Have you noticed the influx of drive-through or pop-up food markets in Qatar recently? These food markets trucks, kiosks, cabins, and even cargo containers sell all kinds of delectable treats – from street food and cultural cuisines to lavish drinks and bites!
As cruising is a favourite pastime in Qatar – with soaring temperatures in the summer – many people who choose to go out, stay in their cars and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee or even a full meal in the comfort of their own cars. Fortunately, there are many restaurants and cafes in Qatar that accommodate that comfort with ‘I’ll bring it to your car’ services!
In addition to food trucks and kiosks that can be found across the city where you can park and grab a bite without stepping outside of your car. There are now many drive-through food markets where you can drive and browse through numerous food and beverage shops, make a stop at your preferred shop, order and wait in your car as your food or drink is brought to you in the comfort of your car.
These markets have many names – food markets, drive-through or drive-in markets and more. They are also referred to as night markets because they open late during the day, usually after 3 pm, but are usually busiest during the evening and at night.
Here are some of the most popular outdoor food markets in Qatar:
Aspire Zone
Near the Aspire Ladies Sports Hall are a few food cabins parked on the open parking of Aspire Zone, welcoming customers driving through Al Waab Street. Here you can find Charger, Exit 55 and a few other food stalls.
Opening time: 5 pm
Box Park
The latest to join the outdoor food parks list is the multi-coloured Box Park in the old Doha Port. Although not yet in full operation mode, this park already is the newest trending destination in Qatar. Comprising dozens of multi-layered colourful recycled containers overlooking scenic views of the sea, Box Park is part of the Doha Port redevelopment project.
In addition to becoming a popular tourist destination, it is set to be a popular local dining and shopping destination. For now, the place offers limited food truck options, although it is a great place to stop by and take pictures!
District One
Also known as Legtaifiya Food Market, the new food market in Legtaifiya, near the Legtaifiya Metro Station, is unique as it stands by the sea, and has a green park area, children’s play area and sports activities such as padeling, fencing and football. Water sports are also available on the beach nearby. The market also hosts events and activities on holidays such as Ramadan, Eid, Qatar Sport Day, Qatar National Day, and more. More than 30 shops are open, including Ice Cream Palace, Bob Burger, Le Hamburg, Dr Chef, Salt, Cheat Burger, Spice & Sizzle, Addiction, Loaf, Miky’s Deli and more.
Opening times: Vendors open at different times, but most open from lunchtime until midnight
For more information, check out District One on Instagram @districtone.qa
Marina Food Arena (Lusail City)
Located on Lusail Marina, the Marina Food Arena is one of the newest and largest outdoor food parks in the country with dozens of food vendors in a U-shaped line adjacent to each other. Here you’ll find The Doner, Shadow Cafe, Graffiti Burger, Tamy’s Cookies, Amore Pizza, The Waves, Flamingo and more.
Opening times: Vendors open at different times, but most open from lunchtime until midnight
Follow them on Instagram for updates.
Night Market (Duhail)
Located in Duhail, adjacent to the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium or Duhail Sports Club, Duhail Night Market is the first to introduce the ‘night market’ concept in Qatar. When it first opened in 2018, the night market also included a few clothing, jewellery and perfume shops. However, it now only consists of food vendors. The market is filled with restaurants and cafes, serving from colourful, graffiti-decorated cargo containers under starry lights. Don’t miss the charcoal ice cream!
Opening times: 2 pm – 1 am
Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.
Qatar Sports Club
Scattered across the parking area of Qatar Sports Club are several local cafes and restaurant cabins with food vendors. It’s the most popular destination for drive-through dining with Tea Time, Poori and Karak, Exit 55, Tiger Cookies, 2020 Burger, 100 Café, Kishary Wow, El Dokan, 95 Route, Arc Urban Eatery and much more. And it’s still expanding with more to come.
Opening times: Vendors open at different times, but most open from lunchtime until midnight
Tasty Street (Katara)
This new food market is the latest to join Qatar’s rich selection of outdoor food parks. Tasty Street Qatar at Katara Cultural Village – adjacent to Al Gannas – is host to 38 food kiosks and designed specially as a drive-in food park. Some of the food outlets serving in this park include CHKN, Traffic Burger, QQQ Burger, Karak Cup, Charger, DSRT LAB and more.
Opening times: 3 pm – 12 am
Follow them on Instagram for updates.
The Downtown Doha (Aspire Zone)
Located in Aspire Zone by Aspire Park, The Downtown Doha is the newest food market, which opened early this year with more than 40 dining options, benches and parking. Popular dining options include QQQ Burger, Bob Burger, Papa Roti, Benji’s Diner, Donuts Time, Icy Bun Qatar, Miky’s Deli, Le Hamburg, Wrap & Go, and more.
Opening times: Vendors open at different times, but most open from lunchtime until midnight
Follow them on Instagram for updates.
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