Visitors gather outside the Adhamiya Iraqi Restaurant in Doha’s Souq Waqif, where Iraqi cuisine has drawn Gulf and international diners. Photo by 964media.
Iraqi food draws crowds in Doha even after Arab Cup exit
DOHA — Iraq’s national soccer team has left Doha after its loss to Jordan in the Arab Cup, but Iraqi presence remains visible in the Qatari capital as visitors continue to crowd Iraqi restaurants in the popular Souq Waqif district.
A 964media correspondent observed Gulf tourists filling Iraqi eateries in central Doha, drawn by traditional dishes such as quzi, slow-roasted lamb served over spiced rice; dolma, vegetables stuffed with rice, herbs and meat; and masgouf, Iraq’s iconic river fish grilled over an open fire. Visitors from Saudi Arabia said they were also eager to try Najaf’s well-known qeema stew and headed to Adhamiya-branded restaurants to sample it.
“This is my first visit to Doha, and because I love Iraqi food, I came to this restaurant,” a Saudi tourist told 964media. “I ordered dolma and quzi. I have tried many Iraqi restaurants, and I love Iraqi food.”
Another Saudi visitor said his interest was sparked before arriving in Qatar. “Iraqi food is excellent and very delicious. I heard a lot about Iraqi restaurants and food while I was in Saudi Arabia, and I was very curious to try it when I came to Doha,” he said.
“I ordered qeema today with white rice because I love this dish very much,” he added. “The restaurant I’m sitting in is very crowded, and this shows how tasty the food is, how clean and organized the place is, in addition to the warm and beautiful reception by the staff.”
Jamal, an Iraqi tourist, said he has been a regular visitor to the area. “I visited this restaurant in 2021. It is a beautiful and special place because of the dishes it offers,” he told 964media. “One of the tastiest foods I love here is tashreeb, maqlooba and dolma.”
Maqlooba is a layered dish of rice, meat and vegetables cooked upside down, while tashreeb consists of bread soaked in broth and meat.
An Egyptian worker at the restaurant said Iraqi cuisine appeals to a wide range of visitors. “Adhamiya Restaurant specializes in Iraqi food such as pacha, dolma, tashreeb, quzi and masgouf fish, as well as Iraqi breakfast, which always includes kaymak, makhlama, jalfarai and broad beans with fat,” he said.
Kaymak is a rich clotted cream traditionally served with bread, makhlama is minced meat cooked with eggs and spices, and jalfarai is a pan-fried mix of meat, liver and fat.
He added, “Recently we have received many groups from different countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE and Egypt. Iraqi cuisine has a long history.”