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A golden surface is cut into portions, with warm cheese beneath and pistachio adding a green finish. It is a dessert to eat while warm, when the pastry and filling still give you their different textures. One modest portion can be a satisfying end to a meal in the market.\n\nKunafa comes in different forms, and the choice matters. The softer version has a finer, closer crumb, while the crisp version puts more emphasis on the shredded pastry. Mixed kunafa and rolled pastries give the counter more variety. Al Aker’s wider selection also includes cream-filled sweets, so a golden surface alone does not tell you what is inside. The serving staff can identify the filling and the size before a piece is cut.\n\nThe display is worth looking along before deciding. Shallow metal trays hold neat rows of nut pastries, with rolled pieces, layered squares and pistachio-topped sweets bringing different proportions of pastry, syrup and filling. Baklava gives you a firmer, flaky alternative to warm kunafa. A mixed takeaway selection works well for sharing later; the box and its weight determine a different purchase from a single dessert portion.\n\nThis is a working sweet shop in the souq, with the display and preparation close together. The dark wall behind the glass counter, large preparation pans and bright Arabic shop sign are part of its recognisable setting. It suits a brief counter stop as easily as a longer dessert break when seating is available. In the evening, the illuminated frontage opens onto the pedestrian market rather than a hotel lobby or shopping mall.\n\nBandar Aden makes a convenient savoury partner nearby: Yemeni stews and bread first, then the walk through Souq Waqif for something sweet. Al Aker is also an easy visit on its own. The useful choice is between a warm portion now and a pastry selection to take away; fresh-kunafa service, portion sizes and seating are handled by this branch. Dairy, wheat and nuts all need attention when ordering for an allergy.", "shortDescription": "Kunafa and pastries for a sweet stop in Souq Waqif.", "categorySlug": "cafes", "schemaType": "CafeOrCoffeeShop", "location": "Souq Waqif / Al Jasra, Doha", "city": "Doha and Qatar", "country": "Qatar", "latitude": 25.2868027, "longitude": 51.5328774, "websiteUrl": "https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294009-d23256184-Reviews-Al_Aker_Sweets_Souq_Waqif-Doha.html", "bookingUrl": "tel:+97470927288", "bookingText": "For the Souq Waqif branch, call +974 7092 7288 about the day’s kunafa service and group needs. Order portions or a weighed takeaway selection at the counter; seating is subject to space.", "priceAmount": 20, "priceCurrency": "QAR", "priceText": "≈ QAR 15–30 per person for a small dessert portion. The counter prices some sweets by weight; drinks and takeaway boxes cost extra.", "costLabel": "≈ QAR 15–30 / dessert", "durationText": "Allow 20–40 minutes plus the counter queue; longer if waiting for a table.", "openingHoursText": "Afternoon and evening visits suit a dessert stop. Contact the Souq Waqif branch for the day’s hours, Friday break and final fresh-kunafa service.", "gettingThere": "Use the exact Souq Waqif branch pin, not Al Aker Bin Mahmoud or another outlet. Take the Gold Line to Souq Waqif, then walk into the market; Red Line arrivals change at Msheireb. From a nearby hotel allow 15–30 minutes including the pedestrian approach and queue. A taxi should use an agreed souq perimeter pickup/drop-off rather than a lane the car cannot enter.", "arrivalInstructions": "Use the exact Souq Waqif branch pin, not Al Aker Bin Mahmoud or another outlet. Take the Gold Line to Souq Waqif, then walk into the market; Red Line arrivals change at Msheireb. 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Keep a separate meal in the day’s budget." }, { "q": "Can I choose a small portion at Al Aker Sweets in Souq Waqif?", "a": "Al Aker Sweets in Souq Waqif offers small portions at the counter; ask for the size and price before it is cut. Allow ≈ QAR 15–30 for a dessert portion; whole trays and takeaway boxes have separate prices." }, { "q": "Which Al Aker Sweets branch is mapped?", "a": "The mapped Al Aker Sweets shop is in Souq Waqif. Other branches have different entrances, hours and transport journeys." } ], "accessibility": { "note": "The pedestrian market can be crowded and uneven. Ask for the step-free shop approach, suitable seating and nearby accessible toilets; a queue and counter purchase may involve standing. Use a perimeter vehicle connection if the station walk is unsuitable." }, "requirements": { "dietary": "Kunafa commonly contains dairy and wheat, and the display includes nut pastries. Ask about the exact item, syrups and shared utensils; do not assume a nut-free, gluten-free or vegan serving." }, "visitPlan": { "prices": { "title": "Food budget & menu", "value": "≈ QAR 15–30 per person for a small dessert portion. The counter prices some sweets by weight; drinks and takeaway boxes cost extra.", "rows": [] }, "hours": { "title": "When to go", "value": "Afternoon and evening visits suit a dessert stop. Contact the Souq Waqif branch for the day’s hours, Friday break and final fresh-kunafa service.", "notes": [ "Allow 20–40 minutes plus the counter queue; longer if waiting for a table." ] }, "arrival": { "title": "Getting there", "address": "Souq Waqif / Al Jasra, Doha", "directions": true, "notes": [ "Use the exact Souq Waqif branch pin, not Al Aker Bin Mahmoud or another outlet. Take the Gold Line to Souq Waqif, then walk into the market; Red Line arrivals change at Msheireb. From a nearby hotel allow 15–30 minutes including the pedestrian approach and queue. A taxi should use an agreed souq perimeter pickup/drop-off rather than a lane the car cannot enter." ] }, "booking": { "title": "Before you book", "before": [ "For the Souq Waqif branch, call +974 7092 7288 about the day’s kunafa service and group needs. Order portions or a weighed takeaway selection at the counter; seating is subject to space." ], "after": [ "Kunafa commonly contains dairy and wheat, and the display includes nut pastries. Ask about the exact item, syrups and shared utensils; do not assume a nut-free, gluten-free or vegan serving." ], "action": { "href": "tel:+97470927288", "label": "Call the Souq Waqif branch" } }, "returnTransfer": { "title": "Your return journey", "text": "Walk back to the Souq/Msheireb hotel or Souq Waqif station while services operate. For West Bay use the Gold Line towards Al Aziziyah to Msheireb and the Red Line north. After a late dessert stop book a licensed taxi from a named perimeter-road pickup; include the walk out of the market. 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"Doha, Lusail and Qatar" } }, { "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://above.guide/qatar-f1/things-to-do/al-aker-sweets-souq-waqif/#editorial-article", "headline": "Al Aker Sweets, Souq Waqif: visitor guide", "description": "Kunafa and pastries for a sweet stop in Souq Waqif.", "url": "https://above.guide/qatar-f1/things-to-do/al-aker-sweets-souq-waqif", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://above.guide/qatar-f1/things-to-do/al-aker-sweets-souq-waqif/#webpage" }, "author": { "@id": "https://above.guide/#organization" }, "creator": { "@id": "https://above.guide/#organization" }, "editor": { "@id": "https://above.guide/#organization" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://above.guide/#organization" }, "copyrightHolder": { "@id": "https://above.guide/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-GB", "dateModified": "2026-10-29", "image": { "@id": "https://above.guide/qatar-f1/things-to-do/al-aker-sweets-souq-waqif/#primary-image" }, "thumbnailUrl": "https://above.guide/qatar-f1/_guide/images/experiences/qatar/dining/al-aker-sweets-souq-waqif/al-aker-sweets-souq-waqif-stone-shopfront-arrival-v2.webp", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://above.guide/qatar-f1/things-to-do/al-aker-sweets-souq-waqif/#webpage" }, "about": { "@id": "https://above.guide/qatar-f1/things-to-do/al-aker-sweets-souq-waqif/#place" }, "spatialCoverage": { "@type": "City", "name": "Doha and Lusail" }, "audience": { "@type": "Audience", "audienceType": "Visitors and trip planners" }, "genre": "Travel guide", "articleSection": "Things to do", "publishingPrinciples": "https://above.guide/qatar-f1/editorial-policy" }, { "@type": "CafeOrCoffeeShop", "@id": "https://above.guide/qatar-f1/things-to-do/al-aker-sweets-souq-waqif/#place", "name": "Al Aker Sweets, Souq Waqif", "description": "The broad round kunafa pans behind Al Aker’s counter explain why this is such a popular sweet stop in Souq Waqif. A golden surface is cut into portions, with warm cheese beneath and pistachio adding a green finish. It is a dessert to eat while warm, when the pastry and filling still give you their different textures. One modest portion can be a satisfying end to a meal in the market.\n\nKunafa comes in different forms, and the choice matters. The softer version has a finer, closer crumb, while the crisp version puts more emphasis on the shredded pastry. Mixed kunafa and rolled pastries give the counter more variety. Al Aker’s wider selection also includes cream-filled sweets, so a golden surface alone does not tell you what is inside. The serving staff can identify the filling and the size before a piece is cut.\n\nThe display is worth looking along before deciding. Shallow metal trays hold neat rows of nut pastries, with rolled pieces, layered squares and pistachio-topped sweets bringing different proportions of pastry, syrup and filling. Baklava gives you a firmer, flaky alternative to warm kunafa. A mixed takeaway selection works well for sharing later; the box and its weight determine a different purchase from a single dessert portion.\n\nThis is a working sweet shop in the souq, with the display and preparation close together. The dark wall behind the glass counter, large preparation pans and bright Arabic shop sign are part of its recognisable setting. It suits a brief counter stop as easily as a longer dessert break when seating is available. In the evening, the illuminated frontage opens onto the pedestrian market rather than a hotel lobby or shopping mall.\n\nBandar Aden makes a convenient savoury partner nearby: Yemeni stews and bread first, then the walk through Souq Waqif for something sweet. Al Aker is also an easy visit on its own. The useful choice is between a warm portion now and a pastry selection to take away; fresh-kunafa service, portion sizes and seating are handled by this branch. Dairy, wheat and nuts all need attention when ordering for an allergy.", "url": "https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294009-d23256184-Reviews-Al_Aker_Sweets_Souq_Waqif-Doha.html", "subjectOf": { "@id": "https://above.guide/qatar-f1/things-to-do/al-aker-sweets-souq-waqif/#editorial-article" }, "image": { "@id": "https://above.guide/qatar-f1/things-to-do/al-aker-sweets-souq-waqif/#primary-image" }, "containedInPlace": [ { "@id": "https://above.guide/qatar-f1/#destination" } ], "sameAs": [ "https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294009-d23256184-Reviews-Al_Aker_Sweets_Souq_Waqif-Doha.html" ], "telephone": "+974 7092 7288", "servesCuisine": [ "Middle Eastern" ], "priceRange": "$", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Doha and Qatar", "addressCountry": "QA" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 25.2868027, "longitude": 51.5328774 } }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://above.guide/qatar-f1/things-to-do/al-aker-sweets-souq-waqif/#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Al Aker Sweets in Souq Waqif a dinner option?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Al Aker Sweets in Souq Waqif is a short dessert or takeaway stop. Keep a separate meal in the day’s budget." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I choose a small portion at Al Aker Sweets in Souq Waqif?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Al Aker Sweets in Souq Waqif offers small portions at the counter; ask for the size and price before it is cut. Allow ≈ QAR 15–30 for a dessert portion; whole trays and takeaway boxes have separate prices." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which Al Aker Sweets branch is mapped?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The mapped Al Aker Sweets shop is in Souq Waqif. Other branches have different entrances, hours and transport journeys." } } ] } ] } ], "editorialMarkdown": "[View next **Saravanaa Bhavan, Old Al Ghanim**]()\n\n## Al Aker Sweets, Souq Waqif\n\nKunafa and pastries for a sweet stop in [Souq Waqif]() .\n\n[Plan this experience]()\n\n[Explore the story]()\n\nCost **≈ QAR 23 / dessert**\n\nTime to allow **Allow 20–40 minutes plus the counter queue**\n\nPlace **Souq Waqif / Al Jasra, Doha**\n\n01 / The experience\n\n### Al Aker Sweets, Souq Waqif\n\n $ Food per person Middle Eastern\n\nThe broad round kunafa pans behind Al Aker’s counter explain why this is such a popular sweet stop in [Souq Waqif]() . A golden surface is cut into portions, with warm cheese beneath and pistachio adding a green finish. It is a dessert to eat while warm, when the pastry and filling still give you their different textures. One modest portion can be a satisfying end to a meal in the market.\n\nKunafa comes in different forms, and the choice matters. The softer version has a finer, closer crumb, while the crisp version puts more emphasis on the shredded pastry. Mixed kunafa and rolled pastries give the counter more variety. Al Aker’s wider selection also includes cream-filled sweets, so a golden surface alone does not tell you what is inside. The serving staff can identify the filling and the size before a piece is cut.\n\nThe display is worth looking along before deciding. Shallow metal trays hold neat rows of nut pastries, with rolled pieces, layered squares and pistachio-topped sweets bringing different proportions of pastry, syrup and filling. Baklava gives you a firmer, flaky alternative to warm kunafa. A mixed takeaway selection works well for sharing later; the box and its weight determine a different purchase from a single dessert portion.\n\nThis is a working sweet shop in the souq, with the display and preparation close together. The dark wall behind the glass counter, large preparation pans and bright Arabic shop sign are part of its recognisable setting. It suits a brief counter stop as easily as a longer dessert break when seating is available. In the evening, the illuminated frontage opens onto the pedestrian market rather than a hotel lobby or shopping mall.\n\n[Bandar Aden]() makes a convenient savoury partner nearby: Yemeni stews and bread first, then the walk through [Souq Waqif]() for something sweet. Al Aker is also an easy visit on its own. The useful choice is between a warm portion now and a pastry selection to take away; fresh-kunafa service, portion sizes and seating are handled by this branch. Dairy, wheat and nuts all need attention when ordering for an allergy.\n\n![Trays of baklava and pistachio pastries beneath Al Aker’s glass counter]()\n\nCafés & coffee **Al Aker Sweets, Souq Waqif** Doha and Lusail\n\nAl Aker Sweets’ illuminated sign and ground-floor shopfront in Souq Waqif\n\nTrays of baklava and pistachio pastries beneath Al Aker’s glass counter\n\nA round pan of golden kunafa at Al Aker Sweets in Souq Waqif\n\nA warm pistachio-topped kunafa portion at Al Aker Sweets\n\nLayered pistachio baklava from Al Aker’s Souq Waqif counter\n\nGolden rolled nut pastries at Al Aker Sweets\n\n04 / Before you go\n\n### Plan your visit\n\n#### Food budget & menu\n\n≈ QAR 23 per person for a small dessert portion. The counter prices some sweets by weight; drinks and takeaway boxes cost extra.\n\nFood allowance; drinks, extra dishes and transport cost extra.\n\n#### When to go\n\nAfternoon and evening visits suit a dessert stop. Contact the [Souq Waqif]() branch for the day’s hours, Friday break and final fresh-kunafa service.\n\nAllow 20–40 minutes plus the counter queue; longer if waiting for a table.\n\n#### Getting there\n\n[Souq Waqif]() / Al Jasra, Doha\n\nUse the exact [Souq Waqif]() branch pin, not Al Aker Bin Mahmoud or another outlet. Take the Gold Line to [Souq Waqif]() , then walk into the market; Red Line arrivals change at Msheireb. From a nearby hotel allow 15–30 minutes including the pedestrian approach and queue. A taxi should use an agreed souq perimeter pickup/drop-off rather than a lane the car cannot enter.\n\n[Get directions]()\n\n#### Before you book\n\nFor the [Souq Waqif]() branch, call +974 7092 7288 about the day’s kunafa service and group needs. Order portions or a weighed takeaway selection at the counter; seating is subject to space.\n\n[Call the Souq Waqif branch]()\n\nKunafa commonly contains dairy and wheat, and the display includes nut pastries. Ask about the exact item, syrups and shared utensils; do not assume a nut-free, gluten-free or vegan serving.\n\n#### Your return journey\n\nWalk back to the Souq/Msheireb hotel or [Souq Waqif]() station while services operate. For West Bay use the Gold Line towards Al Aziziyah to Msheireb and the Red Line north. After a late dessert stop book a licensed taxi from a named perimeter-road pickup; include the walk out of the market. Buying a late snack does not guarantee a late Metro connection.\n\n#### Accessibility\n\nThe pedestrian market can be crowded and uneven. Ask for the step-free shop approach, suitable seating and nearby accessible toilets; a queue and counter purchase may involve standing. Use a perimeter vehicle connection if the station walk is unsuitable.\n\n### Location & nearby places\n\nExplore around Al Aker Sweets, Souq Waqif\n\n The map will load when you reach it.\n\n06 / Good to know\n\n### Al Aker Sweets, Souq Waqif: frequently asked questions\n\n01 Is Al Aker Sweets in Souq Waqif a dinner option?\n\nAl Aker Sweets in [Souq Waqif]() is a short dessert or takeaway stop. Keep a separate meal in the day’s budget.\n\n02 Can I choose a small portion at Al Aker Sweets in Souq Waqif?\n\nAl Aker Sweets in [Souq Waqif]() offers small portions at the counter; ask for the size and price before it is cut. Allow ≈ QAR 23 for a dessert portion; whole trays and takeaway boxes have separate prices.\n\n03 Which Al Aker Sweets branch is mapped?\n\nThe mapped Al Aker Sweets shop is in [Souq Waqif]() . Other branches have different entrances, hours and transport journeys.\n\nContinue exploring\n\n### Make Doha and Lusail\nyour own.\n\n[Visit the official site]()[← All things to do]()\n\nOpening hours, prices and access change. Confirm details on the official site before visiting." }