Luqaimat, meaning "bite-sized" in Arabic, is arguably the most famous and beloved traditional dessert in Qatar and the Gulf region, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
These crispy, golden dough balls are famously crunchy on the outside, incredibly airy on the inside, and completely drenched in rich date syrup (dibs) or honey. But where did this sweet tradition originate?
Luqaimat in Qatari food culture
Qatar Tourism includes Luqaimat among the country’s traditional dishes and describes it as a popular Ramadan sweet. This establishes its place in Qatar’s food culture; it does not establish one country or date as its sole origin. Read Visit Qatar’s guide to local street food for that cultural context.
Names, texture and toppings
You may see the spellings Luqaimat, Luqimat or Lokma. These small fried sweets are known for the contrast between their outer crust and soft centre. Syrups and toppings vary between recipes, so check the product description when choosing a portion rather than assuming every version uses the same ingredients.
Choosing Luqaimat from the current menu
At CATHAREi, fresh Luqaimat is available year-round at our Salwa Road, Al Wakrah and Al Kharaitiyat branches. Explore our current Arabic sweets menu for products and prices, or contact a branch about your order.
Explore current Luqaimat products and prices in Qatar · اللقيمات وأسعارها الحالية في قطر
For a gathering, ask your preferred branch about portions, preparation time and allergens. If you are comparing sweets for an event, explore our catering and occasions information.
اللقيمات في المطبخ القطري
اللقيمات من الحلويات المعروفة في قطر، وترتبط أيضاً بمائدة رمضان. تختلف الإضافات وطرق التقديم؛ تصفح قائمة الحلويات العربية لمعرفة الأصناف والأسعار الحالية، واسأل الفرع عن الكميات ومسببات الحساسية ووقت التحضير.