Shay Al Shomous

Shay Al Shomous is a Qatari-run cafe and restaurant on Al Jasra Street beside the Qatar Airways building in Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar. The name translates roughly as tea of the candles, and the venue presents a traditional setting that evokes an older Qatari home. It is a homestyle spot focused on local breads, breakfast dishes and karak tea, and it is run by Qataris, which gives it a degree of authenticity that visitors seek out when exploring the souq. The most emblematic order is khobiz regag, a thin, crisp Gulf flatbread cooked on a hot griddle, served with karak, the sweet, spiced milk tea flavoured with cardamom that is Qatar's everyday drink. Qatari breakfast dishes are also on the menu, and typical plates include eggs, cheese, honey, dates and savoury fillings served with fresh bread. The cooking is simple and filling rather than elaborate, and the cafe suits a relaxed morning meal, a light lunch or an afternoon tea break during a walk through the market. The atmosphere is calm and homely, with moderate noise and a mixed clientele of locals, tourists and families. There is no formal dress code, though modest clothing suits the market setting. No alcohol is served, and drinks centre on karak, Arabic coffee, mint tea and juices. Prices are very low, at about QAR 25 to 60 per person. Service is reported daily from morning to late evening, and hours should be verified. Walk-ins are typical, and groups can telephone +974 5551 5561, the number given in the Visit Qatar listing, to confirm availability. The cafe sits in the middle of Souq Waqif, near the main pedestrian lanes, so it is convenient to combine with shopping and sightseeing.