If you're looking to have a traditional meal in Qatar, one of the best ways to do so would be by visiting restaurants that offer the 'majlis' dining experience.

A 'majlis' is a gathering place in Qatari culture and translates to 'a place of sitting'. What is unique about it is the seating is low-lying with cushions placed on the ground.

Although this is a predominant part of Qatari culture, it is also shared by other countries in the region. Inspired by this, many restaurants around Qatar offer this cosy seating and serve regional cuisines.

The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team brings you a list of places (in alphabetical order) where you can try authentic flavours in this traditional setting.

Afghan Brothers

• Cuisine: Afghani/Arabic
• Timings: Daily - 11 am till 1 am (all branches)
• Locations & Contact: +974 4481 7505 (Al Rayyan) | +974 4488 8556 (Al Nasr) | +974 4444 0488 (Old Airport) | +974 4411 6783 (Al Wakrah) | +974 4441 2512 (Al Aziziyah) | +974 4487 8484 (Umm Salal Muhammed) | +9744442 2513 (Bin Omran)
  
• Instagram: @afghanbrothersqtr

Al Bait Al Kuwaiti Restaurant

• Cuisine: Kuwaiti
• Timings:
  • Al Rayyan, Al Duhail, Al Wakra, Al Saad branches: Saturday to Wednesday - 11:30 am to 11 pm | Thursday & Friday - 11:30 am to 12 am
  • Al Hilal branch: Saturday to Wednesday - 11:30 am to 12 am | Thursday & Friday - 11:30 am to 1 am
• Locations & Contact: +974 5022 5858 (Al Rayyan) | +974 6602 3305 (Al Duhail) | +974 5022 5959 (Al Wakra) | +974 5013 5858 (Al Saad) | +974 7092 9988 (Al Hilal)
  
• Instagram: @albaitalkuwaiti

Al Katem Restaurant

• Cuisine: Arabic
• Timings: Daily - 10 am to 2:30 am
• Contact: +974 4444 2626, +974 4444 3636, +974 3320 0331
• Location: Salwa Road
  
• Instagram: @alkatemrestaurant

Al Majles Al Arabi Restaurant

• Cuisine: Arabic
• Timings: Daily - 9 am till 1 am (all branches)
• Locations & Contact: +974 4455 2255 (Salwa Road) | +974 4478 5551 (Landmark Mall-Al Gharaffa) | +974 4444 7417 (Al Sadd)
  
• Instagram: @almajles.alarabi

Diwania Al Sharq Kitchen And Restaurant

• Cuisine: Afghani/ Arabic
• Timings: Daily - 6 am till 12 am (all branches)
• Contact: +974 3045 3113
• Location: Abu Hamour
  
• Instagram: @diwaniaalsharqkitchens

Kashmir Palace Restaurant

• Cuisine: Kashmiri/Asian
• Timings: Daily - 12 pm till 12 am
• Contact: +974 7405 7394
• Location: C Ring road, Al Sadd
  
• Instagram: @kashmir_palace_doha
• Note: Pre-booking is required for majlis seating

King Khan Restaurant

• Cuisine: Pakistani
• Timings: Daily - 4 am till 11 am
• Contact: +974 4490 1420
• Location: Ras Abu Aboud
• Instagram: @kingkhan_restaurant

Yemeni House

• Cuisine: Yemeni
• Timings: Daily - 11 am till 12 am
• Contact: +974 7090 9977, +974 4488 1588
• Location: Mirqab Al Jadeed Street, Al Nasr
• Instagram: @yemenihouseqr

RELATED:

• Majlis experience for visitors in Qatar
• #QTip: What do Qataris do in the Majlis (and how to dress)?
• The Majlis culture in Qatar

Have you tried traditional majlis dining before? Which of these restaurants would you like to head to? Let us know in the comments section. And don't forget to like and share this article- it keeps us going!

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Fareeha Imtiaz

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