CARNIVOROUS STATE OF MIND S

triking flavours, impressive views, strong service and a relaxed ambience are the hallmarks of an often forgotten haunt in the Souq that has fast become a favourite spot of mine. There are some famous places to eat that jump out at you from the street and then there are those slightly hidden from view or higher up forcing you to tilt your gaze.

Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill sits at the top of the Arumaila Hotel which is part of the nine properties that fall under the umbrella of the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels. Al Matbakh itself translates from the Arabic for ‘The Kitchen’ and some special things come out of Al Matbakh!

We found ourselves a cute alcove in a window bay that boasted one of the best views in the Souq. In the immediate glare are the dusty rooftops of the classically Arabic market place, but on the periphery, is the Doha skyline towering over West Bay and forming the perfect picture postcard. We arrived early and had the pleasure to watch the sunset from our elevated position and after the last flecks of sunlight, the lights started twinkling and the view at night was all the more radiant. Food is hot, fresh and highly flavoursome. It is not a pretentious menu or one that is filled with fusion and experimental dishes. It is not an especially vast or long menu either. It offers a decent variety of options and they are well known Indian dishes. What is for certain, is that the quality of the cooking, the presentation and the service are second-to-none.

The winning appetiser is surely the chicken tikka. The chicken thighs are marinated in spicy yoghurt and they are cooked in the tandoor oven. When presented to the table, they are sitting on a mini grill still sizzling and I could barely