Bandar Aden

Bandar Aden is a Yemeni restaurant on Abdullah Bin Jassim Street in Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar. It is named after the port city of Aden and serves the home-style food of Yemen in a casual, informal setting that has made it a long-standing favourite with both Doha residents and visitors exploring the souq. The restaurant is best known for its floor seating, where diners sit on cushions around low tables in the traditional manner, and for stews cooked and served in stone pots, which arrive bubbling at the table. Typical orders include the stone-pot stews of lamb, chicken or fish, platters of rice with lamb, and fresh Yemeni bread used to scoop up the food, all in generous portions. Fresh bread and a hot, rich broth or stew are the emblematic elements of a Yemeni meal, and the food is usually eaten communally, so groups tend to order several dishes and share. The atmosphere is relaxed and busy, with a steady flow of diners and a moderate to high noise level at peak times; there is no formal dress code, though modest clothing is appropriate in the market setting. Beverages are non-alcoholic, centred on Yemeni and Arabic tea, coffee, juices and soft drinks. Prices are among the lowest in the souq, at about QAR 40 to 90 per person, which makes it a good option for budget travellers. Service is reported daily for lunch and dinner, and hours should be verified before going. Walk-ins are accepted and a reservation is not normally needed, although groups can telephone +974 4437 5503 to arrange seating, which is helpful for large parties on Friday evenings and weekends. Souq Waqif is a short walk from the Corniche and is easiest to explore on foot in the evening.