With a wealth of experience in restaurant establishment and food consultancy within the food and beverage (F&B) sector, chef Hamad Alhajiri has taken the Qatari dining scene by storm with his unique culinary style. Chef Hamad has not only mastered the art of creating authentic Qatari dishes but has also delved into international flavors and culinary techniques. In an exclusive interview, Bisht magazine speaks with the star chef about Qatari traditional cuisine, his favorite dishes, and Arab hospitality.
1. Hamad, you're renowned as one of Qatar’s top culinary talents, specializing in traditional Qatari cuisine. Could you tell us more about the traditional dishes that Qataris enjoy at their tables?
Sure. Traditional Qatari cuisine is a unique blend of flavors and techniques, reflecting our historical ties with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. While our culinary traditions share similarities with neighboring countries, each nation within the GCC has put its unique spin on the dishes. Take, for example, our Majboos. It is what we consider our main course and is similar to the renowned Kabsa in the Kuwaiti and Saudi cuisines.
2. Can you tell us more about Majboos and its significance in Qatari cuisine?
Majboos, which means "caps" or "pressed," is our main course, and it is served on various occasions, from everyday family meals to weddings and parties. It's a dish where we put everything together on one plate. It is like the leftovers together. This dish reflects the Qatari tradition of resourcefulness, dating back to when fast food was necessary for desert-dwelling communities. Although tastes have changed over time, there is still a consensus on the love of Majboos among Qataris.
3. How is Majboos prepared, and what are its main ingredients?
The core ingredients of Majboos include spices, rice, tomato, onion, and garlic. You will not find vegetables in Majboos. These are integral ingredients that create the vibrant flavors of the dish. You can also add a variety of proteins, such as lamb, shrimp, chicken, or meat. Your choice of protein can be cooked alongside the rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. For special events like weddings, a whole sheep is used for Majboos, symbolizing the generous hospitality of Qatar. It is our way of showing our guests they are truly honored and appreciated.
4. It's intriguing to know that whole sheep are prepared for special occasions. Can you explain the significance of this?
When we have guests, we believe in offering them the utmost respect and generosity. Serving an entire sheep demonstrates our genuine desire to welcome and honor our guests. This tradition extends even to the highest levels of diplomacy, exemplified by our esteemed leader, Shaikh Tamim, who follows this practice when hosting his guests— you will find whole camels and sheep gracing the table, showcasing the warmth and depth of Qatari hospitality.
5. Besides Majboos, are there other traditional dishes you'd like to highlight?
Sure. We also have Qatari versions of dishes like Kabsa and Biryani. As I told you, Kabsa is similar to Majboos but features more tomato or tomato paste, giving it a distinctive reddish hue. We also prepare Biryani, which has Indian origins, but is made with our unique blend of spices, making it different from the curry-style Biryani found in Indian cuisine. It is the same spices we use for Majboos, bringing a delightful twist to a classic dish.
6. Finally, what is your personal favorite among these dishes?
Majboos is my all-time favorite. It reflects the essence of traditional Qatari cuisine, and I love the interplay of flavors, especially when made with red sauce. In Qatar, culinary traditions have deep roots, and dishes like Majboos hold a special place in our culture.
