VIDEO: A Day In Doha

What the thumb-shaped peninsula of Qatar lacks in space, it more than makes up for in culinary offerings. Doha, the capital of Qatar, has an array of superstar chefs, top-flight restaurants, and a wide range of chain restaurants.

The Daily Meal contributor David Ressel suggests beginning a daylong food tour in Doha at the city's markets, like the Wholesale Market, a conglomeration of souqs that specialize in the foodstuffs needed to make most Qataris' daily meals. Early in the morning, fisherman deliver their catch to the large gleaming tubs in the back rooms of the fish market, and then fishmongers sell the fish in climate-controlled tiled rooms. Next to the fish market are fruit and vegetable markets.

One of the most iconic markets is the Souq Waqif in the city's center, a rambling market that sells everything from cooking supplies to fresh herbs and spices. It's also a great place to try Qatari street food like machbous, a richly spiced mélange of Eastern spices, basmati rice, pine nuts, and raisins topped with a chunk of mutton, chicken, or locally caught hammour fish (a variant of grouper) typically served family-style in a communal platter.

Many Qataris like to end the day at tea shops sipping Qatari tea or coffee and puffing on shisha (hookah, or water-pipe), a relaxing way to cap off a day of fine dining.