5 things to shop from Souq Waqif for Ramadan
Souq Waqif holds an innate charm for Doha natives and tourists, regardless of their ethnicity. The labyrinthine lanes and various oddities you might come across just add to its beautiful old-world charm and remind you of a bygone era. Whether it is to soak in some culture of the ancient architecture or just to shop in the traditional setting, Souq Waqif is the place to go to for all your festive shopping needs, especially during Ramadan.
There are a plethora of things you can buy at the souq, however, here are some of the top five things to check out here.
Spices
No festive occasion can be complete without stocking up on your kitchen essentials and the spices at Souq Waqif are a definite must-have. Enter the by-lanes of the souq spice section and you’ll be intoxicated by the heady aromas of local as well as exotic spices that are sourced fresh from Qatar, India, Iran, Pakistan, and other countries. You can buy fresh cloves, cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and freshly ground spices like mandi and machboos masala, and other ground spices. You can also shop for nuts and dried fruits too.
Handicrafts
Add to the festive look of your home by getting some of the rustic handicrafts from the Handicraft bazaar section of the souq. This section really offers an impressive array of handcrafted items that can spruce up your wardrobe and your home décor.
Whether it is the knit handbags, plant nets, hand-woven baskets, or mats, you’ll be spoilt for choice. We certainly loved the circular handwoven mats, traditionally called sufra/sofreh or sofra, which make for great centerpieces for your traditional iftar set-up.
Lights
The great range of Islamic lanterns made from fiber-glass, ceramic tealight-holders, and Turkish lamps available at the Souq will make you want to get them all! Not only do they add a nice touch to your homes, but you’ll be supporting a local business too when you buy from them.
Bukhoor
Nothing sets the right mood than a place that smells good. Shopping at the Souq is incomplete without a trip to the perfumed section of the market. There are many shops that offer bukhoor (incense), loban (frankincense), and attar (perfumed oils). The shops offer fragrances that range from light and lingering to heady, musky aromas. Fragrances that cater to your needs are definitely something to buy so you can ensure your homes and kitchens smell divine all the time during Ramadan.
Colorful upholstery
Those looking to upgrade their home furnishing and add a pop of color to their upholsteries are in for a treat. The Souq has many vendors who sell colorful rugs, carpets, cushions, mattresses, and traditional Ottomans that can oomph up your home in so many ways. The beautiful textures and pretty Oriental prints are sure to cheer up your home with that splash of color. You can also get something custom-made as per your budget and design choice. But be sure to haggle your way through!
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