Exploring vegetarian food in Doha: Best restaurants from my trip

During my trip to Doha, Qatar, in the last few days (November 21-26, 2022) for the FIFA World Cup, I explored a variety of restaurants that catered to vegetarian options. For the city of a small country, Doha impressed me with its culinary variety from around the world. Here is a quick overview of the eateries I tried, grouped by their cuisine and speciality.

Local Qatari and Speciality Restaurants

1. Saasna Qatari Restaurant, Barahat Msheireb Street, Doha

Located in an upmarket area of Doha, Saasna is known for its Qatari dishes. I had their Broccoli Soup, Cheese Samosa, and Salad. For four of us, with two vegetarians in the group, the bill came to about QAR 418 (INR 9600).

2. Shai Shamoos Restaurant, Al Bidda Hotel, Souq Waqif

Shai Shamoos is popular for its Qatari breakfast offerings. I had a hearty vegetarian breakfast here, which kept me going as I explored Souq Waqif, the old market area. The food was simple yet satisfying, paired with their karak tea. The owner, Ms Shams AlQassabi, is the first woman to open a shop in the Souq. I later came across one of her interviews on a BBC program. The prices were reasonable for the area.

3. Al Terrace, Georgian, Souq Waqif

Situated in Souq Waqif, Al Terrace adds a Georgian touch to Doha’s dining scene. Their vegetarian options were limited but enjoyable. The flavours leaned towards European influences, and the open-air seating offered a relaxed atmosphere. A good spot for a quiet evening meal.

4. Al Aker Sweets, Salwa Road

If you enjoy desserts, Al Aker Sweets is worth a visit. Their Kunafa was rich and cheesy, and their Baklava and Asabe Zainab were enjoyable. It’s a good stop for those craving Arabic sweets.

Indian Cuisine

5. Bhojan Restaurant, Al Kinana Street

Bhojan served authentic Indian vegetarian food that felt homely. Their North Indian Set Thali was comforting, and the Vada Pav was a standout dish.

6. Royal Tandoor, Al Sadd Street, Doha

Royal Tandoor offered vegetarian dishes with familiar North Indian flavours. The paneer tikka and butter naan were good, though the decor felt a bit dated compared to other restaurants in the area.

Bakery and Casual Dining

7. Wooden Bakery, Doha Souq Mall

This bakery became my go-to spot for breakfast during my stay. Their vegetarian pizza and cakes were fresh and flavourful. Located just a few hundred metres from where I stayed, it was a convenient and reliable choice.

International and Mall-Based Options

8. Hollywood Stars Quesadilla, Mall of Qatar

In the large Mall of Qatar, this was the only vegetarian-friendly option I found. The vegetarian quesadilla was decent, served with guacamole. A practical choice for a quick meal.

9. Pizza Hut, Villaggio Mall

Pizza Hut may be a global chain, but it came through as a convenient option after a long day. The vegetarian pizza was standard but reliable.

10. Thumama Stadium Outlet

Though not an eatery, this outlet inside the stadium served quick refreshments like cool drinks and water. Interestingly, water bottle caps were removed before being handed to us, likely as a safety precaution during the match between Spain and Costa Rica on November 23, 2022.

Each of these places kept me fed during my trip while also giving me a glimpse of Doha’s culinary offerings. Vegetarian options required some effort to find, but they were worth it. Whether it was local dishes or international cuisine, Doha offered a mix to suit all tastes.