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Posted On: 14 March 2017 12:00 am
Updated On: 22 May 2023 12:17 pm

17 hidden foodie spots you must try in Qatar

Fareeha Imtiaz
Fareeha Imtiaz
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Dohas Hidden Foodie Gems

When we think of Doha, we think of all things luxury, glistening, and extravagant. Little does one know that Qatar has much to offer when it comes to simple eats.

The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team is here with a list of findings of Doha’s hidden foodie spots (in alphabetical order) that are a must-try; for every foodie that shares the sentiment of true love for food.

Ali Al Naama Coffee

Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
Image Credit: Zomato

How about a warm chapati oozing cheese with a crunch of Omani chips and tinge of heat? The simplest yet most comforting item that is a must-try when one visits Souq Waqif is the stall that has an open kitchen entertaining many viewers to a process line of chapati making.

Details:

  • Food to try: Omani chips & cheese chapati
  • Price: Starting at QR 3
  • Location: Souq Waqif

Al Banuche Cafeteria

Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
Image Credit: Zomato

Breakfast on the go, lunch grab or snack time; this egg sandwich cuts it for any time of the day. Warm, cheesy, filling; best described as a hug on a plate.

Details:

  • Food to try: Egg sandwich
  • Tel: +974 4462 2026
  • Price: Starting at QR 5
  • Location: Matar Qadeem, Old Airport

    Al Jazeera Kabab Restaurant

    Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
    Image Credit: Shutterstock

    Hunting for juicy and tender kebabs? Look no more! Tucked in the back alleys of Old Salata, Al Jazeera Kabab serves barbecue meat with simple sides such as yoghurt dip, garlic sauce, flat breads and jarjeer leaves.

    Details:

    • Food to try: Chicken/Mutton Kebab
    • Tel: +974 4443 3440
    • Price: Starting at QR 4 per skewer
    • Location: Old Salata (Opposite N-MoQ)

      Al Omra Patisserie and Bakery

      Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
      Image Credit: Zomato

      A must-try menu item at Al Omra Patisserie and Bakery is the classic Fatera which is layers of soft pastry holding together a filling of feta cheese, eggs, herbs, and green chilies (if you wish), making for a scrumptious juicy bite that leaves you reaching out for another piece until it's all gone.

      Details:

      • Food to try: Fatera
      • Tel: +974 4487 1051
      • Price: Starting at QR 40
      • Location: Al Markhiya

        Beirut Restaurant

        Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
        Image Credit: Zomato

        Serving authentic Lebanese food to the foodies of Doha; Beirut Restaurant is a crowd-pleaser. Be sure to try their silky creamy Hummus, crunchy Falafels, flavourful Muttabbal accompanied by fresh onions, green chilies, and warm Khubz (Arabic bread).

        Details:

        • Food to try: Arabic salads - Hummus/Muttabal
        • Tel: +974 4435 5258
        • Price: Starting at QR 10
        • Location: Bin Mahmoud

          Bombay Cutting Chai Restaurant

          Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
          Image Credit: Google - Introvert Foodie

          A cozy hub hidden along the busy street of Al Nasr, serving delectable Indian street food to be devoured in seconds. While everything on the menu is worth a taste; the Kacchi Dabeli and Chicken Cheese Toast are ones that should not be missed.

          Details:

          • Food to try: Chicken Cheese Toast/ Kacchi Dabeli
          • Tel: +974 7771 2786
          • Price: Starting at QR 8
          • Location: Fereej Al Nasr
          • Facebook: @BombayCuttingChai

            Chicken House Restaurant

            Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
            Image Credit: Chicken's House

            The last time we checked Shawarma was an Arabic dish, right? Chicken House thought otherwise. They bring to you a Mexican spin on a simple shawarma with their Mexican Chicken Shawarma making it even more delicious than it already is. If you have a taste for heat, this one is a must-try for sure.

            Details:

            • Food to try: Mexican Chicken Shawarma
            • Tel: +974 4432 2777
            • Price: Starting at QR 9
            • Location: Fereej Al Nasr
            • Facebook: @ChickenHouseq

              Halul Cafe

              Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
              Image Credit: Zomato

              Set by the sea near Doha port, this little spot is an old-school lounge for many and a board gamer's favourite. A must-try when stopping by is the Chickpea soup also known as “Neckhi”. A bowl of boiled chickpeas soaked in a flavoursome broth served with a side of dry spices to be sprinkled on and a wedge of lemon to give it that tinge of tanginess.

              Details:

              • Food to try: Chickpea Soup (Neckhi)
              • Tel: +974 4111 1251
              • Price: Starting at QR 6
              • Location: Al Salata

                Just Samoosa

                Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
                Image Credit: Just Samoosa

                We all know that samosas are a favourite nibble but finding just the right one to satisfy those tastebuds is a struggle. Hidden in the coastal city of Al Khor, Just Samoosa offers some of the freshest samosas with a variety of fillings; veg, non-veg and sweet. Yes, you read that right- sweet samosas it is! The assorted box will give you a chance to try many of them; along with sides of chips and chutneys to dip into.

                Details:

                • Food to try: Assorted samosa box
                • Tel: +974 6622 9727
                • Price: Starting at QR 5 (6 pcs)
                • Location: Al Khor
                • Facebook: @justsamoosa

                  Mashawi Al Arabi

                  Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
                  Image Credit: Zomato

                  Unaware of what to call it best; de-constructed shawarma, open shawarma, an Arabic pizza? But what's in a name after all, when it tastes so good. A must-try item is the popular Wahsh; every bite of this flatbread, loaded with Shawarma meat, and topped with Tahini and other ingredients makes for an oriental dream.

                  Details:

                  • Food to try: Wahsh
                  • Tel: +974 4444 1974 (Al Wakra), +974 4444 9005 (Old Airport), +974 4411 4871 (Muaither) , +974 4442 2900 (Mirqab Al Jadeed)
                  • Price: Starting at QR 18
                  • Location: Mirqab Al Jadeed / Old Airport / Muaither / Al Wakra

                    Mutabbaq and Saj

                    Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
                    Image Credit: Zomato

                    Muttabaq & Saj will leave you wanting a bite of everything on their menu with the array of options they have as fillings to go along with their light and crispy bread. For a savoury taste the Chicken Mutabbaq should be your item of choice.

                    Details:

                    • Food to try: Chicken Mutabbaq
                    • Tel: +974 4444 6500
                    • Price: Starting at QR 18
                    • Location: Al Rayyan
                    • Facebook: @Mutabbaq&Saj

                      Ottoman Palace Restaurant

                      Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
                      Image Credit: Ottoman Palace

                      Looking for a juicy, messy, stuffed shawarma? This is the place to go; meat flavoured to taste, topped with all accompaniments, and generously drizzled with garlic sauce, this shawarma will touch not just your stomach but your heart as well.

                      Details:

                      • Food to try: Chicken/Mutton Shawarma
                      • Tel: +974 5054 0303 (Fereej Al Nasr), +974 7753 7853 (Al Khor)
                      • Price: Starting at QR 8
                      • Location: Fereej Al Nasr / Al Khor
                      • Facebook: @OttomanPalaceRestaurant

                        Petra Restaurant

                        Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
                        Image Credit: Petra Group Qatar

                        Petra Restaurant never fails to impress with their high-speed putting together of Shawarmas and Falafel sandwiches. While you wait for your order, your eyes are bound to catch sight of the Falafels that are freshly fried in their live kitchen which is a showcase for all. Every bite oozes freshness and is a classic love for many who have been in Doha for long.

                        Details:

                        • Food to try: Falafel/Falafel Sandwich/Shawarmas
                        • Tel: +974 4451 2312 (Al Nasr), +974 4480 0772 (Mesaimeer), +974 4465 4857 (Al Wakra), +974 4462 2954 (Airport Road), +974 4441 0066 (Fareej Kulaib), +974 4486 3666 (Bin Omran), +974 4442 5084 (Umm Ghuwailina)
                        • Price: Starting at QR 7
                        • Location: Al Nasr / Mesaimeer / Al Wakra / Airport Road / Fareej Kulaib / Bin Omran / Umm Ghuwailina
                        • Facebook: @PetraRestaurantsChain

                          Salamath Restaurant

                          Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
                          Image Credit: Salamath Restaurant

                          A restaurant located along the busy street of Matar Qadeem that serves Sri Lankan and South Indian specialties. Amongst the many dishes they serve, the one must-try is their famous Chili Parotta. A spice lovers dream, this bread-based dish tossed in curries and vegetables along with the meat of your choice will surely leave you craving for more. Be informed that this is an evening-only special.

                          Details:

                          • Food to try: Chili Parotta
                          • Tel: +974 4466 2419
                          • Price: Starting at QR 13
                          • Location: Matar Qadeem
                          • Facebook: @salamathqatar

                            Shujaa Restaurant

                            Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
                            Image Credit: Zomato

                            If you’re looking to visit Souq Waqif; don't leave without stopping by the bustling Shujaa Restaurant. The succulent pieces of kebabs that ooze flavour, covered in a bed of warm bread and dipped into their classic side serving of yoghurt and jarjeer leaves to crunch on make for a must-have meal.

                            Details:

                            • Food to try: Meat/Chicken Kebab skewers
                            • Tel: +974 5586 7895
                            • Price: Starting at QR 3 per skewer
                            • Location: Souq Waqif

                              South Madinat Khalifa Bakery

                              Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
                              Image Credit: Zomato

                              If you are looking for a warm comforting munch, South Madinat Khalifa Bakery is worth a drive-by. While the goodness of the baked goodies aroma is enough to get you hungry, their Chocolate Pastry will give you even more reason. Warm Nutella wrapped in a crisp and thick bedding of baked pastry; your sweet tooth will thank you for the treat.

                              Details:

                              • Food to try: Chocolate Pastry
                              • Tel: +974 3358 1981
                              • Price: Starting at QR 4
                              • Location: Madinat Khalifa

                              Taxi Restaurant - Al Salihiya Tea Stall

                              Doha's Hidden Foodie Gems
                              Image Credit: Google - Vishnu Vijay

                              For those who know Doha inside out; Al Salihiya Tea Stall is fondly known as Taxi Restaurant. A spot that fulfills all your hunger needs with the simplest of meals. Wholesome sandwiches, flakey parathas, and flavour-rich curries accompanied with their famous "Karak"; look no further.

                              Details:

                              • Food to try: Keema Sandwich/ Egg Sandwich (Egg Bhurji)/Chicken Paratha
                              • Tel: +974 4443 4205
                              • Price: Starting at QR 3
                              • Location: Al Muntazah

                              Have you tried any of these before? Which one will you be trying first? Do let us know in the comments below. Do share this article - it keeps us going!