The Best Places to Eat at Doha's Hamad International Airport

06.12.2024 - 22:03 / cntraveler.com

Doha’s Hamad International Airport in Qatar is widely known as one one of the best airports in the world, and for good reason. Its abundant offerings create an immersive, cocoon-like experience for travelers, from its new 6,000-square-meter indoor tropical garden called "the Orchard,” to its world-class art collection; and of course, its ever-growing roster of places to eat.

In 2023 more than 45 million passengers passed through this architectural marvel with Qatar Airways or the growing list of regional and international carriers now flying in and out of Doha. With 65 retail and dining options, the recent expansion and opening of the Orchard in 2022 has given travelers even more options for how to spend their time in transit. While sprawling, the airport is a single terminal and easy to navigate, with an indoor train taking you to the outer reaches if needed. However, when in need of a directional landmark, use Lamp Bear, the 23-foot high canary yellow teddy bear sculpted from bronze, as your anchor point.

Our Hamad International Airport food guide will help you navigate the best places to eat at one of the world's best airports, including quick bites before takeoff to more substantial meals for longer layovers. For more, read our food guides to Istanbul Airport and Singapore Changi Airport.

If you are fortunate to be traveling premium class on Qatar Airways, the award-winning lounges should be your first port of call. Al Safwa Lounge, reserved for first class passengers, is the pinnacle; the entrance to the almost hushed cavernous space is by a discrete elevator. This gets you to the spacious restaurant-style dining room where you can order Champagne and poached lobster, maki rolls from the sushi bar, and eggs Benedict for breakfast. Meanwhile, the Al Mourjan South Lounge for business class ticket holders has a casual café-style space turning out freshly made toasted sandwiches, an upstairs á la carte restaurant, and a buffet of international and Arabic dishes. If your departure gate is further afield, take the airport train to the second business class lounge, the lush Al Mourjan The Garden. Here, there is also a sushi bar, a patisserie worthy of a Parisian sojourn, a coffee bar, and a buffet with a revolving variety of options. Sink into the comfy chairs facing the Orchard or head to the Louis Vuitton Lounge located inside for Arabic coffee and decadent desserts.

You may just be passing through Doha, but you can still grab a taste of Qatar’s unique cuisine thanks to HIA’s commitment to promote Qatari culture and traditions. At Baladna Express you can try a freshly grilled carved shawarma—juicy spiced slices of chicken wrapped in fresh bread with pickles and a garlicky sauce (many of the products