Short answer: For a typical evening with guests in Qatar, plan about 3–5 dates (roughly 40–60 g) and about 40 g of mixed nuts per person, plus 1–2 chocolate dates if you serve them. For 25 guests, that is about 1–1.5 kg of dates and 1 kg of nuts. Serve in small bowls and refill, so the rest stays sealed and fresh.
Why a simple rule helps
Hospitality is at the heart of life in Qatar. Whether it is a weekly majlis, an Eid visit, a wedding gathering or relatives coming over on a winter evening, nobody wants the bowls to run empty. But buying far too much in Qatar's heat means nuts lose their crunch and dates dry out. A per-guest rule makes it easy to buy the right amount.
A per-guest guide
- Dates: 3–5 dates per guest. Large dates such as Medjool give fewer pieces per kilo, so plan by weight: about 40–60 g per guest.
- Mixed nuts and dry fruits: about 40 g per guest for an evening. Nuts in shell take longer to eat, so a smaller amount by weight goes further.
- Chocolate-coated dates: 1–2 pieces per guest, served at the end with coffee.
- Arabic coffee: guests usually take a few small cups. Gently shaking the cup is the polite sign that they have had enough.
Quick planning table
| Guests | Dates | Mixed nuts and dry fruits | Chocolate dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | about 0.5 kg | about 0.5 kg | 10–20 pieces |
| 25 | 1–1.5 kg | about 1 kg | 25–50 pieces |
| 50 | 2–3 kg | about 2 kg | 50–100 pieces |
| 100 | 4–6 kg | about 4 kg | 100–200 pieces |
For a long day, such as Eid when visitors come and go from morning to night, add about half again.
Choosing the dates
A mix works best: a few large, soft Medjool dates for a special touch, and smaller dates for everyday nibbling with coffee. Soft dates are easier for older guests. Not sure which to pick? Read Medjool vs Sukkari dates.
Building the nut bowl
Guests in Qatar love a colourful bowl: Mamra almonds, pistachios and walnut kernels, with dried figs or apricots for sweetness. Pine nuts in shell (chilgoza) are a winter favourite and a good conversation starter. Keep bowls small and refill them from a sealed pack, so the nuts stay crisp. Browse our dry fruits in 500 g and 1 kg packs.
Coffee, karak and something sweet
Dates and Arabic coffee go together in every Qatari majlis. A few saffron threads in the coffee or karak make it feel special, and a small dish of Sidr honey with luqaimat is always welcome. For a full majlis menu, see what to serve in a Qatari majlis.
Tips so nothing goes to waste
- Open one pack at a time. Buy 1 kg packs and keep the unopened ones sealed in the fridge.
- Refill rather than overfill. Small bowls look generous and keep everything fresh.
- Store leftovers well. Seal nuts and dates and put them in the fridge the same night. See how to store dates, nuts and saffron in Qatar.
Honey is not suitable for infants under 12 months. Whole nuts are not suitable for young children because of the choking risk.
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Frequently asked questions
How many dates should I buy per guest?
About 3–5 dates per guest, or roughly 40–60 g. Plan by weight, because large dates such as Medjool give fewer pieces per kilo.
How much mixed nuts do I need for 50 guests?
About 2 kg for an evening. If guests will come and go all day, as at Eid, plan around 3 kg.
Can I buy in bulk and keep the rest?
Yes. Keep unopened packs sealed in the fridge and open them one at a time. Stored this way, nuts and soft dates stay fresh for months.
Safi Brothers Trading is a Qatar company (CR No. 203876) from a family that has been in the honey business since 1985. Our honey comes from Kashmir, Pakistan. Shop online or visit us at Ezdan Oasis, Al Wukair.
