or those familiar with the rich and flavourful traditions of the Middle East, biltong in Qatar is a snack like no other. If you're in Qatar, delight your taste buds with five top varieties of this fantastic treat!South African Biltong is a popular dried meat snack that has gained popularity worldwide. Thanks to its unique flavour and health benefits, Biltong has become a sought-after snack among ex-pats and locals in Qatar.
What is Biltong?
Biltong is a traditional South African snack that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made by marinating strips of beef, game meat, or ostrich in vinegar, spices, and salt before drying it in a controlled environment for several days.
The result is a tasty, high-protein snack low in fat and carbs, making it a healthy alternative to other processed snacks.
Top 5 Types of Biltong in Qatar
Biltong in Qatar has had many variations through the years. Here are the top five must-try Biltong in Qatar types for that super tasty experience.
Traditional Biltong
The traditional biltong in Qatar has a savoury flavour and is generally served as a snack. Its ingredients vary from minced beef to kofta or camel meat. Biltong's consistency and texture make it an ideal choice for a quick, delicious snack that can easily be shared with family and friends.
It is marinated with salt, pepper, and various spices to make traditional biltong and then hung to air dry. This slow-curing process gives it a unique flavour and helps preserve the meat longer. A popular accompaniment to biltong is hard garlic pickles for a little extra zing. Tight-fitting containers or zip-lock bags are easy to store for biltong. However, it would be best if you ate it fresh to enjoy its authentic flavour. It's worth the effort. Nothing compares to having the real deal!
Biltong is a traditional dish in Qatar that locals have enjoyed for centuries. Its savoury flavour and texture make it the perfect snack for delicious meals with family or friends. Biltong ingredients can vary from minced beef to kofta or camel meat, depending on preference. Its slow curing process gives it an intense flavour. Yet, it also helps preserve the meat for a longer time. To get the best taste of biltong, you'll need to eat it fresh as soon as possible – multiple layers of flavour guaranteed!
Original Beef Biltong
Original beef biltong is the most popular biltong in Qatar and has been enjoyed for centuries. It consists of a combination of spices and cured beef cut into thin strips. This type of biltong often has a smoky flavour and can be stored at room temperature, making it the perfect snack to enjoy anytime, anywhere.
The beef for original biltong in Qatar has spices and builds combinations with a blend of traditional herbs and spices, including garlic, onion, paprika, cayenne pepper, and coriander. The beef is then cut into strips. It is dried in the sun or an oven. It is then stored at room temperature. The finished product has a smoky flavour that is slightly sweet and salty. People in Qatar eat Biltong as a snack or make it a great addition to sandwiches and salads.
Whether you're a traveller or resident, you can often find biltong in Qatar, either at traditional markets or speciality shops. Original beef biltong is particularly popular and makes a great snack to bring on outdoor adventures. Qataris also commonly use biltong in dishes such as beef stews and curries. For an authentic experience of traditional Qatari flavours, try serving your plate with a side of original beef biltong!
Droëwors Bites
Another popular type of biltong found in Qatar is droëwors bites. This variety consists of strips of beef, or mutton with spices and suet before a light smoke to add flavour. Unlike original biltong, droëwors have a slightly sweet and smoky flavour. Unlike traditional biltong, this variety does need refrigeration. It can last up to 4 weeks when put in proper storage.
Drywors bites are perfect for an on-the-go snack or as a unique addition to a charcuterie platter. They pair perfectly with dips and sauces like yoghurt, garlic dip, or hot pepper jelly. They also make great finger foods at parties or BBQs — serve them with a delicious sauce on toothpicks. For those who like their biltong spicy, try making your droëwors using different spices and chilli flakes. Add some cayenne, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper for an extra kick!
As biltong is becoming increasingly popular in Qatar, droëwors bites are the perfect way to get a taste of this South African treat. These finger-food-sized pieces of meat are great for parties, stay fresh for weeks, and have an irresistible flavour. Whether enjoyed alone or served with dips and sauces, this type of biltong will become a firm favourite!
BBQ Biltong
BBQ biltong is a local speciality in Qatar, and it's sure to get your taste buds dancing. This type of biltong undergoes marination in sweet barbecue sauce before being drying it. It makes slightly sweet with a tangy flavour. The air-drying process reduces some of the fat from the biltong. It makes an excellent option for those looking for a low-fat snack.
BBQ biltong is rich in protein, which can help you power through your day. It's also a great post-workout snack, perfect for those looking to maintain their fitness goals. Plus, unlike many snacks high in sodium and fat, BBQ biltong is low in carbs and an excellent source of iron, zinc, and other essential vitamins and minerals. You can enjoy BBQ biltong straight from the packet or add it to anything savoury, like beef jerky stew, with boiled potatoes and carrots.
Biltong is a cured, seasoned meat snack from South Africa that is quickly becoming popular in Qatar. Biltong is similar to beef jerky but has a distinct flavour due to the marination it undergoes with vinegar, spices, and herbs. A BBQ-style sauce makes it resembles also beef jerky. The texture can vary in biltong, ranging from soft and chewy to dry and crusty. With BBQ biltong, the process of cooking it slowly over low heat for hours makes the texture firm yet still moist. As a result, you get that delicious smoky taste when you chew it.
Venison Biltong
Venison biltong is a savoury, rich delicacy often enjoyed in Qatar. The recipe is high-quality venison which undergoes marination in curry and other spices before drying up. The combination of sweet and spicy flavours makes this biltong perfect for pairing with a range of side dishes.
When making venison biltong in Qatar, it is essential to use the freshest ingredients. You have to purchase Venison on that same day and kept inside the refrigerator until ready to cook. You marinate it. After marinating, you have to leave out the heart in a well-ventilated area for up to three days as it dries completely. Once fully dry, you have to store the venison in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag. If you like it cold, this type of biltong has a slightly chewy texture. It has also a deep flavour profile that pairs nicely with side dishes such as pickled vegetables or thick slices of bread.
Where to Find Biltong in Qatar?
If you are in Qatar and looking for Biltong, there are several places where you can find this delicious snack. Here are some popular places to buy Biltong in Qatar.
Gastronomic Living
Gastronomic Living is a restaurant in Doha serving a range of South African dishes, including Biltong. You can enjoy a plate of Biltong as an appetiser or order it as a snack with your main meal. Explore the menu, and you'll surely love South African dishes in Qatar.
The Biltong Guy
The Biltong Guy is a popular online store offering various Biltong flavours and cuts. You can order Biltong online and have it delivered to your doorstep.
The South African Shop
The South African Shop is a retail store in Doha that sells various South African products, including Biltong. The shop offers a range of Biltong flavours, including original, chilli, and garlic.
Benefits of Biltong
Aside from its unique flavour, Biltong offers several health benefits. Biltong is high in protein, making it an ideal snack for people trying to build muscle or lose weight. It is also low in fat and carbs, making it a healthier alternative to other processed snacks.
Biltong is also rich in iron and zinc, essential minerals supporting the immune system and promoting healthy red blood cell production. Additionally, Biltong is free from preservatives and artificial additives, making it a healthier snack choice.
Conclusion
South African Biltong is a delicious and healthy snack that has gained popularity in Qatar. Enjoy this super tasty snack. With its high protein content and essential minerals, biltong is a great snack choice for health-conscious individuals who want to enjoy a delicious snack without guilt. Whether you prefer original, chilli, or garlic-flavoured Biltong, there are several places in Qatar where you can find this. Visit the fantastic city of Doha and explore the various types of Biltong in Qatar!
