A guide to healthy eating in Qatar

Situated inside Education City, Chef’s Garden is a dining oasis. Serving locally sourced dishes with fresh organic ingredients, and with its very own farm within the grounds of Marwan Club, it is committed to the farm-to-table concept.

Free from MSGs, hydrogenated fats and controversial additives, the restaurant serves an extensive breakfast menu using free-range eggs and an all-day dining menu with fresh vegetarian, seafood, and meat entrees.

Must try: Velvety asparagus and spinach soup and summer’s bounty salad

Location: Education City

This organic café serves authentic Arabic dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Baladna’s own farm. Cooked with minimal spices in a brick oven, the restaurant serves meat dishes, freshly baked bread, and a variety of fresh mezzeh (salads, cheeses, and dips). One can also purchase cheese, jams, pickles, and fresh produce from Baladna farms from its restaurants.

Must try: Humus Agar Mango and grilled kibbeh

Locations: The Pearl, Mall of Qatar and Baladna farms

Inspired by the food travels of David Baumgartner, the founder and CEO of German chain Dean & David, has a branch in The Pearl Qatar. The fresh food and superfood experts, the restaurant serves dishes that retain the freshness and nutrition of their ingredients, so patrons can feel virtuous while eating their salads, sandwiches, curries, superfood smoothies and bowls.

Must try: Good Life Bowls

Locations: West Bay and Sidra Hospital 

Seeing the growing health food market in Qatar, international chain Freshii has joined the local health food scene. The restaurant serves a breakfast menu and a main menu with seven food categories including bowls, burritos, salads, wraps, soups, smoothies & juices. Keto dishes, turmeric juices, Energii Bites and low-fat frozen yoghurts, with each boasting its own fan base.

 Must try: Huevos, superfood soup, Pangoa bowl

Locations: C Ring Road and Al Matar Street

Located within Education City’s magnificent Ceremonial Court, the seasonal Torba farmers market sells locally grown produce, ready-to-eat food and drinks, as well as artisanal goods. A number of food stalls from established restaurants, small business owners as well as homebased chefs sell healthy food and beverages at the market. The market is online through the year, and during winter, comes offline.  Operating on weekends Torba market is a favoured community spot, to enjoy the outdoors, shop for fresh produce and share a meal or snack with friends and family.

Must try: cold pressed organic juices, home-baked granola

Location: Education City

A growing trend in Qatar are the catering companies that deliver meals prepared according to special dietary requirements. Dieture is one such full-service diet centre operated by JW Marriott Marquis CCD that prepares diet menus with food portions measured to each subscribers’ required calories and macros. Every meal comes with a detailed nutrition breakdown. With a wide variety of cuisine and food choices, there are special menus for classic diet, keto diet, athletes and even Ramadan.

Must try: Keto Korean prawns and vegetable curry masala

Location: Abu Hamour and West Bay