What Food To Try in Doha and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Doha for 2025.
National currency: Qatari Rial, symbol — (international currency code QAR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Doha cafes and restaurants
$8.3
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $4.13
$55.1
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $30.32
$6.9
Combo Meal
Starting from $6.89
What to Try in Doha
Must-try Dishes
Shakshuka - Eggs in Spiced Sauce - A dish of poached eggs simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with spices like cumin and paprika. Locals often indulge in this hearty breakfast during leisurely weekend mornings, usually paired with warm bread for scooping.Falafel - Deep-fried Chickpea Balls - Crispy balls made from ground chickpeas and herbs, served in a fluffy pita with tahini sauce and veggies. You’ll find this beloved street food snacked on by busy locals, especially during lunch hours after a shopping spree.
Majboos - Spiced Rice with Meat - Fragrant basmati rice cooked with lamb or chicken and infused with a blend of spices like saffron and cardamom. Traditionally served at family gatherings for lunch or dinner, it’s common to see it adorned with nuts and raisins for a special touch.
Pastilla - Savory Pie with Chicken - A layered pastry with spiced chicken, almonds, and powdered sugar, giving it a unique sweet-savory profile. This local specialty is often reserved for weddings or celebrations, making it a dish full of cultural significance.
Harees - Wheat and Meat Dish - A hearty dish made with ground wheat and tender chicken or lamb, cooked until creamy and often garnished with ghee. Beloved during Ramadan, it’s best enjoyed at iftar time, providing a comforting end to a day of fasting, nestled among family.
Mezzeh - Appetizer Selection - An array of small dishes showcasing hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh, perfect for sharing. While often seen as a starter, many locals enjoy it as a light lunch, grouping friends around a communal table.
Kousa Mahshi - Stuffed Zucchini - Zucchini stuffed with spiced rice and minced meat, simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce. This dish shines in the summer months when zucchinis are in season, often shared among family members at festive gatherings.
By the way, it’s common to dip bread into many dishes here, so don’t shy away from getting your hands a bit messy!
Desserts & Drinks
Qamar al-Din - قمر الدين (apricot juice) - A sweet refreshing drink made from dried apricots boiled and blended with water, served chilled. It's especially popular during Ramadan as a thirst quencher after fasting; you'll often find it on iftar tables.Arabic Coffee - القهوة العربية (spiced coffee) - A distinctive light coffee brewed with cardamom, served in small cups without milk. Ritualistically offered to guests, locals enjoy sipping it during gatherings and special occasions; it’s a sign of hospitality.
Mahalabiya - مهلبية (milk pudding) - This is a creamy, aromatic dessert made from milk, sugar, and rice flour, delicately flavored with rose or orange blossom water. You’ll typically find it at family celebrations or weddings, served chilled and often topped with nuts; it's creamy and utterly delightful.
Basbousa - بسبوسة (semolina cake) - A soft, sweet cake made from semolina drenched in sugar syrup, sometimes topped with almond or coconut. It’s commonly enjoyed during festive occasions, especially Eid; pairs well with Arabic coffee after a meal.
Kunafa - كُنافة (layered pastry dessert) - A rich, flaky dessert made with shredded dough soaked in syrup, layered with cheese or cream, then baked to perfection. It's a must-have during special events like Ramadan; hectic to prepare, but locals will often indulge in it freshly made from street vendors during the evening. By the way, avoid ordering it late at night as it might be sold out!
Food and Groceries in Doha
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.48 |
| Bananas | $1.65 |
| Oranges | $1.75 |
| Potatoes | $1.07 |
| Apples | $1.96 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.54 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $9.2 |
| Imported Beer | $6.82 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $19.23 |
| Milk 1L | $2.03 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $11.02 |
| Chicken | $6.93 |
| Cigarettes | $6.62 |
| Rice | $1.95 |
| Local Cheese | $10.59 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The other evening, as the sun dipped below the skyscrapers, I found myself swept away by the joyous chaos of the food stalls in Souq Waqif. Families gathered for their evening meal, the air thick with the aromatic dance of spices. It's fascinating how locals savor the transition from day to night, prioritizing dinner around 8 PM when the buzz ramps up.
Pricing varies quite a bit depending on where you choose to munch. For instance, I picked up a plate of shish tawook for just 15 QAR at one stall, while a similar meal at a fancier spot downtown ran me about 60 QAR. It’s a classic example of how you can feast without breaking the bank if you’re open to exploring different options. I find that many tourists mistakenly shy away from street food, thinking it’s less safe or lower quality. In reality, some of the best bites are right there among the bustling stalls, where locals congregate.
As for payment customs, it's interesting to note that cash is still king in many spots, though credit cards are becoming more accepted. I tried to swipe my card at a small eatery once, only to be told they only accepted cash—a sudden reminder to keep some QAR handy.
Tipping is generally appreciated here, with around 10-15% being the norm if you’re happy with the service. Locals often just round up the bill, especially in casual settings. There's this delightful custom where sharing food is almost mandatory. Whether it’s a few extra pieces of kebab or a complimentary side dish, sharing feels like a way of life; it's all about community and connection.
If you’re planning to dine out, I recommend making reservations for peak times, especially during weekends when families come out in droves. You might find yourself waiting for a table at popular spots if you don’t.
After spending some time immersed in Doha's culinary scene, I'd say the abundance of flavors and communal dining experiences feel distinctly reflective of the local culture. Observing how younger diners are gradually blending modern influences into traditional meals is also exciting—a sign that while the foundations remain strong, the evolution of tastes is bright.
Pricing varies quite a bit depending on where you choose to munch. For instance, I picked up a plate of shish tawook for just 15 QAR at one stall, while a similar meal at a fancier spot downtown ran me about 60 QAR. It’s a classic example of how you can feast without breaking the bank if you’re open to exploring different options. I find that many tourists mistakenly shy away from street food, thinking it’s less safe or lower quality. In reality, some of the best bites are right there among the bustling stalls, where locals congregate.
As for payment customs, it's interesting to note that cash is still king in many spots, though credit cards are becoming more accepted. I tried to swipe my card at a small eatery once, only to be told they only accepted cash—a sudden reminder to keep some QAR handy.
Tipping is generally appreciated here, with around 10-15% being the norm if you’re happy with the service. Locals often just round up the bill, especially in casual settings. There's this delightful custom where sharing food is almost mandatory. Whether it’s a few extra pieces of kebab or a complimentary side dish, sharing feels like a way of life; it's all about community and connection.
If you’re planning to dine out, I recommend making reservations for peak times, especially during weekends when families come out in droves. You might find yourself waiting for a table at popular spots if you don’t.
After spending some time immersed in Doha's culinary scene, I'd say the abundance of flavors and communal dining experiences feel distinctly reflective of the local culture. Observing how younger diners are gradually blending modern influences into traditional meals is also exciting—a sign that while the foundations remain strong, the evolution of tastes is bright.
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
Alcohol is under strict prohibition. You won’t find it in stores. Just like in more conservative places.
There’s a wide range of affordable drinking water. The cocktails made with mango and passionfruit are my absolute favorites. $4 for a glass.
As for products in Qatar, most are imported from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Everyone communicates in English. This is understandable as well, considering the strong ties with America and the military presence here.
Hospitality has its own nuances. It’s not customary to shake hands with the left hand. It's expected that the eldest guest is served first. They will continuously refill your drink. When conversing, it’s best to avoid topics like religion, local women, and laws. Moderation is key here. Asking a woman about her husband and children isn’t seen as improper.
Entering a mosque isn’t allowed for non-Muslims.
Be careful with photographs of women. They may not appreciate it.
Another peculiarity is the approach to water. It's important not to leave taps running or pour water on the ground, even for hygiene purposes. The tap water, primarily artesian, is safe to drink, but it lacks a sufficient amount of minerals for consumption. In Qatar, drinking water should only be bottled.
Tipping is not expected. Service charges are included in the bill.
Caution is advised. Sunlight can be intense here, so protect yourself! »