Where to Buy Groceries in Doha
Figuring out where to buy groceries in Doha takes longer than it should. Not because options are limited, they’re actually excellent, but because the city’s supermarket landscape is fragmented across chains with very different strengths, and the product you want is rarely in the first place you look.
After years of shopping in Doha, I’ve learned that the answer to “where do I buy groceries?” is almost never a single supermarket. Most residents develop a circuit: LuLu or Carrefour for the weekly staples, a specialty store for specific imported items, the vegetable market for fresh produce, and occasionally Marks & Spencer or Monoprix when you need something specific and are willing to pay for it. Understanding which store does what well saves you significant time and money.
This guide covers every major supermarket chain in Doha, what each is genuinely good for, realistic price comparisons, where to find specific products that are hard to locate, the best locations for each chain, and the practical tips that take years of trial and error to figure out on your own.
The Doha Supermarket Landscape: Quick Orientation
Doha has supermarkets across several distinct categories, each serving different shopping needs and price points.
Large hypermarkets (weekly staples, bulk buying): LuLu Hypermarket, Carrefour, Géant
Mid-range supermarkets (everyday shopping, good range): Spar, Al Meera, Family Food Centre
Premium and specialty supermarkets (imported goods, specific cuisines): Monoprix, Marks & Spencer Food, Waitrose, The Sultan Center
Specialty and ethnic grocery stores (cuisine-specific products): Various Indian, Filipino, Lebanese, and other ethnic grocery stores concentrated in specific areas
Fresh produce markets (vegetables, fruit, meat, fish): Wholesale Market Road (Central Market), various smaller wet markets
Online grocery delivery: Talabat Mart, Carrefour Now, LuLu Online, Instashop
Understanding which category serves your need saves you the experience of driving to four stores looking for a single ingredient.
LuLu Hypermarket
LuLu is the most popular supermarket among Qatar’s expat population and for good reason. It has the broadest product range of any single chain in Doha, competitive pricing, and enough locations that one is accessible from almost anywhere in the city.
What LuLu does best: Fresh produce is LuLu’s strongest category. Their fruit and vegetable sections are large, well-stocked, and priced competitively. The selection spans local Qatari and regional produce alongside imported items. Mangoes from India and Pakistan when in season, excellent dates year-round, and a solid range of Asian vegetables that are hard to find elsewhere.
The meat and fish counter at LuLu is extensive. Whole fish, fillets, live seafood in some locations, and a full butchery with both pre-packaged and counter-served options. For South Asian and Middle Eastern cuts that aren’t standard in Western supermarkets, LuLu’s butcher counter is reliable.
Asian grocery products are LuLu’s other clear strength. Indian spices, Pakistani staples, Filipino pantry items, Sri Lankan products, and Southeast Asian sauces are available in a range and depth that no other major chain matches. If you cook South Asian food regularly, LuLu should be your primary store.
Pricing is consistently among the lowest of the major supermarket chains in Doha. For staple items, LuLu typically beats Carrefour by 5-15% and premium chains by 30-60%.
What LuLu doesn’t do as well: Western European specialty products. French cheeses, premium Italian ingredients, British biscuits, and specific European products are either not stocked or available in limited range. For these, Monoprix or Marks & Spencer serve better.
Organic and health food sections are limited compared to dedicated health food stores. The prepared food quality is inconsistent.
Best LuLu locations: The LuLu in Al Messila (near the Education City corridor) is the largest and most comprehensively stocked. LuLu Hypermarket in the Industrial Area serves the western suburbs well. The Al Khor LuLu is worth knowing if you’re in the north. For central Doha, the Landmark Mall location is convenient.
Practical tips: Thursday evenings and Friday mornings are LuLu’s busiest times and queues at checkouts can be long. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are significantly quieter. The LuLu app allows online ordering with home delivery and is worth using for heavy or bulky items.
Carrefour
Carrefour is Qatar’s second hypermarket giant and the main competition to LuLu. It sits at a slightly higher price point than LuLu for most categories but offers a broader range of Western and European products.
What Carrefour does best: Western and European imported products are Carrefour’s comparative strength over LuLu. French, Spanish, and Italian food products appear more regularly in Carrefour than in LuLu’s range. The cheese section is better stocked with European varieties. European breakfast cereals, biscuits, and packaged goods are more reliably available.
The bakery section at Carrefour is generally considered better than LuLu’s, with fresh bread baked in-store daily and a reasonable range of pastries and cakes.
Carrefour’s own-brand (Carrefour brand) products offer good value across a wide range of categories. For cooking oils, canned goods, dairy, and similar staples, Carrefour’s own brand is reliable and noticeably cheaper than branded equivalents.
The non-food sections (electronics, homeware, clothing) are well-stocked and competitively priced for large-ticket household items.
What Carrefour doesn’t do as well: Asian grocery range is narrower than LuLu’s. If you cook South or Southeast Asian food regularly, LuLu is the better choice for that category. Fresh produce pricing is slightly higher than LuLu for comparable quality.
Best Carrefour locations: Carrefour in City Centre Doha is one of the most central large supermarkets in the city and convenient for West Bay and surrounding areas. The Mall of Qatar Carrefour is enormous and one of the best-stocked locations. Carrefour in Ezdan Mall serves the Al Wakra area. For Lusail residents, the Lusail Mall Carrefour is the most convenient.
Practical tips: Carrefour’s Carrefour Now app offers rapid grocery delivery (30-60 minutes) from select locations. Their loyalty program (My Club) accumulates points on purchases that can be redeemed as store credit. Friday is Carrefour’s most chaotic day; Saturday morning is much more manageable.
Géant
Géant is the third major hypermarket in Qatar and operates fewer locations than LuLu and Carrefour. The Gulf Mall Géant in Al Rayyan is the flagship and one of the largest supermarket floors in Qatar.
What Géant does best: Géant sits at a price point between LuLu and Carrefour and has a reasonable product range across most categories. Their promotions on household non-food items are often the best in the market. For buying kitchen equipment, cleaning products, and similar household items alongside groceries, Géant’s combination of food and non-food is competitive.
The fresh meat section at Géant is well-regarded. For residents in the Al Rayyan and Education City corridor, the Gulf Mall Géant is the most convenient large hypermarket.
What Géant doesn’t do as well: Specialty imported products. For anything beyond standard international brands, Géant’s range is narrower than both LuLu and Carrefour. Asian grocery range is particularly limited.
Al Meera
Al Meera is Qatar’s homegrown supermarket chain and the most widespread in terms of neighborhood locations. With branches in virtually every residential area of Doha, Al Meera is often the most convenient option for top-up shopping between major hypermarket trips.
What Al Meera does best: Convenience and community-level access. Al Meera branches are smaller than the hypermarkets but are spread across Doha in a way that puts one within 5-10 minutes of most residential addresses. For picking up milk, bread, eggs, and similar top-up items without a major trip, Al Meera is unbeatable on location.
Pricing for standard branded products is competitive. Al Meera’s own-brand products across dairy, bread, and basic groceries offer good value.
Local and regional products are well-represented. Qatari dates, local honey, regional dairy products, and Halal meat from local suppliers are consistently available.
What Al Meera doesn’t do as well: Range is the obvious limitation. Al Meera stores are not hypermarkets and cannot match the depth of product range at LuLu or Carrefour. For specialty products, imported goods, or a comprehensive weekly shop, Al Meera isn’t the right choice.
Best use case: Top-up shopping, emergency item runs, buying standard branded products you know exist, and accessing fresh bread and dairy without a full hypermarket trip.
Monoprix
Monoprix is the French supermarket chain operating several locations in Doha and serves a distinct market segment: expats looking for quality European and particularly French products in a premium environment.
What Monoprix does best: French and European specialty products are Monoprix’s reason for existing in Doha. French cheeses in a range that no other supermarket in Qatar matches. French charcuterie, pâté, rillettes, and specialty meats. French pastries and viennoiserie. A wide range of French-branded packaged goods that are simply unavailable elsewhere in Doha.
The cheese counter at Monoprix deserves specific mention. Varieties including Comté, Beaufort, Mimolette, various chèvres, and a rotating selection of seasonal French cheeses are reliably available. For serious cheese lovers, Monoprix is genuinely special in the Doha context.
Prepared foods at Monoprix are among the best in Doha’s supermarket sector. Quiches, salads, prepared meat dishes, and fresh pastas are made daily to French supermarket standards, which in Qatar’s context is a meaningful step above most alternatives.
The wine section at Monoprix is the best in any Qatar supermarket, with a broader range of French, European, and New World wines than either the QDC or other licensed retailers typically stock. Note that purchasing wine still requires your QDC license (not the Monoprix purchase itself requires the license, but alcohol is only available in licensed premises to registered holders).
What Monoprix doesn’t do as well: Price. Monoprix is significantly more expensive than LuLu and Carrefour across almost every category where comparison is possible. A weekly family shop at Monoprix costs approximately 40-60% more than the same items at LuLu. For the European specialty items that only Monoprix stocks, you pay whatever they charge. For standard items available everywhere, Monoprix is poor value.
Asian and South Asian grocery products are not really what Monoprix does. Don’t look for Indian spices or Filipino condiments here.
Best Monoprix locations: The Monoprix at The Pearl (Medina Centrale) is the most convenient for Pearl residents and one of the better-stocked locations. The Villaggio Mall location is central and accessible. The Monoprix in Lagoona Mall serves the West Bay Lagoon area.
Best use case: French and European specialty products, quality cheese and charcuterie, premium prepared foods, wine selection, and shopping for items that genuinely only exist in Qatar at Monoprix.
Marks & Spencer Food
M&S Food operates in Qatar at several locations and brings its distinctive British food retail offer to Doha’s expat community.
What M&S does best: British food products that cannot be found elsewhere in Qatar. M&S own-brand products including their biscuits, ready meals, premium crisps, British sausages, bacon, and the full range of their packaged goods are available in Doha only through M&S. For British expats missing specific home comfort foods, M&S is uniquely valuable.
The prepared food section covers the M&S ready meal range, which has a loyal following among British expats willing to pay premium prices for the genuine article. Percy Pig sweets, Colin the Caterpillar cake, and similar British cultural foods are available at M&S in Doha.
Seasonal British food events (Christmas range, Easter, etc.) are stocked in Doha M&S stores, making it the go-to for British expats wanting to maintain food traditions from home.
What M&S doesn’t do as well: Everything outside the British specialty niche. M&S Food in Qatar is not designed to be a comprehensive supermarket; it’s a specialty British food retailer. Pricing is high even by Monoprix standards for most products.
Best M&S locations: City Centre Doha has an M&S Food with a reasonable range. The Pearl and Villaggio locations also exist. Check the current location list as M&S has adjusted its Qatar footprint over the years.
Best use case: British expats sourcing specific home products, quality ready meals on a busy evening, British seasonal food events.
Waitrose
Waitrose operates in Qatar through a franchise partnership and brings the premium British supermarket’s range to Doha. It occupies a similar premium positioning to M&S but with a broader general product range.
What Waitrose does best: Waitrose own-brand products cover a comprehensive range of food categories at premium quality. British and European specialty products are well-represented. The fresh section including meat, fish, deli, and bakery is consistently high quality.
For British expats who shopped at Waitrose at home, the Qatar locations provide a familiar product range at familiar (if somewhat elevated) prices. For premium food shopping across multiple categories in a single store, Waitrose competes with Monoprix.
What Waitrose doesn’t do as well: Value. Waitrose in Qatar is premium-priced across its range. For staple shopping, it’s significantly more expensive than LuLu or Carrefour.
Best use case: Premium British and European products, quality fresh section, and expats who prioritize product quality over price.
Family Food Centre
Family Food Centre (FFC) is a Qatari mid-market supermarket chain with branches across Doha. It occupies a space between the large hypermarkets and Al Meera: larger than Al Meera, smaller than LuLu or Carrefour.
What FFC does best: Local and regional products at competitive prices. FFC has a strong range of Qatari and regional Arab food products, local Halal meat, and Middle Eastern pantry staples. For residents who cook Arab cuisine, FFC’s range of regional ingredients, spices, and dried goods is excellent.
Pricing is competitive with LuLu for most comparable items. FFC’s customer service is typically more attentive than the hypermarkets.
Best use case: Arab and Middle Eastern cooking ingredients, local Qatari products, mid-range supermarket alternative to the large hypermarkets.
The Vegetable and Produce Markets
For fresh fruit and vegetables, the best value and freshest produce in Doha is not in any supermarket. It’s at the markets.
Wholesale Market Road (Central Market), Al Aker: This is where most of Doha’s restaurants and many residents source their fresh produce. The wholesale market area off Salwa Road has vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and herbs in large quantities at prices significantly below supermarket equivalents. Quality for most items is excellent as the turnover is high.
You don’t need to buy wholesale quantities. Individual vendors sell in amounts suitable for household shopping. A weekly fruit and vegetable shop here costs 30-50% less than the same items at LuLu or Carrefour. The trade-off is the experience: it’s not air-conditioned, it’s busiest and most interesting in the early morning (6-9 AM), and some price negotiation is normal.
Al Wakra Souq vegetable market: For residents in the south of Doha and Al Wakra area, the vegetable section of Al Wakra Souq offers similar value to the central market.
Supermarket produce sections: LuLu has the best supermarket produce section in terms of range and value. Carrefour is good but slightly more expensive. Monoprix and M&S have beautiful produce sections that are genuinely premium but priced accordingly.
Specialty and Ethnic Grocery Stores
For specific cuisines, dedicated ethnic grocery stores often stock products that no major supermarket carries.
Indian and South Asian grocery stores: Concentrated in Al Mansoura, Old Airport Road, and Industrial Area. These stores carry specific regional Indian products, fresh curry leaves, fresh coconut, specific regional spices, and brands not available in the main hypermarkets. For serious Indian or Pakistani home cooking, at least one visit to the specialist stores in Al Mansoura is worth making to find the exact products you need.
Filipino grocery stores: Several dedicated Filipino grocery stores operate in Doha, primarily in the Al Mansoura and Wholesale Market area. They carry Filipino-specific products including specific brands of vinegar, bagoong, specific rice varieties, and snack foods not available in mainstream supermarkets.
Lebanese and Arab specialty stores: Old Airport Road and Al Asmakh Street areas have several Lebanese and Arab specialty food stores with excellent selections of regional cheeses (halloumi, akkawi, shanklish), fresh olives, regional olive oils, preserved lemons, and similar products.
Iranian grocery stores: A cluster of Iranian grocery stores near the Wholesale Market Road stock Iranian-specific products including excellent dried fruits, saffron (significantly cheaper than in Western supermarkets), rose water, barberries, and Persian pantry staples.
Organic and health food stores: Organic Foods and Café (multiple locations) carries organic produce, health supplements, gluten-free products, and health food items not available in mainstream supermarkets. More expensive but the only source for certain products. The location in The Pearl and the one near Aspire Zone are the most accessible for most expats.
Online Grocery Shopping in Doha
Online grocery delivery has matured significantly in Qatar since 2020 and is a genuine option for busy residents.
Talabat Mart: Talabat’s rapid grocery delivery service operates from dark stores across Doha and delivers in 15-30 minutes for a wide range of grocery and household items. Selection is not as broad as a full hypermarket but covers everyday essentials well. Pricing is at a premium over in-store prices. Good for urgent top-up items and convenience purchases.
Carrefour Now: Carrefour’s express delivery service delivers from stores in 30-60 minutes. Access to Carrefour’s full product range in many categories. More comprehensive than Talabat Mart for a broader shop.
LuLu Online: LuLu’s online shopping platform covers the full in-store range with same-day or next-day delivery depending on your location. For a full weekly shop without going to the store, LuLu Online is the most comprehensive option. Delivery fees are modest (QR 10-20) and free above certain order values.
Instashop: Instashop operates as a marketplace connecting to multiple stores including supermarkets and specialty retailers in Doha. Useful for accessing multiple stores through a single platform, particularly for specialty items.
Practical notes on delivery: Delivery time accuracy varies and slot booking in advance is better than on-demand for large orders. Substitution policies (when an item is out of stock) vary by platform; check settings to avoid unwanted substitutions for specific items.
Price Comparison: What Does a Weekly Shop Actually Cost?
To make the comparison concrete, here’s an approximate price comparison for a standard basket of items across the main supermarkets in early 2026.
Basket: 2 liters full-fat milk, 1 dozen eggs, 500g butter, 1kg chicken breast, 1kg basmati rice, 1 head broccoli, 1kg tomatoes, 1 loaf sliced bread, 200g cheddar cheese, 1 liter olive oil
| Supermarket | Approximate Basket Cost (QR) |
|---|---|
| LuLu | 85-105 |
| Carrefour | 90-115 |
| Al Meera | 88-110 |
| Géant | 92-118 |
| Family Food Centre | 87-108 |
| Monoprix | 140-180 |
| Marks & Spencer | 150-195 |
| Waitrose | 145-185 |
The premium chains cost 50-80% more for equivalent items. For specific products only available at premium chains, you pay what you pay. For standard items, the value chains offer significantly better value.
Where to Find Specific Hard-to-Locate Products
Pork products: Qatar allows pork products for non-Muslim residents. The QDC (Qatar Distribution Company) on Salwa Road is the primary licensed retailer for pork products including bacon, ham, sausages, and processed pork. Some Carrefour and LuLu locations have dedicated pork sections in a separate area, accessible only to non-Muslims.
Alcohol: Available at QDC on Salwa Road (requires a resident liquor license), licensed hotel restaurants and bars, and Monoprix wine section. Not available in general supermarkets.
Specific British products not at M&S: Expats sometimes find Heinz, Cadbury, and similar British brands at Carrefour and occasionally LuLu, but M&S and Waitrose are the most reliable sources.
Gluten-free products: Organic Foods and Café is the most reliable source. Carrefour and LuLu have small gluten-free sections that are improving but inconsistent.
Fresh herbs (specialty): The produce market on Wholesale Market Road has the best selection of fresh herbs including varieties rarely seen in supermarkets. For cooking that requires specific fresh herbs, this is the place.
Japanese and Korean products: A small number of specialty Asian grocery stores in Al Sadd and Madinat Khalifa carry Japanese and Korean specific products. Carrefour has a small Asian section that includes some Japanese and Korean products. For serious Japanese or Korean cooking, the specialist stores are necessary.
Specialty cheeses beyond standard varieties: Monoprix is the clear leader. Their cheese counter has a range that no other retailer in Qatar matches.
Fresh pasta: Monoprix and Waitrose carry fresh pasta. LuLu and Carrefour stock dried pasta in good range.
Specific spices and dried goods in bulk: The spice shops on Souq Waqif and the specialty stores near Wholesale Market Road offer bulk spices at prices significantly below supermarket equivalents and in qualities that are often superior. For regular spice buyers, these sources are worth visiting.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: “I can’t find a specific product I used to buy at home.” Check LuLu and Carrefour first for any South Asian, Middle Eastern, or mass-market international brand. For British products, M&S and Waitrose. For French products, Monoprix. If not found anywhere, the Expat Woman Qatar Facebook group and similar expat community forums are useful resources; someone has usually already figured out where to source almost anything in Doha.
Problem 2: “The product I bought last week isn’t there this week.” Stock inconsistency is a genuine feature of Doha’s supermarket landscape, particularly for imported specialty items. When you find a product you need, buying a few units to stock up is practical. Don’t assume consistent availability.
Problem 3: “Grocery shopping is taking too long because I’m going to multiple stores.” Most established Doha residents develop a routine that minimizes store visits. A practical circuit: LuLu for fresh produce, Asian products, and bulk staples once per week; Al Meera or Carrefour for top-up and European products midweek; specialty stores monthly for specific ethnic products. Using LuLu’s online delivery for heavy items reduces the in-store time significantly.
Problem 4: “Fresh produce from supermarkets is not lasting as long as expected.” The Wholesale Market Road produce is fresher than most supermarket produce because of higher turnover. For produce that needs to last the week, buying from the market on Saturday morning for the week ahead works better than supermarket produce for most items.
Problem 5: “I’m not sure which products are Halal.” In Qatar, the vast majority of meat products in all mainstream supermarkets are Halal by default. Pork products are available only in dedicated sections or at QDC and are clearly labeled. If a product’s Halal status is unclear, check the packaging for the Halal certification mark. Any uncertainty can be directed to supermarket staff.
FAQ
What is the cheapest supermarket in Doha? LuLu Hypermarket is consistently the best value major supermarket for most categories, particularly fresh produce and Asian grocery products. Al Meera is competitive for standard branded goods. The Wholesale Market Road produce market beats all supermarkets for fresh fruit and vegetables.
Where can I buy pork products in Qatar? At QDC (Qatar Distribution Company) on Salwa Road with a resident liquor and pork license, and in dedicated pork sections at some Carrefour and LuLu branches. These sections are in separate areas of the store.
Where can I buy alcohol in Doha? At QDC on Salwa Road (requires a resident license), at Monoprix (wine section, licensed), and at hotel restaurants and bars. See our complete guide to alcohol in Qatar for the full picture including how to get your QDC license.
What time do supermarkets open and close in Qatar? Most large supermarkets (LuLu, Carrefour, Géant) are open from approximately 8 AM to midnight daily, including Fridays. Some stay open 24 hours. Al Meera and smaller stores typically open from 7 AM to 11 PM. Hours change during Ramadan; morning hours are typically reduced and evening hours extended.
Is grocery shopping in Qatar expensive compared to Western countries? It depends on what you buy. Local and regional products (vegetables, rice, pulses, local chicken, dates) are cheaper than most Western countries. Imported Western brand products are comparable or slightly more expensive than in their origin markets. Premium European specialty products at Monoprix or M&S are significantly more expensive than buying the same products in France or the UK.
Can I get grocery delivery in Doha? Yes. Talabat Mart, Carrefour Now, LuLu Online, and Instashop all offer grocery delivery. Coverage and speed vary by area. Most central Doha locations are well-served. Outer areas may have limited delivery options.
Where is the best place for fresh fruit and vegetables in Doha? The Wholesale Market Road (Central Market) area offers the best combination of freshness, range, and price. Among supermarkets, LuLu has the best fresh produce section for range and value.
Does Doha have organic grocery options? Yes. Organic Foods and Café has multiple locations and carries certified organic produce and health food products. Some Carrefour and LuLu locations have small organic sections. The range is more limited than in Western markets but is improving.
Are there any 24-hour supermarkets in Doha? Some LuLu and Carrefour locations operate 24 hours or close very late (2-3 AM). Al Meera branches also sometimes operate late. Check specific location hours through Google Maps or the respective apps for the most current information.
Where do I find international cuisine ingredients in Doha? LuLu for South Asian and Southeast Asian products. Specialty stores in Al Mansoura for Indian and Pakistani specific brands. Filipino grocery stores near Wholesale Market Road for Filipino products. Monoprix and specialty stores in Al Sadd for Japanese and Korean products. Arab specialty stores on Old Airport Road for Lebanese and regional Arab products.
Quick Reference: Which Store for What
| What You Need | Best Store |
|---|---|
| Fresh fruit and vegetables (value) | Wholesale Market Road / LuLu |
| South Asian / Indian products | LuLu / Al Mansoura specialty stores |
| French specialty products | Monoprix |
| British products | M&S Food / Waitrose |
| European imported goods | Carrefour / Monoprix |
| Bulk staples (rice, oil, pulses) | LuLu / Géant |
| Premium cheese | Monoprix |
| Pork products | QDC / Carrefour pork section |
| Alcohol / wine | QDC / Monoprix / hotel outlets |
| Filipino products | Filipino specialty stores |
| Arab / Middle Eastern specialty | Family Food Centre / Old Airport Road stores |
| Iranian products | Specialty stores near Wholesale Market |
| Organic products | Organic Foods and Café |
| Gluten-free products | Organic Foods and Café / Carrefour |
| Top-up shopping (convenience) | Al Meera |
| 30-minute delivery | Talabat Mart / Carrefour Now |
| Full weekly shop online | LuLu Online |
Next Steps
- Start with LuLu or Carrefour for your first major shop to get oriented before developing your store circuit
- Visit the Wholesale Market Road on a Saturday or Sunday morning for your fresh produce at least once to compare quality and pricing with supermarkets
- Locate your nearest Al Meera for convenient top-up shopping between major trips
- Find the specialty stores relevant to your cooking style: Al Mansoura for Indian/Pakistani, Monoprix for French and European, M&S for British
- Download the LuLu and Carrefour apps for online ordering and delivery, particularly useful for heavy or bulky items
Last updated: February 2026.
Store locations, product availability, and prices change regularly in Doha’s retail market. Verify specific product availability and store hours directly before making a special trip.
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