Hidden Cafés in Qatar

Independent and speciality coffee shops cluster around Msheireb Downtown, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl and Souq Waqif, as well as in residential neighbourhoods. We are adding café guides as we check them, and you can suggest one through Submit a spot.

Karak is strong black tea boiled with evaporated milk, sugar and cardamom, sold cheaply from roadside cafés and tea stalls across Qatar. It is the country's everyday drink, often paired with chapati or paratha.

Gahwa is lightly roasted coffee brewed with cardamom and sometimes saffron, served in small handleless cups, often with dates. It is poured as a sign of hospitality; gently shake your cup from side to side when you have had enough.

Many stay open late, especially at weekends and in the cooler months, when people go out after the heat of the day. During Ramadan most cafés close in daylight hours and open after iftar.

Many cafés in malls and newer districts have Wi-Fi and are used for laptop work, while small traditional cafés are better for a quick coffee. Check with staff before settling in at busy times.