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Santhosh Chandran
Doha
Katayef, a popular stuffed pancake, is the most sought-after delicacy to break the fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Earlier, old Doha streets hummed with activities during Ramadan as shops selling Katayef witnessed brisk sale.
But most of the shops there have disappeared, thanks to a demolition drive.
That might be the reason people now visit locations like Markhiya signal, Bin Mahmoud to get a piece of this delicacy.
The sale of 'Katayef' usually begins at 3pm and stocks last barely for three hours.
During these hours, the narrow link roads in Najma, Markhiya and some parts of Al Wakra are choke-a-block with cars as katayef lovers drive long distance to reach these areas to collect the sweet dish.
In fact, Musheireb used to be the major centre for 'Katayef' in the city.
As the entire area was demolished as part of Doha city beautification project, vendors selling this special cake during Ramadan also disappeared.
Majid Firoz, a salesman at a shop, said,"The sale of 'Katayef' is something more than a business during Ramadan. Even though heavy manpower is required for its preparation, we forget all our fatigue and enjoy preparing it."
Earlier, during Ramadan shops would set up a temporary kitchen in the front to demonstrate the cooking process to the public. Customers could get the sweet cakes directly from the oven.
Hamzakutty Subair, an Indian expatriate, said,"During Ramadan, I used to reach here every day along with my children. We considered the ritual a part of the observance."
