Local and regional culinary offerings continue to be highly favoured among both Qataris, residents and visitors from neighbouring GCC countries throughout Ramadan, and this trend is expected to persist during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holidays.
An employee from a luxury hotel in Doha told Gulf Times that Arabic flavours reign supreme among their guests, proving to be the bestsellers for both Iftars and Suhoors. From seafood platters to a diverse array of meat dishes, he said the savoury tastes of Arabic cuisine continue to captivate palates.
She cited the influx of guests from Saudi Arabia, who eagerly seek out special local and regional cuisines, including an assortment of Arabic-inspired beverages and sweets.
In anticipation of an increase in demand during the Eid al-Fitr break, she said the hotel plans to elevate its offerings, promising an exquisite selection of local dishes in both indoor and outdoor settings.
A pastry chef at a popular bakery in Doha noted a surge in demand for cakes infused with Arabic flavours such as saffron and dates since the start of Ramadan.
He said the appetite for these delicacies, including sticky date cake and bite-sized treats like petit four and maamol, has seen a remarkable uptick, with orders tripling during Ramadan and sustaining through the Eid holidays.
Many gatherings hosted at their homes, he added, tend to favour these types of desserts, as most Qataris find local dishes more enticing for their visitors, especially relatives and friends.
“Over other flavours such as red velvet and chocolate, Arabic sweets are in huge demand and it comprise more than 95% of our orders during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, an employee from a five-star hotel highlighted the popularity of Arabic cuisine among guests. While European food such as Italian and French graces their menu, it is the rich flavour of Arabic dishes, including salads and desserts, that leads the spotlight during Ramadan and Eid festivities.
Attributing this culinary fascination to Qatar’s recent hosting of global events such as the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup, the employee noted a growing appreciation for local cuisine, characterised by its bold flavours and aroma.
He expressed optimism that the growing culinary scene in Qatar, especially with many hotels and restaurants serving Arabic food and beverage, will continue attracting more visitors from GCC and other nations who want to indulge in unique and flavoursome experiences.
Ramadan witnessed a huge demand for pastries and cakes with an Arabic touch.
