Worth leaving the house

They might not deliver, but these takeaway spots make us more than happy to retrieve our food ourselves

Chowking: A Filipino Chinese favorite, it’s what happens when fast food meets family style dining. Big portions and reasonable prices aside, we’re addicted to haloo haloo, a ice-based desert topped with everything from gelato, fruit, flan and the kitchen sink that’s the perfect thing on a hot Doha day. It’s also practically self-generating, as the ice melts refilling the bowl as you eat it. And since it technically qualifies as fast food, you can just turn up and get your food quickly.
Get it: Al Sadd St, 10am-1am (4431 4411)

Neo: Fantastic sushi and western dishes, the rolls are massive and give great value for money. Order ahead and they’ll have everything bagged when you arrive, complete with more than enough soy sauce and wasabi to get you through the rest of your lifetime. They’re also easy about substitutions- even obnoxious changes and special requests are accepted with a smile.
Get it: Salwa Rd, noon-4pm, 7pm-midnight (4432 2508)

Layali: Solid Lebanese and Arabic food that’s a firm favorite amongst Doha’s Lebanese and Moroccan expats. Big, meaty kababs and fantastic Arabic desserts make it a must stop. The atmosphere inside is pretty, but they’ll also bag up your tasty treats to go. It’s recommended to call ahead and place your order though- this spot can get busy.
Get it: Salwa Rd, noon-midnight (4431 0005/ 4431 0006)

Rocca: Tucked away down the by the Grand Hyatt pool, this isn’t the typical place you’d expect takeout, but we assure you: their pizza is worth it. Thin and crispy with haute cuisine toppings, they come in their own special Rocca pizza boxes. Plus, they’re not as expensive as you’d expect from one of the big hotels in Doha. We’d definitely order in advance for this one though- fine dining, even relaxed casual fine dining- cannot be rushed.
Get it: Grand Hyatt Doha, 10am-midnight, (4448 1270)

Thai Snack: This perennial favorite does a brisk trade in takeaways, for good reason: there’s no need to order ahead, even if you just turn up your food is ready almost before you are. The menu is easy to order from as well, as they tend to stick to numbers instead of names for their dishes, and there’s a helpful wall of photos of each dish next to the cash- so you don’t even need to pick up a menu.
Get it: Turn right on to Al Nasr St just before Ramada Junction and look for the Thai Massage parlor- Thai Snack is right next to that. 10.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-11pm (4432 9704)