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Eat & drink · Tapas/local

Shay Al Shamoos

Souq Waqif
$Closedvia Google
Opening hours
  • Monday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:30 – 11:00 AM
  • Saturday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM

Owned and operated by a renowned Qatari woman, Shams Al Qassabi, this cozy spot is the most authentic place in Doha to experience traditional Qatari breakfast dishes.

Signature
Regag bread drizzled with honey and cheese, served with karak tea.

Reviews from Google

A Oki3 months ago
A must-try if you want to experience authentic traditional food in Doha. The restaurant is located inside Souq Waqif, which makes it a great stop while exploring the souq. We tried the karak tea and chapati, and both were wonderful. Simple, comforting, and full of flavor. The staff were very nice and helpful, making the experience even more pleasant. A great place to enjoy traditional Qatari food and the local atmosphere.
Luca8 months ago
I had breakfast here and absolutely loved it! The atmosphere is authentic and welcoming, with a traditional Qatari charm that makes the experience special. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented — a perfect way to start the day. What really stood out was the owner, who is also the chef, personally going around to greet guests at their tables. It added such a warm and personal touch to the experience. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the service was quick. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a genuine local breakfast in Doha.
Andrew G. T5 months ago
A Legendary Start at Souq Waqif If you find yourself wandering the labyrinthine stone alleys of the Souq with a hunger that only tradition can cure, make a beeline for Shay Al Shamoos. This isn't your bog standard breakfast cafe; it is the empire of Shams Al Qassabi, a local icon who paved the way for women in Qatari business. The walls are a tapestry of history and fame, yet the vibe remains genuinely family oriented and welcoming to everyone from locals to curious travellers. The Devilish Eggs and Cheese The undisputed heavyweight champion here is the Eggs and Cheese served with fresh bread. There is some sort of mysterious, creamy sauce tucked inside that I simply cannot decode, but it is devilishly delicious and well worth the inevitable messy fingers. It is rich, comforting, and easily the most addictive thing on the table. The Crispy Lamb Regag For a bit of texture, the Meat Regag is essential. These are paper thin, crispy crepes folded into neat triangles. The lamb version is beautifully mild and seasoned with finesse, providing a light but satisfying crunch that isn't too heavy for a morning meal. The Earthy Egg and Mushroom Regag The Egg and Mushroom Regag is another winner for those who love a savoury bite. It maintains that signature paper thin crispiness but adds an earthy depth that keeps the palate interested. It is a fantastic vegetarian friendly option that doesn't compromise on the traditional Regag experience. The Custom Golden Elixir To wash down the feast, I opted for a Hot Lemonade and Ginger, but I asked the kitchen to go off script by adding a healthy dose of Turmeric. They were more than happy to accommodate this bespoke request, serving up a vibrant, glowing tonic that feels like an internal hug. It is the perfect zingy counterpoint to the rich, savoury flavours of the eggs. Effortless Service and Modern Manners The hospitality is spot on, with English speaking hosts who manage to be attentive without hovering over your shoulder. In a wonderful nod to modern convenience, they accept Apple Pay, so there is no need to faff about with local currency if you are just passing through. At around £12.54 for a spread that could feed a small army, the value for money is exceptional. The Indoor Dining Strategy A quick word to the wise regarding the seating arrangements. While the outdoor tables offer a front row seat to the theatre of the Souq, the local flies are unfortunately quite fond of the menu too. The restaurant has those blue light electric zappers stationed around, but the frequent and audible pop of a fly meeting its end is a bit of a mood killer while you are tucking into your breakfast. Save yourself the trouble and sit inside where it is cool, calm, and blissfully quiet.
Doaa Mohamed6 months ago
Shay Al Shomous is a wonderful place for an authentic traditional breakfast in Doha. The food is flavorful, and the atmosphere is welcoming. A truly genuine local experience—I highly recommend it! Try they karak tea it was so good
Abeda Khanam10 months ago
This place truly lives up to its name. The walls are covered with photos of celebrities who have visited, and the food is bursting with flavor. I went for a quick lunch with my husband and enjoyed it so much that we came back with the boys a few days later. The owner is so warm and welcoming; she even remembered me and spoke with my children. It's a truly a family-friendly establishment.
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