Qatar for the Modern Foodie: 6 Trends Shaping the Doha Dining Scene
In Qatar, you can find countless mouthwatering dishes from several different cuisines, many of which are on offer at Doha Festival City (aside from the fantastic shopping experiences). In fact, some of the best fun activities in Doha designed for modern foodies are found here.
Over the years, the Doha dining scene has evolved.
Today, trends triggered by such changes serve as a guide for the modern foodie on what to expect, which is why we believe you would benefit from learning the following six trends in the Doha food sector this year:
Health and the planet come first. With massive changes happening in 2020, it’s not surprising that consumers worldwide have become more conscious of their purchase decisions. Setting people’s priorities straight, these changes have made them increasingly aware of the effects of their food choices on the environment. A study from the Sustainability journal probing attitude, awareness, and behavior among Qatari consumers revealed some clear adjustments in the way people have been eating, shopping, and interacting with food since 2020. For one, 32.4 percent admitted that they had increased their fruit and vegetable consumption. More people are also choosing healthier foods, particularly organic products. Of course, food choices aren’t the only thing that people are focusing on more today. Many are also implementing eco-friendly, sustainable packaging. McDonald’s made a big announcement about their plan to eliminate foam packaging from their stores all over the globe by the end of 2021, committing to replacing them with 100 percent recycled or renewable packaging materials by 2025. Their corporate website contains updates on what the food chain has achieved so far (as of this writing): 80 percent of McDonald’s packaging is manufactured using fiber sources. 99.6 percent of the primary fiber-based packaging comes from certified and recycled sources and supports deforestation-free suppliers. Witness the rise of veganism. Another major trend that seems to be making waves across the Doha food scene is veganism. This plant-based food movement has already been on the rise for past years, and it shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. In fact, supermarkets, multinational companies, and restaurants in Doha are taking the competition very seriously to gain a stronger presence in what is arguably the “fastest-growing market” in the world today. Even high street chains are adapting with unprecedented speed. Wagamama is implementing a larger vegan menu, while Pizza Hut and Zizzi now offer vegan pizzas to their customers. Introducing the “flexitarian” diet. Although it has indeed become quite a popular choice among many, vegetarian and vegan diets are still not meant for everyone. Since not all people are ready to make the switch, a new variation was born to serve as a “middle ground” for those who want to eat healthily but can’t eliminate meat: the flexitarian diet. As the name suggests, this is a flexible eating regimen that focuses mostly on eating vegetables without shunning meat completely. Unlike an exclusively plant-based diet, flexitarian eating incorporates meat as a once-in-a-while part of the meal. The goal is to take the meat out of the regular meal rotation without actually removing them entirely from the picture. Reduced meat consumption fosters a healthier lifestyle. It has also been found to have a better effect on the environment, which is why it has become one of the biggest global food trends in 2021. Healthier carb alternatives are here to stay. Remember when the ketogenic diet was all the rage? This low-carb eating regimen still remains popular among those conscious about their waistlines, but it’s no longer the only option in 2021 and beyond. Today, more and more carbohydrate alternatives have emerged, and cauliflower is leading the pack. If you liked the idea of cauliflower pizza crusts, then get ready to get your mind blown with more food items to be made of this cruciferous vegetable. Cauliflower rolls, cauliflower breadsticks, and even Vietnamese cauli-fried rice — the possibilities are endless! There are so many recipes that put this low-carb flour-and-rice alternative front and center that allow people to indulge in their favorite dishes without worrying about the extra carbs. Indulge in coffee without worrying about the sugar. Besides “all-natural” and “100 percent organic,” another label the health-conscious population now seeks in their favorite restaurants and cafes is “sugar-free.” Although the perception about sugar in foods is complex, it is clear that more people now consider sugar as the new “dietary demon” — a title previously held by fat. The good news is that more and more establishments are taking the demand for less sugary products more seriously, including Starbucks. The globally recognized brand is quite famous for its Frappes and other sweet thirst-quenchers. However, Starbucks has since added sugar-less options for people who are cutting back on their sugar intake. This includes: Flat white: Made with short espresso shots and steamed milk (with no added sugar). Caffè Misto: Equal parts steamed milk and brewed coffee (with no added sugar). Espresso: Contains a double espresso shot and zero sugar. Many others have also taken initiatives in customizing their beverages to suit the individual taste their patrons want. Milk or boba tea and other similar drinks, for example, are offered with varying sugar levels, ranging from zero to 100 percent, depending on what the diner prefers. All hail DIY cooking kits. Though some people are excellent at the task, cooking hasn’t always been everyone’s favorite activity. This is precisely why restaurants and other foodservice chains emerged faster than you can say “Bon appetit.” But since 2020, more and more people have been choosing to enjoy delicious food prepared straight from the stove or oven at home while it’s still piping hot. However, not all attempts at making the dishes from scratch have been successful. This eventually gave birth to the innovative idea of DIY cooking kits. Now, you can cook your comfort dishes at home and get near-professional-level food quality, regardless of your skill level in cooking. Do-it-yourself recipe boxes enable you to avoid epic culinary fails while continuously helping to improve your cooking abilities. Keep Abreast of Trends New trends continue to reshape the food industry in Qatar. As a modern foodie, you need to keep abreast of these updates to make the most out of your trip to Doha. Visit us at Doha Festival City to taste local and international flavors from the best restaurants in the country.