Qatar’s Taste of Qatar Programme Sets New Standards for Culinary Tourism, Get the Details Here

Published on December 15, 2025

Qatar Tourism marked this milestone in recognizing the gastronomic excellence of Qatar’s most outstanding restaurants in an event known as the Taste of Qatar Certification Ceremony, which took place on the 14th of December 2025 at Katara Opera House in Doha. The Taste of Qatar Certification Ceremony celebrates restaurants in Qatar which have achieved a rating of 3-star status, symbolizing excellence in food service standards in Qatar. The event underlined Qatar’s focus on improving food standards and service in Qatar to establish it among the finest in the world.

Elevating Qatar’s Culinary Landscape: The Launch of Taste of Qatar

The Taste of Qatar programme was launched in early 2025 by Qatar Tourism, aiming to set a standard of excellence across the nation’s dining industry. The programme was designed not only to showcase Qatar’s rich and diverse culinary offerings but also to ensure that the country’s restaurants meet the highest standards in terms of food quality, service, and hygiene. As Qatar continues to strengthen its position as an international tourist destination, Taste of Qatar provides a reliable benchmark for both residents and visitors when seeking exceptional dining experiences.

Recognizing Culinary Excellence: The 3-Star Certification

At the heart of the event, the 3-star rating stood out as the most prestigious award, presented to a select group of restaurants that demonstrated exceptional excellence in all aspects of their service. These restaurants were recognized for their outstanding quality, consistency, and ability to provide a world-class dining experience. By awarding the 3-star certification, the Taste of Qatar programme encourages restaurants to push the boundaries of innovation, creativity, and excellence, making Qatar’s culinary scene one of the most dynamic in the region.

Omar Al Jaber, the Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, emphasized the significance of this achievement. “Today marks an important milestone for Qatar’s culinary sector as we recognize the first-ever Taste of Qatar 3-star certified restaurants whose dedication to innovation, consistency, and elevating the overall dining experience sets a new benchmark for the nation’s culinary scene,” he said during the ceremony. He further underscored how the initiative supports Qatar’s broader vision of delivering world-class hospitality and making the country a prime global destination for tourists.

Independent Evaluations by Ipsos: Ensuring Transparency and Objectivity

The credibility and integrity of the Taste of Qatar programme are founded on its independent evaluation process. The restaurants that earned the 3-star rating underwent a rigorous assessment carried out by the international research firm Ipsos. These evaluations are based on quarterly unannounced mystery assessments, ensuring that every restaurant is evaluated consistently and transparently, with no advance notice given.

Bahaa Barakat, Managing Director of Ipsos in Qatar, commented on the importance of this approach: “The credibility of the Taste of Qatar programme is rooted in its objectivity and rigorous methodology. Our quarterly unannounced mystery assessments are designed to evaluate restaurants with consistency, transparency, and precision, ensuring that every 3-star rating is earned through sustained performance.” By providing data-driven insights, Ipsos plays a critical role in ensuring that the best restaurants consistently uphold their high standards, contributing to the continued growth and improvement of Qatar’s dining experiences.

The Role of Food Safety and Hygiene: Collaborating with the Ministry of Public Health

An essential component of the Taste of Qatar programme is its focus on food safety and hygiene, which are non-negotiable standards for any restaurant striving to meet the programme’s high expectations. Restaurants that receive certification are thoroughly evaluated for their adherence to national food safety regulations, with the Ministry of Public Health overseeing the implementation of the Watheq electronic food safety system. This system ensures that all certified restaurants meet stringent food safety guidelines, providing consumers with peace of mind when dining out.

Wasan Al-Baker, Director of Food Safety at the Ministry of Public Health, highlighted the critical role of food safety in maintaining trust within Qatar’s culinary sector: “Food safety and hygiene are essential components of Qatar’s dining sector, and the Ministry of Public Health is committed to upholding national benchmarks that protect consumers and strengthen trust. Our role in ensuring electronic food safety through Watheq ensures that every Taste of Qatar certified restaurant meets the highest levels of safety, quality control, and regulatory alignment.”

The Impact on Tourism: Elevating Qatar’s Global Appeal

The Taste of Qatar certification programme has far-reaching implications for Qatar’s tourism industry. As international travelers increasingly seek unique and immersive culinary experiences when visiting new destinations, Qatar’s dedication to world-class dining standards ensures the country remains a top choice for food lovers. With its diverse range of culinary offerings, from traditional Qatari dishes to international cuisines, the certification programme enhances the country’s reputation as a gastronomic destination.

For tourists, the Taste of Qatar programme offers a valuable resource in identifying the best dining establishments across the country. By recognizing restaurants that meet the highest standards, the programme helps ensure that visitors can enjoy exceptional meals and memorable experiences, whether they’re visiting for leisure, business, or cultural exploration. The programme’s impact is further amplified by its focus on both local and international markets, making it a key element in promoting Qatar’s culinary tourism on the global stage.

The Future of Qatar’s Culinary Scene

As Qatar’s food scene continues to evolve, the Taste of Qatar programme is expected to play an important role in shaping the future of the country’s culinary landscape. By recognizing excellence, fostering innovation, and ensuring the highest standards of service, the programme encourages both established restaurants and newcomers to continuously improve. This commitment to excellence is not only benefiting Qatar’s residents but is also attracting international food enthusiasts and travelers who are eager to experience the country’s dynamic dining offerings.

The success of the programme aligns with Qatar’s broader tourism strategy, which seeks to diversify the nation’s offerings and enhance its position as a global destination. With the 2022 FIFA World Cup behind them and a steady focus on sustainable tourism, Qatar is well on its way to becoming one of the world’s leading culinary tourism destinations, with Taste of Qatar playing a pivotal role in this transformation.

Celebrating Culinary Excellence in Qatar

The Taste of Qatar Certification Ceremony is a milestone in Qatar’s quest to be a master in food and hospitality on a global level. Qatar Tourism, in ensuring a culinary revolution in Qatar through assessment, will make eating in Qatar a hallmark of excellence, quality, and authenticity. The acknowledgment of 3-star restaurants not only celebrates a culinary milestone in Qatar but will create a lively food culture in Qatar that will continue to entice tourists and foodies from across the globe.