Category: Food

Shawarma is a dish in Middle Eastern cuisine consisting of meat cut into thin slices, stacked in a cone-like shape, and roasted on a slowly-turning vertical rotisserie or spit. Originally made of lamb or mutton, today’s shawarma may also be chicken, turkey, beef, or veal.

For those shawarma lovers out there, here is a list of the most recommended shawarma places in town.Go & Try it.

Jabal Lebanon Restaurant is a restaurant located in Qatar, serving a selection of Lebanese that delivers across Al Maamoura, Al Nasr and New Al Khulaifat.

Their best selling dishes are Big Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, Arabian Shawarma Sandwich, Half Grilled Chicken and Combo Meal, although they have a variety of dishes and meals to choose from, like Sandwiches, Sandwiches, Grilled Menu and Affordable Meals Deals.

Location

Opposite Consolidated Gulf Care, Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street, Al Nasr, Doha – Qatar

Contact us 

Chtoura Restaurant is a restaurant located in Qatar, serving a selection of Turkish that delivers across Umm Al Seneem, Al Maamoura and New Al Khulaifat.

Their best selling dishes are Chicken Shawerma Sandwich, Half BBQ Chicken, Mix Grill and Chicken Shawerma, although they have a variety of dishes and meals to choose from, like Shawerma, Bbq, Bbq and Shawerma.

Location

Location

Beside Link Travel and Tourism, Ibn Seena Street, Al Muntazah, Doha – Qatar

Contact Us

+974 4466 4616/ 3395 6677

Huda Restaurant in Sheraton Hotel Park – an iconic landmark near the Ooredoo Tower, the venue offers indoor and outdoor seating.

In addition to serving delicious food, refreshing drinks, desserts and shisha, this restaurant also provides a play area for children, where families can come spend time with their kids and relish the authentic Lebanese cuisine.

This Restaurant is geared to cater for the business lunches of various corporates, business executives, bank officials and other top executives of the different companies in the vicinity.

This awesome restaurant boasts of shawarmas that are bursting with flavour, full of freshness, and yet, as simple as shawarma can get. Talk about going back to the basics! They still choose to prepare their shawarmas in the traditional way. All their beef and chicken is locally bought. For their other ingredients, they only use pickles and garlic sauce; no other additives, and no secret spices. They prefer it simple and that’s why the folks at Huda Restaurant believe their shawarmas are the tastiest of them all.

Location

Hotel Park, Al Corniche Street, Westbay, Dafna, Doha

Contact Us

44475086 / 70498662

Marhaba Istanbul is a restaurant located in Qatar, serving a selection of Turkish that delivers across Old Al Rayyan, Muaither North and Al Gharrafa.

Their best selling dishes are Chicken Shawarma, Half Chicken, Bukhari Rice With Half Chicken and Mixed Appetizers, although they have a variety of dishes and meals to choose from, like Sandwiches, Grilled, Rice and Appetizers.

Location

Address: Al Shafi St, Ar-Rayyan

Contact Us

44112234

Mashawi Al Arabi is a restaurant located in Qatar, serving a selection of Turkish that delivers across Muaither, Al Wakrah and Old Airport.

Their best selling dishes are Wahish Chicken Pie, Arabian Chicken Shawerma Sandwich, Half Chicken Plate and Chicken Shawerma Humor, although they have a variety of dishes and meals to choose from, like Pastries, Sandwiches, Grills and Sandwiches.

Location

Address: 9 Al Matar Al Qadeem St, Doha

Contact Us

44449005

Rollstar shawarma & falafel is a restaurant located in Qatar, serving a selection of Lebanese that delivers across Al Dafna, Al Jasra and New Salata.

Their best selling dishes are Falafel Sandwich, Shawarma Chicken Platter and Shawarma Chicken Sandwich, although they have a variety of dishes and meals to choose from, like Falafel Sandwich, Shawarma Platter and Shawarma Sandwich.

Location

Address: B Ring Rd, Doha

Contact Us

44323285

This place is slightly hard to find, and hard to park too. But its located to close to Al Meera in Muntazah that you can just park in the Al Meera parking for convenience sake. This is officially the biggest shawarma we have ever seen in Doha. The size is absolutely massive and it taste is even better.

Location

Address: Near Al Meera Supermarket، Doha

Contact Us

7782 9909

Mr. Shawarma is a new concept of Shawarma Restaurants in Qatar and the region. It introduces to Shawarma lovers a fresh and healthy variety of sandwiches.

Location

Muaither, Furousiya Street Al Wakra, Commercial Street Msheireb, next to Home Center Abou Hamour, Next to Regency Supermarket Old Airport, Next to Food Palace Al Gharrafa, Next to Al Aker Sweets Al Khor, Opposie to Saudi Hypermarket.

Contact Us

4444 6787

It’s been a while I know, but as the city gears up for a busy end of year, it’s time to bring back my monthly hit list. Summer, to put it bluntly, was slow. But time to clear the backlog, shine a light on some great new offers and openings.

Sushi spots, steak and chips and a gorgeous new brunch awaits you in this month’s recommendations. So, for October, this is where you should be eating in Qatar right now:

I’ve predicted this place would come good before and finally, it is. A Pan-Asian blended buffet/a la carte menu with multiple options; live entertainment and a solid drinks menu. The team have taken lessons learned from last season and pared back the menu and changed the set-up and it works.

The sushi/raw bar is a delight – with freshly made maki rolls, briny oysters and silky scallops served on the half shell. There’s caviar, ceviche and also tiny lobster brioche rolls alongside sashimi.
In between little plates of tempura, bathed in a sweet/spicy sauce appear on the table to keep us engaged.

There’s entertainment (1980s bangers predominantly) and the light filled room is a perfect brunch backdrop. Diners have a choice of mains which are full sized and include a mix of seafood/beef and veggie options. Fridays 12.30pm to 4pm; QR329/QR449/QR489.

Must order: the grilled lamb rack!

Sunday Salmon Special at Nozomi

The special is just that, a platter of salmon-heavy sushi, maki, nigiri and sashimi plus additional dishes like a fun take on pani puri with salmon and also teriyaki. Once you work your way around this giant platter, you can then order more maki rolls until you just can’t. All this for QR160 per person, with drinks a la carte.

The rolls and dishes are freshly made to order an are very well executed. Executive Chef Tarana Malikova, a certified sushi master (and a Kaiseki master BTW), also sent me some additional dishes to try, which reinforced the fact that I need to make a return visit. As far as Sunday offers go, this is a relaxed, well priced option for sushi fans – and a lesson for me to not be so stubborn.Sundays from 6pm, QR160 per person.

Must order: The salmon pani puri is essential

Every Saturday at the New York Steakhouse Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel you can dip your toe into la vie on rose for the very reasonable price of QR150 per person for the three courses including water.

The starter salad is studded with walnuts and a tangy dressing, there is a side of bread to share as well. Each diner is offered 180 grams of ribeye, which is grilled and sliced, served with the “secret sauce” and crunchy fries. A word on the secret sauce, it’s buttery and moreish. As for the ingredients, our server Oran reels off a bunch of queries about allergens, so I think there are flavor bomb anchovies lurking among others.

Dessert is a teeny creme brulee which caps the meal off well. The team have spent some time on this concept, there is even white butcher’s paper on the tables where the server writes down our order, as they do in Paris, mon cherie. Every Saturday from 6pm, QR 150 per person with drinks a la carte.

Must order: Steak of course!

Old is gold folks and this gem keeps serving on quality, hearty Italian influenced fare and we are here for it. Lo Spaghetto, the erstwhile favorite, continues to draw a diverse crowd of Qataris and expats, families, groups of friends and couples all enjoying the dependable Italian influenced offering. My go-to order is the spaghetti fruit de mare (QR79) which is just saucy enough and stuffed with plump prawns and baby calamari. Another favorite is the earthy pasta fungi (mushrooms) with cream (QR58).

The pizzas remain underrated and this is one of the few places that offers a Napolitana version (QR61), simply dressed with tomato sauce, mozzarella and anchovies. The tiny salty fish give a funky, umami kick. And yes, the “authentic” pizza Napoli version of this doesn’t necessarily have the cheese, when in Rome/Doha right?

Interiors are on the 1990s Ikea side of rustic and you still get the bread sticks and teeny bruschetta to start. With water and soft drinks the bill for two on a recent visit was QR250 before tip – not inexpensive but still worth the outlay. When the Doha weather cools the greenery fringed outside terrace is a delight.

Must order: The pasta dishes are elite but don’t sleep on the crispy pizza.

Anothr day another cracking new spot opens in Bin Mahmoud. The space is next to the entrance of the La Maison Hotel on Al Jazeera Street and is bright, clean and very much made for groups. The menu makes me thankful for my recent fitness kick, it’s a hefty tome with photos and descriptions. In addition to the buffet and hotpot, there is a sizeable a la carte section spanning Korean, Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Malaysian. Phew.

The “buffet” which offers three options – QR99 for all you can eat for one – hotpot, Japanese or Korean BBQ; QR149 for two of these or QR179 for all three. Buffet is a bit of a misnomer – it’s all served to your table. This includes soft drinks and water and there is a caveat – you are time limited to 120 mins. The hotpot side is divided, allowing for a clear chicken broth and a very spicy and tingly Chinese mala broth which bubble away as we eat.

The BBQ plate is also fired up and the items start arriving – slivers of beef for both frying and grilling, vegetables, a trays of chicken breast, prawns, mussels and octopus. One of the beef options, the ribeye, is more tender and better quality than the others. The chicken is also a hit, marinated and perfect for the grill. All is accompanied by dipping sauces and little Korean side dishes. There’s so much going on we overcook our first round of beef on the grill – a trap for out of shape KBBQ players.

You’re also asked to choose maki and sashimi off the sizeable menu. Other items are replenished if you need them but this is a LOT of food. QR99/QR149/QR179 for unlimited hotpot; also a la carte options. Open daily from 12pm.

Must order: Let’s not beat around the bush, the hot pot.

Some things are just so good they don’t need to be changed. Bentley’s Grill Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha is in that rare category. The interiors remain comfy and welcoming. The service team charming, knowledgeable and rarely for Doha, know their guests and their preferences as well as their time tested menu. While other spots in the city sometimes feel like they are engaged in a Hunger Games to see who can out fusion each other, Bentley’s is refreshingly Old School.

The menu has everything you need from a traditional steakhouse – a concise list of starters allowing the steaks themselves to shine. Starters include a pitch perfect plump trio of grilled scallops atop a creamy pea puree (QR75). I ALWAYS have to order the crab cakes (QR85).

Steaks as always are the stars especially the 350 gram Australian Wagyu ribeye (QR440). Silky yet nicely marbled it cut like butter, was seasoned hard but just right. Light as air onion rings and creamed spinach were appropriate accompaniment (sides range from QR25 to QR35 each). If it seems like I’m a bit in love with Bentley’s, it’s because I am. It’s a rare beast for Doha – consistently good, no tricks or gimmicks, just great food.

Must order: the steaks but the crab cakes always feature.

So folks, that’s a great primer for the month ahead. October certainly looks delicious and this is just a sample of the must-visit spots in the city.

Must order: The steaks always and forever but a cheeky Irish coffee is always on the cards.

While you are here

Are you getting my weekly Life on the Wedge newsletter? Sign up here. We have some exciting and exclusive offers and events planned!

You can read my other reviews here.

Please note:
While I pay for a large portion of my experiences that I write about, I am sometimes provided meals and other experiences free of charge or at a reduced rate. However, I make it clear that I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

With incredible food and world class chefs Bodrum on Türkiye‘s Aegean coast should be your next great foodie vacation destination

Türkiye’s beguiling capital of Istanbul garners most of the plaudits for its ever evolving food scene. But Bodrum, stretching from the country’s southwest coast into the Aegean Sea, is a culinary destination in itself.

The foodie renaissance has also been fuelled by the 2024 arrival of the MICHELIN Guide – with local chefs and produce taking centre stage. Blessed with seafood from the Aegean, wine from grapes grown in the surrounding hills and fresh farm produce, there is a growing community of chefs and restaurateurs showcasing the area’s bounty.

Bodrum is a seasonal destination, with many hotels shuttering during winter and emerging from hibernation for the Summer. During this season, Bodrum becomes an international hot spot for celebrities and sunseekers who flock here in the summer months to vacation on the beautiful Turkish Riviera. But this aside, it’s the perfect place for a foodie vacation.There are new places opening all the time, many of them run by the best chefs in Turkey.

There is also an ecosystem of producers in Bodrum and Mugla to support this flourishing food scene – like the orchard Bodrum Yadigarı, where the region’s famous mandarins have been grown for generations.

Where to Stay

The Bodrum EDITION: The hotel clings to the side of a hill in Bodrum, taking full advantage of the view. Rooms are sleek, minimalist yet also plush and all have balconies with views of the sea. You will love the small touches like a signature scent throughout the hotel (Le Labo for the record); buggies to zoom you around the steep hills and the in-house dogs always available for a cuddle.

The hotel’s 108 rooms, suites, and villas feel almost residential in their warmth and generosity, marking it apart from some of its flashier neighbours. A spa, a beach club, and an infinity pool are among the offerings on site, if you can lure yourself from the spacious rooms.

Aside from the location it’s home to two of the best restaurants in the area. Talk about punching above its weight. Both are also members of The Luminary Set – a collection of critically acclaimed chefs and culinary innovators across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Fun fact, breakfast is served in Kitchen, which at night transforms into a Michelin starred beauty by one of Turkiye’s most revered chefs.

Where to Eat

Brava Bodrum which is helmed by Italian masterchef Stefano Ciotti, who is no stranger to Doha having previously opened Veritas at Al Messila. The restaurant is set outside with beach views, a DJ, a champagne cart and a cocktail bar with incredibly creative drinks. Starting in the 2024 season, BRAVA partnered up with Ciotti, to showcase the flavors of Italian cuisine.

The menu showcases some classic Mediterranean flavors but for me the highlights were a robust sea bass with a silky burnside sauce; a hand rolled and filled chicken tortello with burnt butter; and delicate poached shrimp with a rainbow of gelee sauces.

Ciotti’s approach can be theatrical and every dish has a story – like the little pottery houses for bread on each table symbolizing his childhood. Or the diorama complete with a curtain to unveil petit four that are a tribute to famed composer Rossini who was from the chef’s home town.

Kitchen by Osman Sezener: Chef Osman’s unique and international take on Turkish cuisine. Produce from the region takes centre stage and it is always guaranteed to be fresh and flavourful. His method here is to also emphasize the view, which is the “natural ornament” of the location, and the ingredients in his simple dishes.

The chef finds and uses local ingredients in his dishes and his passion for this approach is clear and the dishes thoughtful. For example, Adana caviar and Bargilya bluetail shrimp feature on the menu. Among the other menu highlights are the roasted Northern Aegean octopus, a delicate calamari with corn semolina from Trabzon; and a crispy skin sea bream again fresh from the nearby sea accented with earthy saffron.

There’s an almost relaxed elegance to this food – the Chef knows his ingredients and how to make them shine.

Orfoz Bodrum: The beautiful bay this restaurant overlooks is the pride of the Bozçağa brothers – not only for the azure waters, but also the bountiful fish and seafood they have to offer. You can feast on clams and sea urchin caught that very morning.

This is complements by Turkish wines, specifically from Neferiye wines. The labour of love of one of the brothers, who works with local families to harvest grapes and literally make wine in the basement of his family home.

How to Get There

As it’s a seasonal destination, Qatar Airways only goes direct in the summer months. Meanwhile you can catch a Turkish Airlines or Pegasus.

While you are here…

Are you getting my weekly Life on the Wedge newsletter? Sign up here. We have some exciting and exclusive offers and events planned!

You can read my other reviews here.flight through Istanbul (one hour by plane).

*I was a guest of The Luminary Set and Bodrum EDITION

Located 25 minutes by boat from Doha is an island that will make you forget that you are in Qatar. You are transported in a luxury catamaran ferry to Banana Island Resort.  Named as such because the island is shaped like a banana the Qatari locals call in the Maldives of Qatar. This sounded like the perfect day escape for a group of weary souls to kick-back, relax and have a fun day.

The island stands like a crescent-shaped attraction that spreads to an area of 12 hectors. Today the Banana Island is famous for its excellent service and the vista with palm vegetation. The Banana Island resort Doha offers accommodation to all the travelers, the Qatar Nationals and the tourist outside Qatar.

We were thrilled as a guest at the resort to enjoy a special meal at finest dining at Q Lounge & Restaurant in Banana Island Resort. It is a perfect spot for all-day relaxing dining, on a spectacular setting on the pier with both an elegant indoor formal area or a poolside dining area with views of the ocean, Indian cuisine lovers will discover a mouth-watering collection flavors of comfort food and snacks.

If you want to indulge in a distinctive selection of Indian and international dishes, then one must plan a visit to Q Lounge for dining experience.

We were fortunate enough to have experience delicious and mouthwatering Indian delicacies in wide ranging variety of starters, delectable main course options with different types of vegetarian dishes to choose from and an unbeatable sweets and deserts tastefully curated by Q LOUNGE’S talented and best chef Mr. Pradeep. He ensured that each of us thoroughly enjoy the delicious food and keeping in mind everyone choice and preferences as all of us were vegetarians.

Quinoa Salad

Watermelone Sashimi

Vol Au Vent

Vegetable Stew in a Coconut Shell with Mustard Oil

Roasted Brinjal

Desserts

The staffs were very cordial and courteous in serving the food and making it most amazing dining experience for us.

The perfect place to completely relax in paradise, ideal for a special occasion or even for creating the dreamy romantic experience and proposal.

Anantara Banana Island Resort. Let’s just say, it was an amazing retreat

Rekha Kantilal

The above article is written by Rekha Kantilal.

Milan, Italy has lingered just off my “must visit” list for a while. I’d fallen into the trap of thinking it’s an industrial and fashion focused city, perhaps a hopping off point for exploring the nearby more alluring regions and their food. But a quick, early Summer trip to Milan proved me wrong and had me hankering for a return visit in very quick time. So, here are my five reasons why you to visit Milan right now (and a bonus one)…

Reason 1: The Food

It’s always about the food. I mean, it’s Italy. But the food in Milan is a sleeper hit. The northern Italian city’s cuisine reflects centuries of foreign influence, blending Spanish and Austrian elements into hearty, meat-focused dishes defined by comfort, simplicity, and inventive flair – the very essence of Italian cooking.  

And the dining options range from the seriously chic to the family style rustic. The Michelin Guide selected Zelo at the Four Seasons Milano, was my refuge – with its garden views and sun-drenched dining room as well as generous breakfast buffet; linguine with lobster and sea urchin or a simple grilled fish. But for me it was the vitello tonnato, a most misunderstood dish, that salty funk from the tuna and slivers of beef, that was my undoing. 

A highlight was the moody but beautiful Sogni. The seafood heavy menu and the cocktails (and some celebrity spotting), makes this a worthy detour. Keeping with the theme, Torre, located on the sixth floor of the eponymous Fondazione Prada building, was designed by Rem Koolhaas in 2018. Cooly elegant, the menu is surprisingly hearty – fried eggs with pumpkin and pecorino or fish of the day with a tangy hollandaise. 

For something more rustic, head 30 minutes from Milan’s center, Al Garghet is a gem. The interiors are cluttered with bric-a-brac but the menu is pure Milan. focuses largely on Milanese cuisine with hearty risottos, osso buco, and Milanese cotoletta, which covers the dinner plate.

Heading onto streets, I made a beeline and braved the lines for the famed Panzerotti Luini, with its fried bread stuffed with sweet or savory fillings. 

Reason 2: The Four Seasons Milano

When in Milano, treat yourself. The Four Seasons is a brand that has perfected the art of knowing exactly what their guests want and when they want it. This grand dame is in the heart of the high-end Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quarter) is set in a 15^th century former convent, surrounding a leafy courtyard. It’s steps away from all the big fashion names, restaurants and more and is the perfect base for exploring this unique city. And, to me, the hotel felt essentially like upscale Milan society’s living room. It was a truly social space and had a buzz about it many hotels would long for.

The newly renovated suites are chic (that word again), but not overwrought. Spacious without having redundant space that many rooms of its caliber have. The studio suites hits that “sweet” spot between form and function, with garden views, cosy white interiors and a separate sitting area with pops of color. 

If you are going all out, I recommend the Renaissance Suite, the ceiling has the building’s original stucco and has been completely reimagined by celebrated designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. 

The spa is below level, in essentially a cellar, and feels like a cloistered escape – with a 20 meter indoor pool and a menu of treatments designed to soothe even a Type A personality. 

Perhaps my favorite spot in the hotel was, Camino, a bar off the lobby, which preserves the sweeping arches of the building’s past. It also serves cocktails, an excellent wine list and light bites.

Reason 3: The Duomo and surrounds

You can’t come to Milan without visiting the Gothic masterpiece that is thw Duomo. And, even for the height averse, I am going to recommend going the full tourist. Book ahead, skip the line as the old adage goes. The views, yes stunning, but it’s  the artistry of this, one of the world’s biggest cathedrals that will impress even the most travel weary soul.

The nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is, yes, beset by gawping visitors at any time, but a must visit. It’s showstopping soaring glass ceilings and the vastness of the structure are stunning. Follow the signs to the Aperol Terrace, which is insanely busy, touristy and completely OTT.

Reason 4: The Art Scene

We all know the Last Supper is in Milan. But there is more to explore than this, admittedly iconic work. 

Contemporary art is the star at Fondazione Prada, Miuccia Prada’s art collection. The area, almost like an industrial park, is a work of art from its golden haunted house and tower housing its permanent collection to its revolving temporary shows. After visiting, stop at Bar Luce, the Art Deco–inspired bar designed by director Wes Anderson.

You can thank Napoleon for the Pinoteca di Brera. Founded in 1776 (opened to the public in 1809)  and, since then, has become a repository for works scoured from across Italy. Napoleon was the instigator behind this, using it to house the artworks pilfered from across Italy, with a plan to make it “Louvre of Italy”. 

Today it has an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art, including works by renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bellini.  Perhaps the most famous is Francesco Hayez’s The Kiss, in front of which you will see young lovers re-enact the pose. As an aside, the Brera neighborhood is one of the coolest in Milan.

Reason 5: The Fashion

OK yes, I would be remiss not to mention the fashion, because it’s too obvious. But, it’s just so so good. That said, Milan’s fashion isn’t just about the clothes. The city is a manufacturing and design powerhouse.

The Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quadrilateral),  is Milan’s luxury shopping district, and one of the most famed in the world. So-called because it is criss-crossed by four prestigious streets – via Montenapoleone, via Manzoni, via della Spiga and Corso Venezia.  Meanwhile, the original Prada store, founded in 1913 in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, still drawing the crowds and a shoppers.

For those planning a splurge, don’t forget non-EU residents can claim their tax back before they leave. February 1, 2024, the reduction of the minimum spending threshold for Tax Free Shopping changed from €154.95 to €70.01 -s you can do the girl math on that. The tax refund process is much simpler now, but you can find more details here. 

Bonus Special mention: The Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Milan will host the opening ceremony on 6 February  at San Siro Stadium, in addition to the ice sport events: figure skating, short track, speed skating and ice hockey.  Skating!!!

So, Milan SHOULD be on the bucket list

Food, history, art, and of course, fashion. It’s pretty much a perfectly fashionable storm!

*Ready to book a trip to Milan? Qatar Airways offers 21 direct flights per week from Doha (DOH) to Milan (MXP)

*I was a guest of the Four Seasons Milano. 

While you are here…

Thank you for reading! This is a new series highlighting my life of eating outside of Doha – coming up, more of London, Cairo and Milan (and a few places in between) on the blog in coming weeks!

Are you getting my weekly Life on the Wedge newsletter? If not why not? Sign up here. 

You can read my other reviews here and check out my Foodie Map of Qatar here.

Please note:
While I pay for a large portion of my experiences that I write about, I am sometimes provided meals and other experiences free of charge or at a reduced rate. However, I make it clear that I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

It’s all about the fresh fruit juices, smoothies, and milkshakes to keep you cool and energized. Middle Easterners are considered experts at living in the heat, and trust them when they say they know the best recipes for summer drinks that will blow your taste buds away.

These Arab summer inspired drinks are usually made with fresh fruits and vegetables that are picked right out of their backyard. They aren’t only delicious, but also very healthy. Although you can get these drinks at a cafe or restaurant, still,  no one can beat the homemade drinks; they are the best. Try them out in your own kitchen!

Limon w nana is the Arabic version of the delicious frozen mint lemonade drink. This is a quick and easy mix to make with lemon juice, mint leaves, sugar, ice and water. It’s the most traditional and  most popular slushy drink at any cafe, particularly, in countries such as the Gulf, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon.

Click here for a full recipe

Amar Al Din, also known as the apricot juice, has a rich flavor of just apricots. It is made with two ingredients, which are the apricot sheets and boiling hot water poured on it.  I might take  around 4-5 hours to soak. It’s truly a unique and  mouth watering drink that you just can’t say no to.

Click here for the full recipe

Tamar Hindi is a delightful drink usually served at Iftar for Muslims during Ramadan. Many Muslims use this drink as a way to break their fast rather than eating dates. Why is that? Well, Tamar Hindi also known as Indian dates is actually made up of the tamarind fruit. It is a worldwide drink; however, most Arabs drink this to cool off during hot summer days. This spectacular drink is exactly what you need this season.

Click here to find the recipe

Something creamy, cool, and incredibly chill is the famous Laban drink. It is more common in the Khaleej/Gulf countries and Egypt; however, all people around the Middle East love it. It’s essentially made up of yoghurt (either cow or sheep) with water and a few other ingredients to fill all your senses. It can also be a drink to eat with garlic and cucumbers, cookies, and/or dates, depending on your preference.

Click here to find the recipe

Carob is known to be extremely healthy and is actually caffeine free and fat free. This is also called kharoub in Arabic, where the molasses is used to make the drink in addition to sugar and water. It’s a cool drink that you would fall in love with.

Click here to find the recipe

Jallab is a more Syrian and lebanese drink that combines the tastes of both sweet and sour together. It is made up of date syrup, rose water, water and ice. How easy! Some people like to add pine nuts to it, while others like to keep it simple. Others also choose to replace the date syrup with grape syrup,  but it all really depends what appeals to you at the moment.

Click here to find the recipe

Rumman is the Arabic word for the pomegranate fruit. It is a tangy drink that is popular around Palestine and Lebanon. The fruit is sweet but it has it’s health benefits such as antioxidant drink which improves one’s vision. Rumman and water is all you need to taste this cool summer drink.

Click here to find the recipe