Qatar’s culinary scene is a treasure trove of flavors, blending Middle Eastern traditions with a touch of modern flair.
If you’re a foodie looking to spice up your kitchen game, you’re in for a treat. These Qatari recipes aren’t just meals—they’re experiences.
From hearty stews to sweet indulgences, each dish tells a story of culture, history, and passion.
Ready to dive into a world of aromatic spices, tender meats, and desserts that’ll make your taste buds sing? Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a culinary journey through the 10+ best Qatari recipes you absolutely need to try at least once.
1. Machboos (Spiced Rice with Meat)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 500g chicken, lamb, or beef
- 4 cups water or broth
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons baharat spice mix
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cardamom pods
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Start by heating the oil in a large pot and sautéing the onions until golden. Add the meat and brown it on all sides.
Toss in the garlic, spices, and tomato paste, stirring until fragrant. Throw in the diced tomatoes and let them soften.
Add the rice, water, and salt, then bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is fluffy and the meat is tender.
Why We Chose It:
Machboos is the heart and soul of Qatari cuisine. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.
The blend of spices is next-level delicious, and it’s a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
2. Harees (Wheat and Meat Porridge)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat grains, soaked overnight
- 500g chicken or lamb
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
How to Make It:
Drain the soaked wheat and cook it with the meat in a pot of water until everything is tender.
Remove the meat, shred it, and return it to the pot. Use a hand blender to mix everything into a smooth porridge. Stir in the ghee, salt, and cinnamon, and serve warm.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Harees is comfort food at its finest. It’s creamy, hearty, and perfect for chilly nights.
Plus, it’s a staple during special occasions, so you know it’s a crowd-pleaser.
3. Thareed (Qatari Bread and Meat Stew)
Ingredients:
- 500g lamb or chicken
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pieces of rigag bread or pita bread
How to Make It:
Cook the meat with onions until browned. Add the spices, tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes, then pour in the broth.
Simmer until the veggies are tender. Tear the bread into pieces and layer it in a serving dish. Pour the stew over the bread and let it soak before serving.
Why We Selected It:
Thareed is like the Qatari version of a savory bread pudding. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up all those delicious stew juices.
4. Balaleet (Sweet Vermicelli with Eggs)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vermicelli noodles
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons rose water
- 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
How to Make It:
Cook the vermicelli and toss it with sugar, cardamom, and rose water. In a separate pan, scramble the eggs with ghee.
Serve the sweet vermicelli topped with the scrambled eggs.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Balaleet is a unique blend of sweet and savory that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. It’s a dish that’ll surprise and delight your taste buds.
5. Luqaimat (Sweet Dumplings)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup date syrup or honey
How to Make It:
Mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and water into a sticky dough. Let it rest for an hour.
Heat the oil and drop small spoonfuls of dough into it. Fry until golden, then drizzle with date syrup or honey.
Why We Chose It:
Luqaimat is the ultimate sweet treat. These little dumplings are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and downright addictive.
6. Madrouba (Beaten Rice with Chicken)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup short-grain rice
- 500g chicken
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons ghee
How to Make It:
Cook the chicken with onions, garlic, and spices until tender. Add the rice and water, then simmer until the rice is soft.
Beat the mixture until it becomes porridge-like. Serve with a dollop of ghee.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Madrouba is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s a dish that’ll warm you up from the inside out.
7. Saloona (Vegetable and Meat Stew)
Ingredients:
- 500g lamb or chicken
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 4 cups broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Brown the meat with onions, then add the spices and veggies. Pour in the broth and simmer until everything is tender. Serve with rice or bread.
Why We Selected It:
Saloona is a versatile stew that’s packed with veggies and flavor. It’s a healthy, hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal.
8. Khabees (Sweet Semolina Pudding)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup semolina
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons rose water
- 2 tablespoons ghee
How to Make It:
Toast the semolina in ghee until golden. Add sugar, water, and spices, then cook until thick. Serve warm or cold.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Khabees is a simple yet delicious dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
9. Margoog (Vegetable and Meat Stew with Dough)
Ingredients:
- 500g lamb or chicken
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 2 zucchini, sliced
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup water
How to Make It:
Cook the meat with onions and spices, then add the veggies and broth.
Mix the flour and water into a dough, then tear small pieces into the stew. Simmer until the dough is cooked.
Why We Chose It:
Margoog is a unique stew that’s both filling and flavorful. The dough pieces add a fun twist to this classic dish.
10. Ghuzi (Whole Roasted Lamb with Rice)
Ingredients:
- 1 whole lamb leg or shoulder
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons baharat spice mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Rub the lamb with spices and roast it until tender. Cook the rice with onions, tomatoes, and spices. Serve the lamb over the rice.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Ghuzi is a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for special occasions. It’s rich, flavorful, and sure to impress.
11. Umm Ali (Bread Pudding)
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces of puff pastry or bread
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make It:
Tear the bread into pieces and layer it in a baking dish. Heat the milk with sugar and pour it over the bread.
Sprinkle with raisins, nuts, and cinnamon. Bake until golden and bubbly.
Why We Selected It:
Umm Ali is a decadent dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. It’s creamy, crunchy, and utterly delicious.
Conclusion
There you have it—10+ mouthwatering Qatari recipes that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Middle East.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these dishes are sure to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and start cooking. Your next culinary adventure is just a recipe away!