Qatar Tourism has introduced "Taste of Qatar," a new initiative designed to assess and elevate the dining landscape throughout the country. The program, launched in conjunction with the Qatar International Food Festival, is a collaborative effort with global research firm Ipsos and the Ministry of Public Health. It combines evaluations of front-of-house service with comprehensive back-of-house hygiene and safety inspections. Officials at the launch event explained that the resulting public rating system aims to guarantee that Qatari restaurants meet top international standards.

"Taste of Qatar" will evaluate restaurants across seven distinct dining categories: fine dining, upscale casual, casual dining, quick service, premium cafes, quick service cafes, and food trucks. High-performing establishments will receive a prestigious 3-star certification, gaining increased visibility on Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar platforms. This certification offers a significant marketing advantage, helping restaurants attract both local and international diners.

Bahaa Barakat, Managing Director at Ipsos, noted that "Taste of Qatar" provides restaurant operators with valuable tools to improve service and operational efficiency. With Qatar's evolving culinary scene, particularly following the recent arrival of the Michelin Guide in Doha, this program will play a vital role in promoting restaurant excellence, empowering operators to consistently enhance customer satisfaction and operational benchmarks.