Cafes are usually places where friends and family gather to discuss and unwind. These days professionals also use these spots to work. PICS:SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA
The coffee culture in Qatar is deeply-rooted. The Arabic coffee (Qawha) or Karak (a blend of tea, milk, water, sugar, and cardamom, which are boiled together and then simmered over a low flame to intensify the flavor) is generally served to guests as a welcome drink during family gatherings, social functions, traditional feasts, and other special occasions.
This tradition expanded outside the family and formal gatherings with the inception of small coffee houses. These cafes have proliferated until present in almost every corner of the city, serving as hubs for social gatherings, much like the majlis. No matter what time of the day, these local tea/coffee shops are busy serving people cups of coffee or Karak.
Like in most cities, coffee shops responded to the increasing demand for places to socialize and stepped into a broader, upscale evening social venue. The introduction of international café brands made Qatar’s coffee culture blend traditional coffee shops and modern coffee chains.
It is typical to see people grab a coffee from fancy restaurants or cafes at The Pearl-Qatar with their friends. The Souq Waqif provides a traditional or blast from the past environment for friends to meet up over coffee, just like a random chai or Karak spot or the ever-present tea stall around the Museum of Islamic Art. These places are a vital thread of everyday life, no matter a person’s status in society.
According to Coffee Business Intelligence, the Middle East and the Gulf region have a market of between 4.5 and 5 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee. Qatar is among the top three Arab countries leading the list of coffee consumers (kg per capita).
Besides being a leisure spot and an outlet for understanding people’s culture, cafes also serve as an office away from the office for many people. Most cafes are equipped with power sockets to charge devices, and fast WIFI connections, making it easy to keep track of work.
As expected, the lockdown to prevent COVID-19 from spreading has been a significant disruption to Qataris and Qatar residents’ social life making the gradual easing of restrictions, making the little teashops and global cafes abuzz again, and even sweeter development for many people in the city.
“It’s a relief to be out again to meet up with friends and have a coffee or tea. The lockdown period was necessary, and it helped us navigate the tough time, but being able to try to get back to what normal is again is good for the mind,” said Brian, a Filipino expatriate.
Like many in Qatar, Brian still works from home but chooses to use a popular café during work hours.
“Sometimes, I work late into the night, and it is perfect for me. I like the smell of coffee and seeing people at least seated around. With social distancing, it makes me feel like things will be okay again.”
For some going out at night is the only reprieve after a long day at the office.
“I like the ambience and the sea view. That’s why I always come around at least a few nights a week,” said Ahmad, who regularly visits a tea shop at the Corniche.
“This place has been here a long time, and with its location, there is no other way for me to see the city at night other than from this spot. Everyone’s busy all day, here, it’s quiet and peaceful.”
Though with a different twist due to social distancing, constant sanitizing, and face masks, it is pleasant to see these spots back to life again.
