Chef Noof Al-Marri, owner and founder of Desert Rose Café, shares her fascination with spice mixing and pride at bringing Qatari cuisine to the world stage.

You’ve said that your culinary journey began early with spice blending. What is it about this side of kitchen life that you find attractive? And please tell us about your line of spices – Spices by Chef Noof.
Spices are at the heart of Qatari cuisine, carrying stories of trade, tradition and heritage. From a young age, I was fascinated by how a carefully crafted spice blend could transform a dish, evoking deep emotions and memories. This passion led me to create Spices by Chef Noof, a curated collection of blends inspired by traditional Qatari flavours. Each mix is designed to bring depth and authenticity to dishes, making it easy for both home cooks and professionals to experience the true essence of our cuisine.

Desert Rose Café sits in one of the country’s most prestigious spots at the National Museum of Qatar. How did this collaboration come about?
The National Museum of Qatar is a symbol of our country’s rich history and cultural identity, making it the perfect setting to showcase authentic Qatari flavours. The idea behind Desert Rose Café was to create a space where visitors could experience our culinary heritage in a modern and inviting way. This collaboration came naturally, as both the museum and I share a vision of preserving and celebrating Qatari traditions while presenting them to the world in a contemporary manner.

You have represented Qatar internationally, showcasing local cuisine to the world, and were also the first Qatari chef aboard Qatar Airways. How do you feel about these major achievements, and what’s next for you and your brand?
It has been an incredible honour to represent Qatar on the international stage, introducing the world to our rich culinary traditions. Sharing our flavours and culture through food has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey. Being the first Qatari chef to collaborate with Qatar Airways was a proud milestone, allowing me to take our cuisine beyond borders. Moving forward, my focus remains on expanding my brand, Raseef Reqaq, and promoting sustainable and responsible gastronomy. I also have exciting new projects in the works that will further elevate and showcase Qatari cuisine.

What is your signature dish at Desert Rose, and what, in your view, makes it popular?
One of the most popular dishes at Desert Rose Café is regag with unique modern twists, along with chicken madhrooba with aromatic herbs and my signature spice blend. Madhrooba is a dish that embodies the depth of Qatari cuisine – it’s warm, comforting and packed with rich, fragrant flavours. People love it because it combines traditional taste with my personal touch, using a special blend of spices that enhances its unique character. It’s a dish that speaks to both nostalgia and innovation, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. ✤