Qatar’s food scene: From traditional cuisine to digital innovations

Food tells us so much about a country’s culture. Qatar 365 tried some local dishes at one of the biggest tourist destinations, had a masterclass with a celebrity chef and explored the latest gourmet developments.

Shams Al Qassabi’s restaurant, Shai AlShamous, attracts locals and tourists alike. The mother of five, is the first woman to run a business in the Souq.

 “I worked hard, day and night. I invented and enhanced a few traditional Qatari recipes. I only cook food that is connected to our heritage, culture, and ancestors,” she explains.

Chef Aisha Al Tamimi’s passion for cuisine, started out of necessity because at the age of fifteen, she found herself cooking for her family. She now presents cooking shows and teaches others her skill, and the former teacher has also already authored several cookbooks.

The Cooking Academy is the brainchild of her son, who shares her passion and love for food, and Qatari cuisine. Since it first opened its doors in 2019, the Academy has welcomed three thousand children and a thousand adults to learn and enjoy the art of cooking.

Hassan Al Ibrahim is a pilot who doubles up as a celebrity chef. He has been flying for almost two decades, during that time, he’s never lost his passion for food, visiting local restaurants and street vendors around the world. Now a household name, Captain Chef told Qatar 365, his passion runs deep for his favourite local meals, “we have almost one base, it’s all about the spices, the aroma of the spices there are not more than fifteen dishes, but they are special, mixed cultures from here and there. This is the Qatari cuisine.” Ibrahim believes his food is art that reflects his culture, telling a story about families, friends, memories, moments, and celebrations.

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