Qatar tourism introduces ‘Taste of Qatar’ to elevate national dining standards

Published on February 14, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Qatar Tourism has launched the ‘Taste of Qatar‘ program, a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance the dining experience across the nation.

Developed in collaboration with Ipsos and the Ministry of Public Health, this program introduces a dual evaluation system that assesses both customer service and kitchen hygiene, ensuring a holistic approach to restaurant quality.

The ‘Taste of Qatar’ program encompasses a wide range of dining establishments, including fine dining venues, casual eateries, cafés, and street food vendors.

This inclusivity ensures that every meal in Qatar meets high standards of excellence, catering to diverse culinary preferences.

A key feature of the program is the 3-star certification, which serves as a prestigious recognition for restaurants that excel in both service and hygiene.

Achieving this certification not only signifies a commitment to quality but also enhances the establishment’s visibility on Qatar Tourism’s platforms, providing a valuable marketing advantage to attract both local patrons and international visitors.

Omar Al Jaber, Chief of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “The launch of ‘Taste of Qatar’ represents a significant milestone.

This program aims to set new service benchmarks, positioning Qatar as a global culinary destination.” His remarks highlight the program’s role in elevating Qatar’s dining scene to international standards.

The ‘Taste of Qatar’ program is structured to cover various categories of dining establishments:

• Fine Dining & Upscale Casual: Targeting the top tier of Qatar’s restaurant scene, this category focuses on establishments that offer premium dining experiences.
• Casual Dining & Quick Service: This segment includes everyday dining spots that provide quality meals in a relaxed setting.
• Premium & Quick Service Cafés: Catering to those who appreciate high-quality beverages and light fare, this category ensures that cafés maintain excellent standards.
• Food Trucks: Recognizing the popularity of mobile eateries, this category ensures that food trucks adhere to the same rigorous standards as traditional establishments.

The introduction of the ‘Taste of Qatar’ program aligns with Qatar’s recent recognition by the Michelin Guide, underscoring the nation’s commitment to culinary excellence. By providing local eateries with a framework to enhance their service and culinary standards, the program serves as a stepping stone to global recognition.

Beyond elevating dining experiences, the program aims to set new industry benchmarks, ensuring that both residents and tourists enjoy exceptional food services.

This initiative supports Qatar’s long-term vision for hospitality and tourism growth, contributing to the nation’s reputation as a premier destination for culinary tourism.

In summary, ‘Taste of Qatar’ is more than just a rating program; it is a transformative initiative for the country’s food scene.

By focusing on comprehensive evaluations that encompass both front-of-house service and back-of-house hygiene, the program ensures that dining establishments across Qatar meet high standards of quality.

Whether patrons are seeking the best shawarma spot or an award-worthy steakhouse, ‘Taste of Qatar’ provides a reliable guide to make informed dining choices.

As the program rolls out, diners can look forward to experiencing Qatar’s culinary offerings like never before.