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?
The origins of Luqaimat can be traced back to early Arabic literature. Similar recipes were mentioned in medieval cookbooks, often referred to as 'Luqmat al-Qadi' or 'The Judge's Bite,' due to their irresistible taste that could supposedly sway a judge's ruling.
At CATHAREi Bakery in Doha, we honor this timeless recipe by using premium saffron and cardamom in our dough, deep-frying them to perfection, and serving them hot. Come try the best Luqaimat in Qatar today!