Qatar is home to abundant cafés surrounding various themes and concepts, offering classic & speciality coffees and dishes.
Out of the many cafes here, some are associated with Qatari culture, traditions or history in the form of concepts, food served or even interiors.
The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team brings you a list (in order of price) of traditional cafes in Qatar.
No place speaks Qatari tradition as much as Souq Waqif. This traditional marketplace has numerous dining outlets of all cuisines.
One of the many outlets is Al Ghaaryah Coffee Shop, one of the oldest cafés within the souq and serves tea, coffee & lite bites within a traditional setting.
Find out about other restaurants at Souq Waqif here- Restaurants in Souq Waqif (Where to eat)
Located within the Katara Cultural Village, Karak & Chapati serves Qatar's traditional tea known as 'Karak'. Karak is tea brewed with cardamom and sometimes saffron, infused with milk and savoured by many.
Aside from serving a classic beverage, the café further brings to life tradition with simplistic seating such as cane chairs.
Check out this list for details on other eateries at Katara- Restaurants and cafes in Katara Cultural Village
Basta represents many elements of old Qatar, be it the wall decor, chair & cushion covers, or even the food served. Get yourself a pot of 'Karak' (traditional Qatari tea) and accompany it with a bite of a Saffron Milk Cake to have an indulgent experience.
Located in Wakrah, one of Qatar's oldest towns which was once a pearl fishing hub, Souq Al Wakrah promises a glimpse of heritage.
E'asair Café serves traditional Qatari dishes and beverages and has many classic Qatari souvenirs on display, like old-school radios, photos of old Doha & so much more.
Karaki serves all things Qatari! From 'Luqaimat' a traditional sweet dumpling, to 'Karak' (traditional tea) or even 'Gahwa' (Qatari coffee).
Located at The Pearl Island, which boasts a European flare, Karaki offers a taste of tradition.
From its location to its structure, Arsan Café revives the history of Qatar. The café is housed within an old police station that retains its original structure. The café is located in the Northern region of Qatar and overlooks the serene waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Desert Rose Café pays homage to traditional Qatari food. A fusion menu curated by Qatari chef Noof Al Marri the cafe serves international food with a Qatari flare.
If the National Museum of Qatar is on your itinerary during your visit to Qatar, a stop by Desert Rose Café for a bite is a must-do!
Also read- Your one week itinerary for Qatar
While Café 875, located within the National Museum of Qatar, might seem like a contemporary dining outlet, it is rooted in traditional Qatari practices.
The restaurant gives guests a chance to experience the 'majlis' seating (traditional Qatari low-lying cushion seating). Thin base cushions, accompanied by a backrest and centre division cushions, are just how it is done.
If you are looking for more places to try out the 'majlis' experience:
The Special Ladies Cafe at Qanat Quartier within The Pearl-Qatar may seem just like any other café; however, it sets itself apart by being a 'ladies-only' café.
Male & female segregation is still a predominant part of Qatari culture when it comes to weddings, gatherings and so on. Even if not in a gathering, many women in Qatar still prefer their privacy and personal space. Therefore, this café gives space for this tradition to continue.
Looking for a traditional Qatari dessert in a classic setting? The Atrium Lounge & Café is where you need to head.
Located within the Sheraton Grand Doha which is one of Qatar's most iconic building structures, the unique pyramid-like shape and being one of the first buildings to be a high-rise make it a significant location in history.
While the hotel retains its flare, it is also popular for offering the Qatari dessert 'Umm Ali', served at the Atrium Lounge & Café.
Get to know other must-try Qatari food- 16 must-try food when you visit Qatar
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