With Qatar being a melting pot of cultures and different nationalities, this means that the dining scene is also diverse. Although popular cuisines (Arabic, Indian, Middle Eastern, Italian, Japanese, Filipino, Thai, etc) are a dime aplenty and easily found, there are also lesser-known cuisines you can find and are worth trying.

So, if you’re interested to try more cuisines and expanding your gastronomic knowledge, be sure to go on a foodie journey with these restaurants in Qatar!

Azerbaijani - Nakhchivan

Experience a harmony of culinary techniques and flavourful ingredients at Nakhchivan — the first Azerbaijani restaurant in Qatar offering authentic cuisines that you must try! Savour Azerbaijan’s traditional dishes like the Shah and Ovruste Pilaf, Saj Ichi, and the all-time favourite Dolma (vine leaves stuffed with minced lamb meat, rice, and herbs, served with yogurt). For dessert, Azeri Pakhlava is recommended. Everything at Nakhchivan will sure please your eyes as well as your taste buds!

• Contact: +974 3329 8960
• Location: Souq Waqif - near Traffic and Immigration Department
  
• Instagram: @nakhchivan.qatar

Ethiopian - Lucy Restaurant

Try Lucy's Specialty Dishes which are the restaurant's special take on traditional Ethiopian dishes - Lucy Special Beef Tibs, Lucy Special Kitfo, Gored Gored, and Lucy (an array of beef, chicken, and lamb with vegetarian dishes and arranged on a tray).

• Contact: +974 3131 5100, +974 3085 5366
• Location: Meazer Street, Muaither
• Instagram: @lucy_restaurant_doha

Georgian - Al Terrace

Treat your tastebuds with Georgian cuisine at Al Terrace! You can try their selection of comfort food like its national dish Khachapuri — a soft oven-baked bread stuffed with special Georgian cheese and topped with egg, and their broth-filled Khinkali dumpling. Want to try more? Order a platter of Pkhali, Nigvziani, Badrijani, and Lobio Nigvzit served with Georgian cornbread Mchadi.

Read: 5 reasons to visit the newly opened Georgian Restaurant Al Terrace

• Contact: +974 7047 3687
• Location: Al Mirqab Boutique Hotel, Souq Waqif
• Instagram: @alterracedoha

Korean - Maru

For a taste of Korean tradition, head on over to Maru! Nothing like their authentic Korean-style tabletop BBQ with fresh ingredients cooked and grilled right in front of you. Must include brisket rolls (Chadolbagi) or prime short ribs fillet (Galbisal). Don’t forget to try the world-famous Korean dish Bibimbap and ask about their beetroot water kimchi (Dongchimi).

• Contact: +974 4460 3099
• Location: 1st Floor, Al Nour Plaza Luxury Suites, West Bay
• Instagram: @marukoreanbbq_qatar

Nepalese - Royal Nepali

For a taste of Nepalese cuisine with ingredients locally sourced from Nepal, visit Royal Nepali Restaurant. From Momos (Nepalese dumplings) to Thukpa (noodles), you'll experience the distinct flavour of their traditional dishes. Also, try Thali and Nepali Chowmein.

• Contact: +974 4472 1801, +974 3324 6574
  
• Location: Al Khalidiya Street, Najma
• Instagram: @royalnepalirestaurant

South American - IKA

IKA is all about exploring a variety of South American dishes to help you experience that ‘intense Latin’ flavour! Don't miss to order their tacos and indulge in their Arepas — a Venezuelan mozzarella corn-pancake topped with sour cream and manchego cheese. For your main course, you can try their Duck Cazuela and Peruvian Ceviche.

• Contact: +974 3359 3043
• Location: Ground floor, Aleph Doha Residences, West Bay
• Instagram: @ika.doha

Sri Lankan - Salamath

Taste some of Sri Lanka's delicious cuisines at Salamath Restaurant. Try the tasty fried sprats Haalmesso Baduma that you can pair with Dragon Rice. Most selling also is their variety of Sri Lankan-style biryanis.

• Contact: +974 4466 2419 (Matar Qadeem), +974 4427 7993 (Barwa Village), +974 4464 9171 (Salwa Road)
  
• Location: Matar Qadeem, Old Airport
• Instagram: @salamath.qatar

Ukrainian - Desert Rose Cafe

While the restaurant also offers Arabic and international dishes, it's the Ukrainian menu you have to try. Try the "Instagrammable" Chicken Fricassee With Potato & Rose, Golubci, Banosh with Feta Cheese and Mushroom, Derynu, or Chicken Kyiv. Their Homemade Napoleon cake is also a winner.

RELATED: Check out 5 reasons why you have to dine at the Desert Rose Restaurant

• Contact: +974 5525 9646
• Location: Al Jomrok Boutique Hotel, Souq Waqif
  
• Instagram: @desertroseqr

Uzbek - Afrasiyab Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Uzbek meals at Afrasiyab. Try the Kuza Shurba (Clay Pot Soup), Manti (dumplings), or Palov - a signature Uzbek dish made from rice, carrots, lamb, and onions served with a green salad.

• Contact: +974 5040 7865
• Location: Ibn Mahmoud Street, Doha
• Instagram: @we_afrasiyab

Vietnamese - The Rice Room

Craving for a steaming bowl of Pho? Head to The Rice Room to try their Vietnamese dishes. Pho is available in chicken, beef, vegetable, or seafood. They also serve fresh and fried spring rolls as well as other staple Southeast Asian dishes.

• Contact: +974 5525 4423
• Location: Gulf Mall
• Instagram: @thericeroom

Originally written by Darlene Madrid, updated by Marivie Alabanza

Have you tried any of these restaurants? Got a hidden gem you want others to try? Let us know in the comments so we can add it!

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ILQ Staff

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