10 Best Qatari Beverages To Try

Gahwa, also known as Arabic coffee, is a national beverage in Qatar. Made from lightly roasted Arabica beans, gahwa is brewed with a unique blend of spices.

The aroma of cardamom and saffron fills the air as you enjoy this warm, spiced drink. Of course, it also carries a mildly bitter yet fragrant note.

As a staple in Qatari culture, gahwa is often served in small, handle-less cups, often served during social gatherings and special occasions. Plus, this coffee drink is often paired with dates, enhancing the overall experience.

Karak is a beloved tea in Qatar. It’s a creamy, spiced delight that warms the soul. This strong tea is brewed with black tea leaves, cardamom, sugar, and evaporated milk.

In Qatar, locals often enjoy karak tea in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Karak is a trusted choice for a comforting and energizing drink with an inviting aroma of cardamom and a smooth texture.

Limonana, a refreshing mint lemonade, is a perfect thirst-quencher in Qatar’s hot climate. This drink is crafted with fresh lemon juice, mint leaves, sugar, and water.

The key is balancing the acidity of the lemon with the sweetness, resulting in a crisp beverage. Plus, its refreshing properties also make it a staple at gatherings and outdoor events.

Karkade is a famous hibiscus tea enjoyed throughout Qatar. Made from dried hibiscus petals, Karkade is brewed to perfection, sometimes sweetened with sugar or honey. This tea has a tangy and slightly tart flavor with a deep red color.

Karkade is also packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, providing several health benefits.

Tamar hindi is a traditional tamarind drink in Qatar. Prepared from tamarind pulp, water, and sugar, tamar hindi has a perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess.

Tamar Hindi is often served during Ramadan and special occasions. It’s also refreshing and perfect for cooling down in Qatar’s hot weather.

Jallab is a sweet, smoky drink made from grape molasses, dates, and rose water. Topped with pine nuts and raisins, it’s a treat that delights both the palate and the senses.

Jallab is often enjoyed as a cooling beverage after a long day of fasting. That’s why it’s a popular choice during Ramadan throughout Qatar.

Kharoub juice is a favorite drink made from carob pods (the fruit of the carob tree, aka Ceratonia siliqua).

This juice is a subtly sweet and earthy flavor, ideal for the hot summer months in Qatar. Prepared by soaking and boiling carob pods and sweetening the extract, kharoub juice requires careful preparation to ensure the right consistency and flavor balance.

Rumman is simply a pomegranate juice. Its deep ruby color and tart-sweet taste make it a popular beverage on hot Qatari days.

Rumman is also a perfect drink at social gatherings and family events. Plus, it’s a healthy choice as pomegranate is known for its high antioxidant content and numerous health benefits.

Laban is a traditional fermented milk drink deeply rooted in the Qatari diet. The base ingredient is usually cow’s milk, but sometimes goat or sheep milk is used, and then mixed with live bacterial cultures to ferment it.

Therefore, laban provides a mildly tangy and creamy refreshment with a smooth texture. It’s often served alongside meals, particularly during Ramadan.

Ayran is a popular yogurt-based drink in Qatar, known for its refreshing and savory flavor. It’s made by blending yogurt with water and a pinch of salt.

Compared to the above drink, ayran is thinner and more liquid than laban. Locals frequently enjoy it with meals or as a standalone beverage. It’s especially popular in the summer and served cold.

As a yogurt-based drink, ayran is good for your digestive system and has high nutritional content.