Food & Drinks in Qatar

Think about the history you are holding in your hands as you gaze into your cup of coffee. Coffee has been stolen, trafficked, and banned; with an estimated 2.25 billion cups consumed everyday worldwide, coffee represents globalization in its earliest stages.

The Arabic word gahwa is the source of the term coffee, and like the beverage, the word changed as it spread westward. According to legend, a goat herder by the name of Kaldi first learned about the stimulant from “dancing goats” in modern-day Ethiopia. The magic bean originated in Ethiopia and then moved to Yemen, through the Levant, and finally to Europe and Asia.

The preparation, serving, and drinking of Arabic coffee are surrounded by complex rituals that are steeped in tradition. In a dallah, the peculiarly shaped pot, younger family members prepare and serve coffee, starting with the oldest person present before progressing from right to left. The traditional cup (finjan), which is filled to the halfway mark, is passed with the right hand alone (never the left). When guests have had enough, they gently shake the finjan from side to side while enjoying a date or something delicious with their coffee.

Along with the development of coffee shops, which served as gathering places for conversation and the exchange of ideas, coffee culture also has its roots in the Arab world. The majlises, which constitute an important part of contemporary Qatari life, carry on this heritage. The majlis, which dates back to the Bedouin era, is typically a male-only area where the tribe’s chief and his male family members debate marriage, politics, finances, and settle any conflicts while enjoying copious amounts of gahwa. A growing number of speciality coffee shops, some of which offer contemporary twists on Arabic coffee, can be found in Doha. Younger Qataris have embraced coffee in all of its variations.

Coffee enthusiasts can sample everything from gahwa to lattes to cortados as they travel the world through Qatar’s cafes. Popular tourist destinations feature a large number of cafés, each with a welcoming atmosphere, creative brews and mixes, nibbles, and desserts.

Look no further than Lusail to find the newest “it” location. A well-liked box park near the waterfront and new eateries and cafés can be found in the freshly constructed smart city. Fans of Breaking Bad can visit Walter’s Coffee Roastery, known for its iced tiramisu and lemon and orange brews.

The Pearl-Qatar is the next stop on the Java Journey, and travellers there are spoiled for options. Popular coffee shops with views of the marina, themed decor, and unique menu items, including charcoal and rose lattes at Cue Café, were established by Qataris and include Flat White, Artist Café, Halo Café, and Volume Café.

Kava Koffee is located in Katara Cultural Village and offers specialized blends that make the ideal pick-me-ups while taking a leisurely stroll through the art galleries, stores, and exhibition spaces. Prefer a more opulent setting? Get rich Arabic and Turkish coffees in old-world elegance at the Sheraton, a local landmark.

Near Souq Waqif, in the center of Doha’s cultural area, the recently revitalized Msheireb Downtown neighborhood is home to numerous great cafés, including Rusk Artisanal Bakery, Arabica, and The Ministry of Coffee in its exquisite Barahat Msheireb town square. Pick up a cup of your preferred speciality coffee, then stroll about enjoying the architecture or stopping by the Msheireb Museums, which are situated in four historic homes.

Coffee connoisseurs can visit Café 42 in Old Doha, which serves beans from all over the world, allowing the palate to travel while the body cannot.

Shopaholics can satisfy their caffeine craving at one of Doha’s opulent malls, such as Doha Festival City or L’eto in Al Hazm. Try their chemex or saffron ice-cube latte, which is their specialty craft beverage. Eleven-eleven in the Mall of Qatar has a strong following for its peanut butter latte and iced coconut latte if you’re looking for more adventurous flavors.

Spend a leisurely afternoon at Meesh Me-Time café in the Crowne Plaza, Business Park Doha, or visit Bo’s coffee at Bin Omran or the DECC metro station if you’re looking for some downtime. Try the iced qahwa, which is offered at a number of establishments, including the Duhail Sports Club close to Qatar University, for a contemporary take on the classic qahwa.

Arabic Coffee

If you ask for Arabic coffee in a coffee shop in Qatar, you’ll get a tiny cup of a fragrant, gold-colored beverage known as qahwa in Arabic (pronounced gahwa).

Although Arabic coffee is available in powder form, it is mostly consumed by the younger generation on the move. An elder will regard instant coffee to be an insult, because the coffee-making process is particularly important in Qatari households, with tribes and families frequently developing their own distinctive recipes.

Green coffee beans of the highest quality are obtained from wholesale stores, many of which can be found at Souq Waqif, along with other traditional components like as saffron, cardamom, cloves, and dried shaiba leaves (black stone flower). Saffron, the most costly component, is meticulously selected or acquired from Iran. If asked, the shop can roast and ground the beans, although many consumers prefer to do it themselves. Additional ingredients can be added, with the proportions varied each family. Even the color of the coffee varies, with some people preferring brighter tones and others preferring deeper tones.