Food and drinks to keep you warm in chilly Qatar weather

Doha: With temperatures dropping to new lows in Qatar, as apparent temperature reaching -2.4 degrees Celsius in Sawda Natheel area near Bu Samra, more and more people are opting to stay inside homes especially with the third wave of Covid-19 raging on.

Unlike countries that face severe cold weather every year during winter, Qatar homes are not equipped to tackle such sudden bitter chills. Most people resort to small heaters available at supermarkets and more layers of clothes. Another way to fend off the cold weather is consuming some winter special drinks or foods which will our bodies warm and give energy and heat.

Every region has its own special winter specialties, here are some drinks and foods that can keep you warm from around the world:

1- Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are carbohydrates that will warm the body and also contain vitamin A, which provides the body with energy.

2 - Ginger

Drink with ginger is considered one of the best drinks to provide the body with heat and energy due to its spicy flavour. Some prefer it with honey, while others add it to their tea or hot milk. It is also considered to strengthen immunity.

3- Lentils

Lentil soup is one of the most popular soups cooked during winter in many parts of the world as it gives a very warm feeling plus it doesn’t cost much.

4- Chestnut

Roasted chestnuts are another ancient custom that many resorts to during the winter because chestnuts give the body energy and warmth. It is known that chestnuts were planted six thousand years ago in China and three thousand years back in Europe and the Greeks considered chestnuts superior to almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts, with their roasted taste.

All kinds of nuts like pistachio, walnut, and peanut are nice to much on a chilly evening.

5- Grilled corn:

It is more of a winter food than summer, and it does not contain high calories. Gives a feeling of warmth, in addition to its high nutritional value.

6- Popcorn:

Popcorn is one of the foods that are perfect for this weather because it gives a sense of satiety, and provides energy for the body, it is also possible to eat 2 to 3 cups of popcorn per day.

7- Banana:

Bananas contain vitamin B and magnesium, which help the thyroid and adrenal glands regulate body temperature and supply energy.

8- Hot chocolate:

This one is a favourite of many and a must for the season. Hot chocolate gives the body energy and warmth and also helps improve mood and mental state. There are many brands in the market and some are more of a meal than a simple drink.

9- Sahlab drink (also spelled Salep or sahlep)

A flour made from the tubers of the orchid genus Orchis, Sahlab flour is consumed in beverages and desserts, especially in the cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire, notably in the Levant where it is a traditional winter beverage. Sahlab drink is very popular in Gulf Countries and helps retain heat for a long time and provides the body with energy as it contains starch, nuts, and milk.

10- Cumin and lemon

Helps to keep the body warm and protect it from diseases as it contains lemon, which also provides vitamin C.

11 - Cinnamon and apple

It is another favourite of many during the season as it energizes the body and gives energy and vitality.

12- Citrus fruits

Oranges, lemons and grapefruit have fibers that help warm the body and strengthen its immunity. 
There are special winter hot pots, stews, and snacks from different parts of the world. Tell us which is your favourite on our social media handles. Eat healthy and stay healthy.