Coffee Experience

At Souq Waqif, you can also enjoy Turkish coffee, also known as Sand Brew Coffee. This traditional brewing method is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. While rarely seen in many countries, it has become globally popular among coffee enthusiasts.

The origins of Sand Brew Coffee date back to the Ottoman Empire around the 16th century. At that time, ground coffee beans were mixed with water and heated in a pot of sand. This traditional method continues to be used today. In recent years, it has gained worldwide attention for its unique flavor, especially when spices are added, and its entertaining preparation method.

Different from Arabic cardamom coffee, Turkish coffee offers an exotic flavor that is definitely worth experiencing.

What Did You Think?

Over two installments, we’ve explored the market “Souq Waqif” in Doha. Souq Waqif is essentially an Arab showcase. When visiting Qatar, be sure to stop by!