Hospitality, Hotels & Dining in Qatar: Spring/Summer 2021 by Marhaba Information Guide, Qatar

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

Hospitality in

Qatar

80th ISSUE

contents

Tourism in Qatar Spa and Beauty Centres Places to Stay Dining in Qatar Dining Guide Listings Feature Hospitality Icon

Untitled-3 1

4/7/21 11:12 AM

Founder & Managing Editor Hilary Bainbridge Marhaba endeavours to quote accurate information and updates each of its sections every issue. However, the company accepts no responsibility or liability for any false, inaccurate, inappropriate or incomplete information presented, whether in print, on the website, or on social media channels. © 2021 Marhaba Information Guide. All Rights Reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in any form, without written permission of the publishers.

Editorial Sarah Palmer (Editor) , Ola Diab (Deputy Editor) , Terry Sutcliffe Advertising Howard Bainbridge, Charlotte Wright Online /Digital Lalaine Turqueza , Weslee Dizon, Ramla Mohamed Abdirahm Retail Sales Ayen Molina Design and Artwork Dick Tamayo , Mar Principe , Arnel Ramos Dana Public Relations PO Box 3797, Doha, Qatar Tel (+974) 4465 0083, 4465 5533 Fax (+974) 4465 5588 General Information marhaba@qatar.net.qa Retail Sales retailsales@marhaba-qatar.com

marhaba.qa

1/2 page HOUSE AD M80.indd 1

4/5/21 3:44 PM

Hospitality, Hotels & Dining

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

Feature – Hospitality Icon Katara Hospitality has announced plans to establish approximately another 60 hotels in Qatar by 2030.

Spas & Beauty Centres • Spas • Beauty Centres • Complementary Clinics

Places to Stay

Dining in Qatar

Hospitality, Hotels & Dining

Tourism in Qatar

Dining Guide Listings Details of places to eat and drink in Qatar, from fine dining establishments to fast food outlets

The information contained in this guide has been checked and verified as correct as at the time of compilation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, information is subject to change. Follow marhaba.qa for the latest updates.

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

3 Untitled-16 1

4/4/21 11:29 AM

FEATURE

It’s All About Ramadan By Ola Diab The holy month of Ramadan is when Muslims across the world fast completely during the daylight hours of each day until the maghrib (sunset) prayer, refraining from food and drink, and as well as intimate contact and smoking. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin around 12 April 2021.

amadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during the holy month of Ramadan on a night known as Laylat Al Qadr (The Night of Destiny or Power). In addition, fasting in Ramadan is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam, meaning it’s an obligation for Muslims. The fasting period during Ramadan is called ‘sawm’, which literally means ‘to refrain’. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking. Muslims are to refrain from evil actions as well, including thoughts and words. Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. They are to make peace with those who have wronged them, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits – essentially cleansing their lives, thoughts and feelings.

Ramadan practices It’s sunnah for Muslims to break their fast with dates. Some Muslims break their fast with dates and laban (yogurt), to ease themselves into eating again and prepare their stomachs. After this, they pray the maghrib prayer either before or after having iftar, which is the evening meal in which Muslims break their fast. When there was little access to clocks, a cannon was fired every day during Ramadan to mark the end of the fasting period. Still today, in Qatar, a cannon is fired every day to mark the end of the fast and begining of iftar time.

early morning before fajr prayer – before sunrise – which is when Muslims begin the fasting or sawm during Ramadan. Suhoor is regarded by Islamic traditions as a benefit of the blessings in that it allows the person fasting to avoid weakness caused by the fast. In addition to fasting, Muslims attempt to read the whole Quran, which comprises 114 chapters. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world follow the example of Prophet Muhammad, staying awake and standing in long prayers, striving to get closer to Allah. Besides the obligatory five prayers Muslims perform on a daily basis, during Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to perform non-obligatory, additional night prayers. The most important of these during Ramadan is Tarawih, which is an evening prayer performed daily at the mosque. The second most important prayer in Ramadan is Qiyam Al Layl, which is an expression derived from the Quran for what is also known as Tahajjud prayer. Tahajjud is preferably offered after midnight, but before fajr. Like the Tarawih, Qiyam Al Layl is a night prayer performed through the last 10 days of Ramadan.

In the Gulf region, many families eat separately. Men congregate at the majlis, a reception room for male guests attached to the family home. The women of the house prepare a huge amount of food for the family, friends and neighbours. Breaking the fast is like a nightly celebration – daily. The second most important meal after iftar is the suhoor, which is a pre-dawn meal. Suhoor is the meal consumed QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

4 E-Guide Hospitality-It’s All About Ramadan M80.indd 1

4/7/21 11:19 AM

Ramadan do’s and don’ts During Ramadan in Qatar, it’s illegal to smoke, drink, eat and even chew gum in public places for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. If you flout the rules you could end up with a fine from the police or even prison. In addition, avoid singing or dancing in public and dress more conservatively and modestly, especially if you are a woman. All cafés, restaurants, juice stalls and fast food outlets close during the day and reopen after sunset. However, hotels remain open to serve their guests though a majority of restaurants and cafés in hotels will close during the day. During Ramadan, alcohol is completely banned. Restaurants will not sell alcohol, and Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), bars, lounges and nigthclubs close for the month. Opening times of shops change; most shops close around noon (when it’s the hottest), but are open in the morning and late into the night. Some supermarkets open during the afternoon, but it is best to check with your local store. After sunset, malls and souqs become incredibly busy and parking spaces are scarce. During Ramadan, working hours are shorter. According to Qatar Labour Laws, you may only work 36 hours a month during Ramadan, which is six hours a day. Offices usually close around 2 pm.

The exceptions (the non-fasting) Every able Muslim is required to fast with the exception of the elderly, the sick (cancer, diabetes, transplant recipient) and infirm, pregnant and nursing mothers, and travellers. If they can, they are expected to make up the days missed before the next Ramadan. In addition, children are not obligated to fast during Ramadan until they reach puberty. However, children gradually begin practicing fasting around the age of seven.

Garangao On the 15th day of Ramadan in Qatar and the Gulf, children celebrate a traditional festival called Garangao. They go from door to door in groups, dressed in traditional costumes with large bags chanting ‘Give us something and Allah will give you. The house of Mecca, he will take you.’ It is a good idea to stock up on nuts, dried fruit and sweets to fill their bags and send them away happy. It’s a celebration that Qatari children look forward to all year round. Some people adorn their homes with lights for Garangao, Eid Al Fitr, and Ramadan.

Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha Every year, Muslims look forward to two of the most important festivals of the Islamic calendar – Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. This year, Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on 13 May 2021 and Eid Al Adha on 20 July 2021 – depending on the moon sighting. Eid Al Fitr, which is also known as the Feast of Breaking the Fast, falls on the first day of the Islamic month, Shawwal, which follows the Holy Month of Ramadan. The joyous three-day festival is the conclusion to Ramadan. It is a time when Muslims celebrate the occasion with family and friends and give charity to those in need. In most Muslim countries, the entire three-day festival is an official government/school holiday. Approximately 70 days after Eid Al Fitr comes Eid Al Adha. Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid Al Adha is a remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to. The Eid or festival is also known as the Great Festival as it lasts longer than Eid Al Fitr, lasting for four days rather than three. Eid Al Adha is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar. The date on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year since the Islamic calendar is lunar and the Gregorian is a solar calendar. It’s customary to wish people ‘Eid Mubarak’ which means ‘Blessed Eid’. m ©

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

5 E-Guide Hospitality-It’s All About Ramadan M80.indd 2

4/7/21 11:19 AM

Mr. Jim Canon

Certified Fitness Instructor

Our new coach on board!

Certified fitness coach in sports conditioning

Certified Fitness Expert, Your ultimate partner to achieve your Fitness and Nutrition goals.

Basic life support certified

Strength and conditioning Nutrition and Meal Plan

Weight Management

Circuit Training

Training Skills

Fat loss and Toning

HIIT(high intensity interval training)

Keep-Fit Health Club 14th Floor - Recreation facilities Tel: 4419 8808 / 8888 keepfit@goldentulipdoha.com goldentulipdoha.com

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

6 GOLDEN TULIP AD MAY.indd 1

5/26/21 9:02 AM

ENHANCING YOUR QATARI EXPERIENCE Embrace Doha is a unique Qatari cultural experience that is authentic, immersive and interactive for residents and visitor to learn and connect with the local community

EMBRAC E DOHA ‫اﺣﺘﻀـــــــــﻦ اﻟــــــــــﺪوﺣﺔ‬

embracedoha.com

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

7 EMBRACE DOHA AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 1:52 PM

Marhaba_Resort_2021-05-19.pdf 1 19-May-21 7:15:53 PM

CMY

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

8 HILTON BEACH HOTEL.indd 1

5/23/21 10:05 AM

Tourism in Qatar

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa In 2019, Qatar welcomed 2.136 mn visitors, representing an increase of 17% compared to 2018. Visitation from nationals of all regions of the world grew signicantly.

A range of visa measures announced by the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), formerly known as Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), have been widely welcomed by tourism industry professionals, as well as the country’s hospitality and retail operators. The introduction of the free, 96-hour transit visa and +Qatar (an initiative to promote Qatar as a stopover destination by QNTC and Qatar Airways) has resulted in bringing close to 200,000 visitors to Qatar. In August 2017, Qatar introduced visa waivers for citizens of more than 80 countries. Since inception, at least 275,000 visitors have entered Qatar visa-free. In September 2018, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) ranked Qatar as the 8th most open in the world in terms of visa facilitation in its '10 Most Open Visa Countries in the World'. In addition, Qatar was ranked number one in the Middle East and number eight globally in business environment by the World's Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019. In 2021, Qatar retained its position as the second safest country in the world by Numbeo, the world's largest database of user contributed data. Qatar offers a wide range of authentic tourism experiences, in addition to hosting close to 80 sporting events annually, and will be the first Middle Eastern country to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM and the 2023 FINA World Swimming Championships.

Tourist arrivals As with the rest of the world, Qatar's tourism industry was heavily impacted by the COVID–19 pandemic in 2020. In March, Qatar restricted travel to and from Qatar, and imposed a ban on inbound tourists causing the volume of tourists to plunge. However, the year began with increasing visitor arrivals, and up to February, there were 498,528 arrivals, up 32% compared to the same period in 2019.

Tourism in Qatar

Boosting tourism

In 2018, Qatar witnessed a decline in visitors as a result of the blockade imposed on Qatar since 5 June 2017. According to QNTC, despite this overall decline, a breakdown of arrivals by region shows positive growth in all non-GCC and other Arab regions throughout the first quarter of 2018. In addition, monthly arrivals have been slowly increasing since the blockade, with the highest monthly arrivals since the blockade being observed in January 2018. On 5 January 2021, at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt restored diplomatic relations with the country and reopened land, air and sea routes. The country is concentrating on attracting Chinese, Russian and Indian tourists. QNTC has representation offices in three of the largest cities in China, as well as in Russia and India.

Hotel and hotel apartment performance In March 2020, with the advent of the pandemic, Qatar imposed a ban on inbound tourists causing the volume of tourists to plunge. Despite the pandemic, at least 1,000 keys were added during 2020 with the opening of: dusitD2 Salwa Doha in Muntazah; Al Liwan Suites in Rawdat Al Khail; Diyafa Hotel Suites in Al Sadd; Water Front Qatar Hotel and Apartments in Lusail City; Aleph Doha Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton in West Bay; and Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas on Salwa Road. In 2021, Qatar will see the opening of: Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb; Pullman Hotel West Bay; The Plaza Doha by Anantara; Jouri, a Murwab Hotel; Zulal Wellness Resort; Katara Towers; and more. Since March 2020, hotels have had to rely on local residents for turnover. Hotel apartments were reported to fare well compared to the hotel room segment as they relied on long term leasing to tenants. Discover Qatar has assisted more than 330,000 people in completing their quarantine successfully in 65 hotels. Discover Qatar’s hotel quarantine package prices remain competitive, and continues to offer over 65 hotels to choose from, according to one’s budget constraints, with over 2.6 mn room nights booked, 6.9 mn meals served, and 3 mn km of transfers provided. ©

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

9 E-Guide Tourism in Qatar M80.indd 1

4/7/21 11:24 AM

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa Next Chapter On World Tourism Day 2017, held annually on 27 September, Qatar launched the Next Chapter of its National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, which charts the next five years of the tourism sector’s growth in Qatar.

Tourism in Qatar

Cruise industry Qatar saw a record number of cruise tourists in the 2019–20 season, which began in October 2019 and concluded in April 2020. It was the busiest season so far with over 186,000 passengers and 61,000 crew arriving on 74 ships, showing a growth of 121% and 66% respectively over the previous season. In 2019, QNTC and Doha Port inaugurated a new 6,000 sq m temporary passenger terminal, further streamlining passenger experiences (+17%) and offering premium services similar to those at Hamad International Airport. As a result of various initiatives by and close cooperation between Mwani Qatar, QNTC and other stakeholders, Qatar's cruise industry has witnessed significant growth in the last few years. The 2018–19 season achieved 121% growth in the number of cruise passengers and 100% increase in the number of cruise ships, with more than 140,000 passengers, arriving aboard 44 ships. Over the past few years, QNTC has established a number of strong relationships with international cruise operators as well as with other specialists involved in the industry. This has proved to be of great importance as Qatar will be benefitting from cruise ships during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, as a means of providing additional accommodation for fans and visitors over the period. A minimum of 6,000 rooms on cruise ships will be contracted for the 2022 tournament. Cruise passengers can also avail of the new transit visa. As part of the new operating procedure – which includes the use of enhanced technology and close collaboration between cruise operators and security officials – a passenger manifest containing the passport details of passengers and crew will be shared with immigration officials 48 hours prior to a ship’s arrival in Qatar. This will allow the authorities to process all relevant information and clear passengers for entry before the ship's berth, enabling travellers to disembark within minutes and begin on-shore excursions. QNTC’s projections show continued growth in the cruise tourism industry over the coming years. With the completion of the Doha Port redevelopment, and the associated capacity increase, which allows the port to receive two megaships at once, Qatar is expected to attract 500,000 cruise tourists by 2026. QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

The next chapter aims to attract 5.6 mn visitors to Qatar annually by 2023, double the number which the country welcomed in 2016. It also aims to achieve a 72% occupancy rate across all hotel establishments, through a combination of increasing demand and diversifying the country’s tourist accommodation offering. According to travel solution provider TravelSupermarket, visitor arrivals in Doha are projected to grow by 104% by 2025, making it the fastest-growing tourist destination among major cities worldwide. The city is expected to see more than 4.51 mn visitors in 2025. Tourism is expected to play a greater role in Qatar’s economy as the sector’s share of the country’s GDP will be nearly QAR133.5 bn in 2028, reports the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Travel and tourism investment in Qatar may exceed QAR14.5 bn, or 4.2% of total investments in the country, in 2028. m

Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) In November 2018, The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Decision No 74 of 2018 establishing QNTC, cancelling QTA and the government committee to coordinate conferences and events. QNTC promotes Qatar as a destination around the world, through its destination branding, international representation and participation at trade shows, and by developing a rich calendar of festivals and events. Growing international presence, QNTC is growing internationally with representative offices in London, Paris, Berlin, Milan, Singapore and more cities. In 2014, Qatar launched the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy (QNTSS), which seeks to diversify the country’s tourism offering and increase the sector’s contribution to Qatar’s economy by 2030. Chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, QNTC works in partnership with public and private stakeholders to achieve this mission by planning, regulating and promoting a sustainable and diverse tourism industry while perpetuating Qatar’s culture.

MARHABA

10 E-Guide Tourism in Qatar M80.indd 2

4/7/21 11:24 AM

Live moments that are truly yours

murwabhotelgroup.com

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

11 KATARA MURWAB AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 1:53 PM

FEATURE

Hospitality Icon By Ola Diab Katara Hospitality plans to establish about 60 hotels in Qatar by 2030.

n the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Katara Hospitality, Chairman HE Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani announced that Katara Hospitality plans to establish about 60 hotels in Qatar by 2030. Today, Katara Hospitality’s portfolio is at 42 assets globally, encompassing over 8,000 rooms. Established in 1970, Katara Hospitality was formerly known as Qatar National Hotels. According to Sheikh Nawaf, ever since its establishment, Katara Hospitality has adopted a pioneering approach to develop the hospitality scene in the country, noting that it was renamed in 2012 to reflect its heritage and international expansion plans, with the aim of developing a group of unique properties that celebrate hospitality icons around the world. Sheikh Nawaf has seen the company develop since its inception, when it had only one hotel. Later it developed in terms of the number of different hotels within Qatar, and to quickly assume a major role with many distinctive hotels under its management or as assets.

'We have a close team which is very important in our success. We now have very good Qatari candidates who can indeed be leaders in the future,' he said, noting that the capitalist side is not the most important today, stressing in this context that investment cannot be made without experience, in addition to the appropriate timing of investment and its great importance for any investor. He noted that one of the most important elements in Qatar National Vision 2030 is tourism, which, he stated, Katara Hospitality adopts as a strategy to improve the country’s tourism industry. Katara Hospitality has witnessed a series of first steps over the years. Since its inception, it has managed the Doha Marriott Gulf Hotel — which was the first five-star hotel in the country and will reopen this year; and managed the opening of the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel in 1982. The company introduced the first Qatari hotel to carry an international brand. Katara Hospitality plays an important role in developing the strategic development witnessed

Katara Towers Lusail Marina District Lusail City QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

12 E-Guide Hospitality Icon M80.indd 1

4/7/21 11:27 AM

by Qatar. As the leading institution for the hospitality sector in the country, it invests in the best international hotels, as its portfolio currently includes many international hotels, while it continues to expand its portfolio of famous hotels for investment and development of the group.

Partnership with Accor Hospitality Group In February 2021, Katara Hospitality announced a new partnership with world-leading hospitality group Accor, with the two-fold signing of Raffles and Fairmont hotels in Qatar. The management agreement was signed by Katara Hospitality Chairman HE Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani and Accor Chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin. The agreement consolidates the long-standing partnership between Accor and Katara Hospitality, who already own several landmark hotels managed by Accor. Set to open in 2022, the hotels will be housed within Katara Towers in Lusail City – two towers inspired by the national emblem of Qatar, which features traditional scimitar swords. Once completed, the Fairmont Hotel and the Raffles Hotel & Residences will join the brand’s worldwide portfolio, known to be the world’s largest collection of historic and iconic hotels. As with any Fairmont property around the world, guests will find themselves immersed in a local authentic environment. Similarly, when visiting Raffles, guests will discover the individual personality and story offered by the hotel. The essence of every Raffles is to deliver thoughtful and personal service to well-travelled guests.

Arched towers and luxury hotels Symbolically intertwined with Qatar’s heritage, the iconic Katara Towers in Lusail are an architectural translation of Qatar’s national seal, representing the traditional scimitar swords. Rising from the podium level, the arched towers will host the luxurious five-star Fairmont Hotel with 361 rooms and suites to cater to discerning business travellers, a lavish six-star Raffles

Hotel & Residences with 132 suites to meet the needs of those seeking sophisticated luxury accommodation, and 49 branded apartments to become home to permanent residents. State-of-the-art entertainment and recreational facilities, including specialist boutiques, VIP movie theatres, signature restaurants and a private Cigar Lounge are to be complemented by exquisite banqueting and conference spaces, as well as office dedicated areas. According to Katara Acting CEO, Andrew Humphries, Qatar is an ideal place to spend a few days in the Middle East with its rich variety of beaches, year-round sunshine, and the food is equal to the best the region has to offer. Accor currently operates six properties (1,378 keys) in Qatar across five brands: Mövenpick, Mondrian and MGallery, with nine additional hotels (2,920 keys) in the pipeline. Having been at the forefront of the hospitality industry for over 50 years, Katara Hospitality has built a portfolio of iconic hotels in Qatar and key international gateways. An experienced hotel owner, developer and operator, the group has been a hospitality pioneer in Qatar.

Hospitality icon of the 21st century According to HE Sheikh Nawaf, Katara Hospitality is one of the first investors who understood the significance of the project, committing to developing the hospitality icon of Doha for the 21st century. He said that the world’s most loved cities are often identified through imagery and landmark buildings. He said they strongly believe that the property they are developing will provide Qatar with an architectural symbol that is known and understood across the globe. He also said that while they regard 2022 as a milestone in the country’s development, Katara Hospitality and the upcoming hotels will also occupy a focal point for residents and travellers during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ . m ©

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

13 E-Guide Hospitality Icon M80.indd 2

4/7/21 11:28 AM

Spas and Beauty Centres

Spas and Beauty Centres Health spas and beauty salons abound in Qatar, with an abundance of choice. Choose from a number of award-winning spas, in both traditional Qatari style and ultra-modern environments.

Beauty treatments are wide and varied and available for both men and women, although some will have 'ladies only' days, or are single-sex establishments. Separate facilities are available for men and women at most of the spas, as are couples treatment rooms.

Many beauty salons not only provide hair and nail services, but also have separate rooms for treatments. Similarly hotels will generally have a spa and/or a beauty centre on site, as well as some of the larger apartment block towers.

For looking good from top to toe, generally available are hair and nail services, make-up and wedding preparations, hair removal (waxing and threading), and tanning.

Visiting a spa can be a five-star experience, with luxurious treatment rooms, providing massage and facials, alongside oxygen therapy, sauna and steam rooms, slimming treatments, aromatherapy, hot stone treatments, and pre‑ and postnatal massages.

To further enhance the luxurious experience, spas and salons are increasingly focusing on healthy refreshments and menus, and relaxation spaces with mood music and comfortable sofas to ensure you feel your very best, both inside and out. Visit the spa or salon's website to learn more about the packages available, and their before and aftercare.

SPAS

TELEPHONE MAP

WEBSITE

Al Messila Resort, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha

4445 0000

marriott.com

✔

Anantara Spa, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

4040 5158

anantara.com

✔

Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park (CPD–TBP)

4408 7777

crowneplaza.com

✔

Deverana Spa, Dusit Doha Hotel

4004 4444 C4

dusit.com

✔

ESPA at Mondrian Doha

4045 5550

sbe.com

✔

Heavenly Spa, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

4492 1682

D4 heavenlyspadoha.com

✔

Jaula Spa & Club, Grand Hyatt Doha

4448 1056

B4 doha.grand.hyatt.com

✔

Katara Beach Club by LivNordic Spa & Wellness

4408 1580

B4 katara-livnordic.com

✔

M|Spa, Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery

4009 9710

D4 alwadihoteldoha.com

✔

Ozone Gym & Spa, La Cigale Hotel

4428 8100

D3 lacigalehotel.com

✔

Park Hyatt Doha Spa

4009 4300 D4

Qi Spa, Hotel Golden Tulip Doha

3361 8000

Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha

4428 1621

Remède Spa, The St. Regis Doha

4446 0320

remedespadoha.com

✔

Saray Spa, Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel

4419 6090

marriottmarquisdoha.com

✔

Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel

4485 4600

fitness.sheratongranddoha.com

✔

Sisley Paris Spa, W Doha Hotel & Residences

4453 5555

blissdoha.com

✔

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

4433 6878

tivolihotels.com

✔

Spa by Clarins, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl–Doha 4035 5555

kempinski.com/en/doha

✔

SPA InterContinental, InterContinental Doha

4484 4060

intercontinentaldoha.com/spa/

✔

Spa & Wellness Centre, Four Seasons Hotel Doha

4494 8802

C4 fourseasons.com/doha/spa

✔

The Ritz‑Carlton, Doha

4484 8174

✔

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Doha

4008 8888

D4 mandarinoriental.com/doha

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

parkhyattdoha.com

✔

doha.goldentulip.com

✔

D3/4 radissonblu.com/hotel-doha

✔

ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/qatar/doha/spa

MARHABA

14 E-Guide M80 SPAS & BEAUTY CENTRES .indd 2

4/7/21 11:47 AM

✔

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa That something different...

Complementary therapies/medicine

Spa treatments often derive their inspiration from the ancient sciences and practices of the East, with accents from the Middle East and Asia. The Ottomans introduced the world to the hammam, which quickly became an important social meeting place for both men and women. Several of the major hotels offer ritual packages to enjoy, with hammam, massage and facial treatments.

The practice of some forms of alternative treatment was officially approved by the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners in 2016. The list includes homeopathy, Ayurveda, acupuncture, chiropractic and hijama (wet cupping). Regulatory framework will ensure only licensed, qualified practitioners will be allowed to offer these services – the Ministry of Public Health has defined the requirements and specifications for opening complementary medicine centres in the country.

Also popular are hydrotherapy treatments and natural healing methods, such as chakra wellbeing and Ayurveda aromatherapy facials. Choose anything from a 20-minute scalp massage or up to three minutes of cryotherapy, to a multiday body and mind rejuvenating retreat – you are guaranteed to feel your absolute best afterwards.

MEN

BODY TREATMENTS

FACIALS

REFLEXOLOGY

HYDROTHERAPY

STEAM ROOM/ SAUNA

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

HAIR/BEAUTY ON SITE

NAIL SERVICES

HAIR REMOVAL

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✔ ✔

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✔ ✔

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

MASSAGE

WOMEN

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✔ ✔

✘ ✔

✘

✔

spa/

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

atar/doha/spa

✔

✔ ✔

✔

✘

✔ ✔

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

Al Messila Resort, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha

Checked & Updated February 2021

.com

Many of the malls have dedicated hair cutting services to pamper young people in friendly and safe environments. See Shopping in Qatar for a list of malls and contact details. m

✔

Spas and Beauty Centres

Look your best, whatever your age!

✔

Park Hyatt Doha Spa ©

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

15 E-Guide M80 SPAS & BEAUTY CENTRES .indd 3

4/7/21 11:47 AM

SPECIAL SPA OFFER ON MASSAGE & BODY SCRUBS

RAMADAN KAREM

S I K K A T WA D I M S H E I R E B D O W N T O W N D O H A

MARHABA

156 PARK HYATT AD SPA M80.indd 1

4/7/21 11:31 AM

000

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

157 LACIGALE AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 11:32 AM

Spas and Beauty Centres

BEAUTY CENTRES

TELEPHONE

MAP

Aldo Coppola, Park Hyatt Doha

4009 4333

parkhyattdoha.com

✔

Desert Princess, Ain Khaled

4486 4169

desertprincessdoha.com

✔

Riviera Gardens, Duhail

WEBSITE

4479 5945

✔

Elie & Ralph Beauty Salon, InterContinental Doha

3363 5678

✔

Fadia El Mendelek, The Ritz‑Carlton, Doha

4417 7755/66

fadiaelmendelek.com.qa

✔

Franck Provost/Nails, Four Seasons Hotel Doha

4494 8844

fourseasons.com/doha/spa

✔

Jaula Spa & Club Salons, Grand Hyatt Doha

4448 1235

B4 doha.grand.hyatt.com

✔

Jean Louis David, CPD–TBP

4417 2683

✔

4417 5771

✔

Kozma & Kozma, Beach Tower, Al Dafna

6686 7220/1

✔

Salwa Road

6686 4220/1

✔

West Bay Lagoon

Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel

andtrading.net kozmaandkozma.com

(for all salons)

✔

Luce Giovani, InterContinental Doha The City

4015 8666

✔

N.Bar, The Gate Mall

4020 6408

✔

Nails, Ezdan Mall Salwa Road

4480 2252 4416 3348

F5 andtrading.net C4

✔ ✔

✔

4481 2316

Pace e Luce, The St. Regis Doha

The Pearl-Qatar

6612 6650

paceeluce.com

✔

Patrice Alexandre, The Gate Mall

4407 7107

patricealexandre.net

✘

Patrice Salon, Gulf Mall

4038 5751

patricesalonqatar.com

✘

Landmark

4486 5970

Villaggio

4450 7199 D2

Pour Elle, Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha

4428 1740

D3/4

Roots Hair and Beauty

4411 4463

Sabit Akkaya Ladies’ Hair and Beauty Salon

5566 4710

Sabit Akkaya Men’s Grooming Lounge Skin and Soul (ladies), Sheraton Grand Doha

✘

✔

rootshair.net

✔

mandarinoriental.com/doha

✔

5566 4710

mandarinoriental.com/doha

✘

4485 3840

skinandsoul.com.qa

✔

Skin and Soul (men), Sheraton Grand Doha

4485 4840

skinandsoul.com.qa

✘

The Barber Shop Doha, Four Seasons Hotel Doha

4494 8855

andtrading.net

✘

Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel

4483 0623

✘

Touch of Beauty, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

4492 1677

D4 touchofbeautyqatar.com

COMPLEMENTARY CLINICS

TELEPHONE

MAP

WEBSITE

Foot Care Centre, LuLu Hypermarket, Al Gharrafa

4478 0510 C3 ebnsina.com.qa

Int'l Chinese Body Care Houses, Mirqab Mall

4411 5728

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

✔

icbodycare.com

✔

MARHABA

18 E-Guide M80 SPAS & BEAUTY CENTRES .indd 4

✔

4/7/21 11:47 AM

PRINT and ONLINE

HAIR REMOVAL

NAIL SERVICES

HAIR/BEAUTY SERVICES

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

STEAM ROOM/ SAUNA

HYDROTHERAPY

REFLEXOLOGY

FACIALS

BODY TREATMENTS

MASSAGE

MEN

WOMEN

marhaba.qa

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

✔

✘

✔

/spa

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

Sisley Paris Spa, W Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

Hotel & Residences

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔ ✔ ✔

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✔ ✔

✘ ✘

✔ ✔

✘ ✘

✔ ✔

✘ ✘

✔ ✔

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

doha

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

HAIR REMOVAL

✔

NAIL SERVICES

✔

HAIR/BEAUTY SERVICES

✔

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

✔

✘

STEAM ROOM/SAUNA

✔

✘

HYDROTHERAPY

✘

REFLEXOLOGY

✘

FACIALS

✘ ✘

✘

BODY TREATMENTS

✔

✘

MASSAGE

✘

MEN

✔

✘

WOMEN

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

Qi Spa, Hotel Golden Tulip Doha

Checked & Updated February 2021

✔

doha

Spas and Beauty Centres

✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘

Sabit Akkaya, Mandarin Oriental, Doha ©

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

19 E-Guide M80 SPAS & BEAUTY CENTRES .indd 5

4/7/21 11:47 AM

Ad M SPA_ Marhaba.pdf

24/03/2021

14:13

Fall in love with taking care of yourself at M|SPA

CMJ

Discover the perfect blend of traditional Arabic oils and healing therapies with modern beauty treatments and products. Inspired by the heritage of Msheireb, at M|SPA we know that wellbeing is a complete experience, focused on self-care. We provide inspiration to nourish the mind, body and soul so you can become the most authentic version of yourself. Msheireb Downtown Doha | Email: reservations.alwadihotel@accor.com | Tel: +974 4009 9999

MGALLERY. STORIES THAT STAY

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

160 AL WADI SPA AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 11:29 AM

Heavenly N ails Are you looking for the perfect shaped nails? Try out our new services at Heaveny Spa by Westin. Book your appointment now 4492 1682 Mezzanine Floor, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

21 WESTIN AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 1:59 PM

Places to Stay FITNESS CENTRE

RESTAURANT

LICENSED BAR

SPA

SWIMMING POOL

Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha

✔

✘

Al Najada Doha Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘ D4

AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton

✔

✘

✔

✘

Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection

✔

✘

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

✔

✘

✔

Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

City Centre Rotana Doha

✔

✘

Concorde Hotel Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park

✔

✘

Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay

✔

✘

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Doha – Al Sadd

✔

✘

✔

✘

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Doha – Old Town

✔

✘

Dusit Doha Hotel

✔

✘

dusitD2 Salwa

✔

✘

✔

✘

Ezdan Palace Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Four Seasons Hotel Doha

✔

Golden Tulip Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas

✔

Hilton Doha

✔

✘

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas

✔

✘

✔

Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha

✔

✘

InterContinental Doha Hotel & Residences

✔

✘

InterContinental Doha The City

✔

✘

JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

✔

✘

Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha

✔

✘

La Cigale Hotel, Managed by Accor

✔

✘

Mandarin Oriental, Doha

✔

✘

Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel

✔

✘

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha

✔

Millennium Hotel Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Millennium Plaza Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

HOTELS

BEACH

BUS/CONF FACILITIES

FACILITIES MAP

Places to Stay

FIVE-STAR HOTELS

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

22 E-Guide PLACES TO STAY M80.indd 2

4/7/21 12:00 PM

PRINT and ONLINE

APARTMENTS

VILLAS

SUITES

ROOMS

marhaba.qa

TELEPHONE

WEBSITE

111 28 4445 5555

alaziziyahboutique.com‎

122 30 4445 0000

marriott.com

151

4470 4444

tivolihotels.com/en/al-najada-tivoli

208 4489 9000

curiocollection3.hilton.com/doha

213 4009 9999

accorhotels.com/alwadihoteldoha

anantara.com/en/banana-island-doha

138

4009 5555

centarahotelsresorts.com

381 24 94

4445 8888

rotana.com

189

248 40 90

4408 7777

ihg.com/crowneplaza

245 32 40

4019 9999

ihg.com/crowneplaza/dohawestbay

143

4004 7400

doubletree3.hilton.com

189

4034 3333

doubletree3.hilton.com

261

4004 4444

dusit.com

224 11 4004 7777

dusit.com

195 4007 1111

ezdanpalace.qa

237

4494 8888

fourseasons.com/doha

110 41 42

4419 8888

doha.goldentulip.com

210 39 91 4448 1234

281 28 4423 3333 hilton.com

45 4040 5050

21 4407 3333

hyatt.com

hilton.com

400 12

4402 3333

rotana.com

337 38 82

4484 4444

ihg.com

349 176

4015 8888

ihg.com

192 38 42

4429 5000

marriott.com

4405 3333

kempinski.com/doha

368

193 32 4428 8888

lacigalehotel.com

117 41 91

4008 8888

mandarinoriental.com/doha

395 62

4419 5000

marriott.com

208 73 4035 5555

kempinski.com/marsamalaz

226 4424 7777

millenniumhotels.com

212

millenniumhotels.com

120

20 4041 6999

Dusit Doha Hotel

concordedoha.com

246 115 4423 6666

Places to Stay

InterContinental Doha The City

Mondrian Doha ©

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

23 E-Guide PLACES TO STAY M80.indd 3

4/7/21 12:00 PM

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

24 CENTARA AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 2:01 PM

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

165 MONDRIAN AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 11:27 AM

Places to Stay FITNESS CENTRE

RESTAURANT

LICENSED BAR

SPA

SWIMMING POOL

Mondrian Doha

✔

✘

Mövenpick Hotel West Bay Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Oryx Airport Hotel

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

Park Hyatt Doha

✔

✘

Retaj Salwa Resort & Spa

✔

✘

✔

✘

Saraya Corniche Hotel

✔

✘

Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort

✔

Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Doha

✔

Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel

✔

Simaisma, A Murwab Resort

✘

✔

✘

✔

Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

✔

✘

✔

✘

The Avenue, A Murwab Hotel

✔

✘

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

✔

✘

The St. Regis Doha

✔

The Torch Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

✔

✘

VIP Hotel

✔

✘

W Doha Hotel & Residences

✔

✘

Warwick Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Wyndham Doha West Bay

✔

✘

✔

✘

Wyndham Grand Regency Doha Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Zulal Wellness Resort

✔

✘

✔

Places to Stay

HOTELS

BEACH

BUS/CONF FACILITIES

FACILITIES MAP

Al Bidda, Al Jasra, Al Jomrok, Al Mirqab, Al Najada, Arumaila, Bismillah, Musheireb, Najd

Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb

MARHABA

26 E-Guide PLACES TO STAY M80.indd 4

4/7/21 12:01 PM

PRINT and ONLINE

APARTMENTS

VILLAS

SUITES

ROOMS

marhaba.qa

TELEPHONE

WEBSITE

270 4045 5555 sbe.com/hotels/mondrian

345

100 4010 8100

oryxairporthotel.com

187 33 4009 1234

hyatt.com

74 4 90 4428 6000

retajsalwaresort.com

143

sarayacorniche.com

4496 6600

44 4497 3777

35 2 58 4021 4000

movenpick.com

Places to Stay

sealinebeachqatar.com

149 24 1 4425 6666

ritzcarlton.com

307 64 4485 4444

marriott.com

52 4479 9555 simaisma.com

101

4428 7888

tivolihotels.com

104 53

4433 6666

tivolihotels.com

167

3 4042 8222

313

61 4484 8000

278 58 4446 0000

marriott.com/stregisdoha

132 31 4446 5600

thetorchdoha.com.qa

338 26 4492 1555

marriott.com

193

238

51 153

142

22 4456 3333

516 4008 7000 wyndhamhotels.com

246 4434 3333

wyndhamhotels.com

120 60 4477 6500

zulal.com

4426 1111 4453 5000

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas

Park Hyatt Doha

avenuedoha.com ritzcarlton.com/doha

N/A marriott.com warwickhotels.com/doha-hotel

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

InterContinental Doha The City ©

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

27 E-Guide PLACES TO STAY M80.indd 5

4/7/21 12:01 PM

BANYAN TREE

DOHA

A HAVEN OF SPACE Banyan Tree Residences offer an impeccable oasis of serenity at the heart of Doha; a unique blend of comfort, luxury and nature ranging from two-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom penthouses with state-of-the-art facilities and magnifcent garden views. For more information, please call +974 4410 3333 or email info.doha@banyantree.com

BANYANTREE.COM

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

28 BANYAN TREE AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 2:02 PM

[2021-02] - Mandarin Oriental_CMYK_17x24.indd 1 MANDARIN AD M80.indd 1

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

05/03/2021 16:48

4/7/21 2:03 PM

Places to Stay FITNESS CENTRE

RESTAURANT

LICENSED BAR

SPA

SWIMMING POOL

Al Liwan Suites

✔

✘

✔

✘

Al Mansour Suites

✔

✘

✔

✘

Best Western Plus Doha

✔

✘

Centro Capital Doha

✔

✘

Corp Executive Hotel – Doha Suites

✔

✘

✔

✘

Ezdan Hotel, West Bay

✔

✘

✔

✘

Four Points by Sheraton Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Gokulam Park Doha

✔

✘

Grand Regal Hotel

✔

✘

Gulf Pearls Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park

✔

✘

✔

✘

Holiday Villa Hotel & Residence City Centre

✔

✘

✔

✘

Horizon Manor Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Jouri, A Murwab Hotel

✔

✘

K108 Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Mathema Premium Aparthotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Mercure Grand Hotel Doha City Centre

✔

✘

✔

✘

Millenium Central Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Mövenpick Hotel Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Plaza Inn Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha

✔

✘

Ramada Encore Hotel Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Retaj Al Rayyan Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Safir Hotel Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Sapphire Plaza Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Strato Hotel by Warwick

✔

✘

Swiss-Belhotel Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Swiss-Belinn Doha

✔

✘

The Curve Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

The Royal Riviera Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Time Rako Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Victoria Hotel Doha

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

HOTELS

BEACH

BUS/CONF FACILITIES

FACILITIES MAP

Places to Stay

FOUR-STAR HOTELS

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

30 E-Guide PLACES TO STAY M80.indd 6

4/7/21 12:01 PM

PRINT and ONLINE

APARTMENTS

VILLAS

SUITES

ROOMS

marhaba.qa

WEBSITE

84 4424 2888

alliwansuites.com.qa

69 50 4020 8400

almansoursuites.com

bestwesternplusdoha.com

226

1 4455 5000

rotana.com/centrocapitaldoha

3 4402 7000

doha-suites.com

256 4424 0000

196

120 4433 8888

72 4470 8822 gokulamdoha.com

195 14

2804 4496 9111

4409 4444

30 4444 1470

ezdanhotels.qa

grandregal.com gulfpearlshotel.com

307 4031 3333

holidayinn.com/doha

234 122 396

holidayvillahotels.com

136 4445 5444

horizonmanor.com

110

jourihotelcom

108 4433 3000

k108hotel.com

43 86

4403 8888

mathemadoha.website

175

4446 2222

accorhotels.com

134 6 4449 3333

millenniumhotels.com

154 4429 1111

movenpick.com/doha

plazainn.com.qa

4004 1000

120 4422 1111

520 47

111 4444 3444

ramadaencoredoha.com

288 72 4420 4444

retajalrayyan.com

133 4445 5333

safirhotels.com

174 4033 7000

sapphire-hotels.com

95 4041 4444

warwickhotels.com

154 12 4407 8888

swiss-belhotel.com

123 1 4424 9111

swiss-belhotel.com

C4 600

4428 1428

4007 8888

W Doha Hotel & Residences

radissonblu.com/hotel-doha

thecurvehotel.qa

154 4020 9777

theroyalrivierahotel.com.qa

timehotels.ae/time-rako-hotel

88 7 4476 5666

3 4034 2111

The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa

four-points.marriott.com

4408 4888

Places to Stay

TELEPHONE

La Cigale Hotel, Managed by Accor

victoriahoteldoha.com ©

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

31 E-Guide PLACES TO STAY M80.indd 7

4/7/21 12:01 PM

LIVE IT, LOVE IT

Live the W Hotels life style with a spectacular residence that features: fully integrated kitchen facilities, high floors, full cleaning 3 times per week, WIFI and more.

FIND OUT Call: 44535343 Email: wdoha.reservations@whotels.com

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

32 W DOHA AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 2:04 PM

Dusit Doha Hotel www.dusit.com/dusitdoha-hotel

Diplomatic Area, West Bay, P.O. Box 23373, Doha, State of Qatar

reservation.dhdo@dusit.com Telephone: +974 4004 4444

Sky High Oasis in the Heart of West Bay Doha

Modern Living surrounded by Elegance and Luxury Set in the heart of West Bay, Dusit Doha Hotel is a modern fully serviced hotel and residence laced with gracious Thai hospitality, delivered with the iconic touch of service and artistry of Doha. The hotel invites guests on a vibrant journey inspired by centuries-old Thai heritage and culture, through four exceptional dining venues and lounge, and distinctive internationally recognized spa services to replenish the body and mind. As well as an array of well appointed, fully equipped Meeting Rooms, Ballroom and Club Lounge. To enjoy luxury living in the finest location, call 4004 4444

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

173 DUSIT AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 11:29 AM

Places to Stay FITNESS CENTRE

RESTAURANT

LICENSED BAR

SPA

SWIMMING POOL

Al Muntazah Plaza Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Asherij Hotel

✔

✘

Century Hotel Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Chairmen Hotel Doha

✔

✘

Diamond 1 Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Doha Dynasty Hotel

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

Golden Ocean Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Grand Qatar Palace Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Green Garden Hotel

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

Gulf Horizon Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Kingsgate Hotel Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Le Castle Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Le Park Hotel

✔

✘

✔

✘

Musherib Hotel

✔

✘

Premier Inn Doha Airport

✔

✘

✔

✘

Premier Inn Doha Education City

✔

✘

✔

✘

Rawda Hotel

✘

✔

✘

Rawdat Al Khail Hotel

✘

✔

✘

The Town Hotel

✘

✔

✘

Tourist Hotel, Doha

✔

✘

Zubarah Boutique Hotel Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

HOTELS

BEACH

BUS/CONF FACILITIES

FACILITIES MAP

Places to Stay

THREE-STAR HOTELS

La Cigale Hotel, Managed by Accor QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

Mandarin Oriental, Doha

MARHABA

34 E-Guide PLACES TO STAY M80.indd 8

4/7/21 12:02 PM

PRINT and ONLINE

APARTMENTS

4435 5677

VILLAS

TELEPHONE

SUITES

ROOMS

marhaba.qa

WEBSITE

119

72 4408 2828

N/A

215 4445 5111

centuryhoteldoha.com

68 4426 0444

chairmenhotel.com

N/A

84 4449 9222

N/A

goldenoceanhotel.com

92 4441 4140

grandqatarpalacehotel.com

48 4426 0100

greengardendoha.com

75 4443 2525

gulfhorizonhotel.com

140 4408 5555

millenniumhotels.com

110 4473 3111

lecastlehotel.qa

113

leparkhotel.com

60 4430 6000

musheribhotel.website

105 4009 5222

mena.premierinn.com

219 4007 8333

mena.premierinn.com

22 4041 2525

rawdahotelqatar.com

81 4421 5424

N/A

110

thetownhoteldoha.com

91 4432 1321

touristhotelqatar.site

45 4447 0000

zubarahhotels.com

4435 5222

37 4443 3005

4425 5555

10 4410 7100

Mandarin Oriental, Doha

W Doha Hotel & Residences

Checked & Updated October 2020

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha

Places to Stay

almuntazahplaza.com

Mondrian Doha ©

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

35 E-Guide PLACES TO STAY M80.indd 9

4/7/21 12:02 PM

Dusit Doha Hotel www.dusit.com/dusitdoha-hotel

Diplomatic Area, West Bay, P.O. Box 23373, Doha, State of Qatar

reservation.dhdo@dusit.com Telephone: +974 4004 4444

Your Luxury Dream Apartment Awaits you Exclusive Ramadan Offer

Nestled in the heart of Doha’s Business District, Dusit Doha Hotel’s apartments offer the utmost in comfort and convenience, with a palatial open living area, spacious storage, and fully equipped open kitchen, and picturesque views. Book during the holy month of Ramadan and get 1 month free, complimentary daily breakfast and up to 25% discount on F&B and SPA. Valid for minimum stay of 12 months.

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

36 DUSIT AD Eguide M80.indd 1

4/7/21 11:28 AM

Marhaba_Full_Page_Ad_ICDTC_2021.pdf

23/03/2021

6:07 PM

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

37 INTERCON DOHA THE CITY AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 2:05 PM

Places to Stay RESTAURANT

LICENSED BAR

SPA

SWIMMING POOL

Aleph Residences Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton

✔

✘

Al Mansour Plaza

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks

✔ ✔

✘

✔

✘

Al Safa Royal Suites

✔

✘

✔

✘

Fraser Suites Doha

✔

✔ ✔

✘

✔

✘

Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences

✔

✘

Hyatt Residences Doha West Bay

✔

✘

✔

✘

Imperial Suites Doha

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

Le Mirage - City Walk

✔

✘

✔

✘

Magnum Hotel & Suites West Bay

✔

✘

Rabban Suites West Bay Doha

✔

✘

✔

✘

Royal Mirage

✘

✔

✘

Sedra Arjaan by Rotana

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

Staybridge Suites Doha Lusail

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

Al Madina Suites

✘

✔

✘

Al Mansour Park Inn Hotel Apartments

✘

✔

✘

✔

✘

Al Sadd Suites Hotel Apartments

✘

✔

✘

Doha Palace Residence 2

✘

HOTELS/APARTMENTS

BEACH

FITNESS CENTRE

BUS/CONF FACILITIES

FACILITIES MAP

Places to Stay

DELUXE APARTMENTS

✔

STANDARD APARTMENTS

La Villa Inn Hotel Apartments

✘

Liberty Suites Hotel

✔

✘

Qairawan Hotel Apartments

✘

Retaj Inn Hotel

✘

✔

✘

Wakra Inn

✘

✔

✘

Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha

MARHABA

38 E-Guide PLACES TO STAY M80.indd 10

4/7/21 12:02 PM

PRINT and ONLINE

APARTMENTS

VILLAS

SUITES

ROOMS

marhaba.qa

TELEPHONE

WEBSITE

240 4004 7000

curio.com

N/A

25 4031 2888 4470 4444

oakshotels.com

4 282

4403 8383

safaroyalsuites.xyz

4424 3443

doha.frasershospitality.com

138

365 4492 4444

hilton.com

4 254

4497 1234

doharesidences.hyatt.com

4 80

4405 2222

imperialsuites.com.qa

4 400

4419 0044

lemirage.qa

4 191

4445 1555

magnumdoha.com

126 270 4495 5000

ihg.com

70 42

4444 0111

N/A

4 250

4044 1888

rotana.com

119 4456 5000

staybridge.com

4431 8800

almadinasuites.com

4 105

4031 2000

almansourparkinn.website

3 48

4444 4199

N/A

4 12

4443 6221

N/A

4 88

4437 6613

N/A

4 40

4441 1212

liberty-suites.com

4 23

4402 5000

N/A

12 80

4410 0300

retaj-hotels.com

4463 3737

wakrainn.com

Dusit Doha Hotel

Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery

Places to Stay

100

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas

Golden Tulip Doha ©

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

39 E-Guide PLACES TO STAY M80.indd 11

4/7/21 12:03 PM

Rediscover an intriguing world by entering a Levantine heaven through flavours, textures and aromas.

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE Marhaba MMK APRIL 2021.indd© MARHABA 1

25/03/2021 12:33 PM

40 KEMPINSKI AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 2:06 PM

Dining in Qatar

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

Dining in Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar

Reflecting its multicultural society, Qatar has a huge range of cuisines to choose from. Venues range from local cafeterias to gourmet restaurants in the finest locations. Many international franchises have branches countrywide for those addicted to certain brands. There is, of course, a focus on Middle Eastern dishes with a plethora of dining options for patrons wishing to 'eat like a local'. If you love food and want to keep up to date with all the latest news and dining promotions, especially for the holy month of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, visit marhaba.qa and our social media.

Grabbing a bite around town Qatar residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining out in and around Qatar. There are numerous local and international dining outlets and cafés, many with a drive-through or takeaway service, to catch a quick bite. Juice stalls are everywhere selling fresh juices, wraps and sandwiches, while the more discerning palate can find mid-range, casual dining restaurants in malls and around town. Throughout the year, hotel restaurants offer great choice and value-for-money promotions that include happy hours, early dinner offers and more. Before the arrival of high temperatures in the summer, make sure to enjoy an al fresco meal. Looking for weekday dining options? Great deals are on offer across town. Business lunches usually run from noon until 3 pm, and include a two or three course menu for a set price. Early dinner menus are usually between 5 pm and 7 pm, and offer a set price for two or three courses. Thursday evenings, and Friday and Saturday brunches have become very popular with both locals and expatriates, and widely available in hotels and outlets around town. Prices vary with alcohol and non-alcohol packages. Brunches are moving from all-you-can-eat buffets to a three or four course à la carte option. Friday brunches are popular in Qatar with many hotels offering buffets in a family-friendly environment. Buffet food and à la carte offerings abound with tiered pricing, making it a great option for friends

or family. The following pages list some of the places to eat and drink in Qatar.

Dining at home and outside catering A large number of restaurants offer a takeaway service; this will often include home delivery with a nominal delivery fee. Many restaurants and hotels provide a full outside catering service for special occasions, including chefs, wait staff and table settings. And they will clear up afterward!

Helpful hints Many restaurants have a family section and there are some with closed-off rooms should you require extra privacy. Restaurants are generally no smoking zones, though some licensed restaurants in hotels may have both a smoking and a non-smoking section. According to Law No 10 of 2016 on the control of tobacco and its derivatives, smoking is prohibited in closed public spaces. The legal age for drinking alcohol in Qatar is 21. Your ID may be requested if dining at a licensed restaurant, as well as at bars and clubs, so don't forget to take your passport or Residence Card. Some clubs and bars will ask you to pay a joining fee, and issue a membership card to use on return visits. On 1 January 2019, Law No 25 of 2018 on Selective Tax (Excise Tax Law) came into effect to regulate the consumption of 'health-damaging' goods, with a 100% tax on tobacco and alcohol products, energy drinks and special purpose goods, and a 50% tax on carbonated drinks. m ©

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

41 E-GUIDE DINING IN QATAR M80.indd 1

4/7/21 2:24 PM

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

42 LACIGALE RAMADAN AD M80.indd 1

4/8/21 4:38 PM

RAMADAN KAREEM

S IKKAT WA DI M S H EIR EB DOWN TOWN DOH A |

@ PA R KH YAT TDOHA | T. + 9 7 4 4 0 0 9 1 2 3 4 | PARKHYATTDOHA.COM

T E L . + 9 7 4 4 0 0 9 1 2 3 4 | PA R K H YAT T D O H A . C O M | @ PA R K H YAT T D O H A | @ S O R A D O H A | @ O P U S D O H A

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

43 PARK HYATT AD Eguide M80.indd 1

4/7/21 11:13 AM

Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel

LICENCED

DINNER

CUISINE

LUNCH

TELEPHONE

BRUNCH

HOTELS

BREAKFAST

Dining Guide Listings

4445 5555

Patio Cafe

Outdoor dining

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Primavera

Italian

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

AL’AMMA Arabic lobby lounge

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Deli Kitchen International, healthy food

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Parisa Persian

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Victoria Tea, desserts

Dining Guide Listings

Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha

4445 0000

SNøULL Scandinavian, healthy food Verita's

Italian, pasta

WA’HA Gourmet, outdoor pool lounge Al Najada Doha Hotel

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

✘

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

4470 4444

Al Baraha Restaurant

International, Arabic

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Canela Cafe

Cafe

✘

✘ ✔ ✘

✘

Missan Restaurant Arabic

✘

✘ ✘ ✔ ✘

Pool Bar Juices, sandwiches

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Tivoli Tea Lounge

Ronnefeldt teas, lounge

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

AtTEAtude

Lobby lounge

✔

✘ ✔ ✔

✘

Le Colonial Breakfast Room

International

✔

✘ ✔ ✘

✔

O'Glacee

Mediterranean

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Sofra

Levantine

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection

B-Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

4009 9999

Baraha Lounge, Mandarin Oriental, Doha

COYA, W Doha Hotel & Residences

MARHABA

44 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 1

4/7/21 1:33 PM

Dining Guide Listings

PRINT and ONLINE

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

All-day dining, Arabic

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘

Q Lounge & Restaurant

International, Indian

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Q One

Al fresco, shisha lounge

✘

✘ ✘ ✔

Riva

Italian

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

CUISINE

LICENCED

✘

Azraq

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

TELEPHONE

DINNER

BRUNCH

Al Nahham Arabic

HOTELS

LUNCH

BREAKFAST

marhaba.qa

4040 5050

Ted’s American

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Zest

Cafe and bakery

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Thai, international

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Dalchini

Indian

✘

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

The Mezze House

Lebanese bar and restaurant

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Aramede

International

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Arguelina

Arabic, shisha

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Executive Lounge

Lobby lounge

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha

4009 5555

Caprice

Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park

4408 7777

Liquidity

Pool side drinks and snacks

✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Meesh Cafe

Cafe, light bites

✔

✘ ✔ ✔

Misturado Tex-Mex, international

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Rodizio

✘

✘ ✘ ✔ ✔

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Brazilian Churrascaria

Savor International DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Doha – Al Sadd

✘

4004 7400

Blu Terrace Pool Cafe

Pool side bar and cafe

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Espressolab Coffee Cafe

Coffee lounge

✔

✘ ✔ ✔

Indo-Chin Restaurant Asian

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

OPEN All-day dining, international

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

StrEAT Culture Urban Bar

✘

✘ ✘ ✔ ✔

Benjarong Thai

✘

✘ ✘ ✔ ✔

Rooftop Lounge Lounge

✘

✘ ✔ ✔

Taste All-day dining

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

The House Steak and seafood

✘

Dusit Doha Hotel

Dining Guide Listings

✘

Street food, market style

✘

4004 4444

MARHABA

✘

✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ SPRING/SUMMER 2021

45 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 2

4/7/21 1:34 PM

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

46 W DOHA EGUIDE AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 11:14 AM

Marhaba_Desert Falls_2021-05-19.pdf 1 19-May-21 7:15:06 PM

CMY

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

47 HILTON SALWA BEACH HOTEL.indd 1

5/23/21 10:07 AM

Dining Guide Listings

Golden Tulip Doha 4419 8888 Symphony

International

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

LICENCED

✔

DINNER

CUISINE

LUNCH

TELEPHONE

BRUNCH

HOTELS

BREAKFAST

Dining Guide Listings

Grand Hyatt Doha 4448 1234 Biscotti Lobby lounge Isaan Authentic Thai Majlis Arabic Rocca Italian Santa Monica Breakfast Club International

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park 4031 3333 Sirocco Italian Stock Burger Co. Speciality burgers, The Pool Lounge Poolside food

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

InterContinental Doha Hotel & Residences 4484 4444 Belgian Cafe European ✘ Coral All Day Dining International ✔ La Mar by Gaston Acurio Peruvian ✘ La Vue Urban style lounge ✘ Mykonos Mediterranean/Greek ✘ Paloma Tex‑Mex ✘ Tea Lounge Lobby lounge ✔ The Living Room Juices, hot beverages ✘

✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘

InterContinental Doha The City 4015 8888 Al Jalsa Garden Lounge Shisha lounge Hive Sports bar La Parisienne French La Vista 55 Cuban Prime Meat lovers haven The Square International

✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha 4429 5000 Fuego Argentinian Santorini Greek Shanghai Club Chinese Sridan Arabic, international

✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor 4428 8888 Di Capri Le Central Le Cigalon Pizzeria Shisha Garden Yen Sushi Bar

✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

Italian International, Mediterranean International Fresh pizza Barbecue, mezza, shisha Sushi, Japanese

MARHABA

48 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 3

4/7/21 1:35 PM

Dining Guide Listings

PRINT and ONLINE

BRUNCH

DINNER

LICENCED

Baraha Lounge

Afternoon tea, pastries

✔

✘ ✔ ✔

✘

Gelato

Dessert

✘

✘ ✔ ✔

✘

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

HOTELS Mandarin Oriental, Doha

TELEPHONE

CUISINE

LUNCH

BREAKFAST

marhaba.qa

4008 8888

IZU French, Mediterranean Chinese

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Mandarin Lounge

Afternoon tea

✔

✘ ✔ ✔

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Mosaic International Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel

4419 5000

Aqua Lounge

✘

Lounge and shisha bar,

Arabic snacks

✘

Crossroads Kitchen

International

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Cucina Italian

✘

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Ipanema

Brazilian Churrascaria

✘

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔

New York Steakhouse

American steakhouse

✘

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Quick Bites

Sandwiches, snacks

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

✘

West End Cafe

Snacks, afternoon tea

✔

✘ ✔ ✔

✘

Amwage Beach Grill

Barbecue and seafood

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Al Sufra

Arabic

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Bohemia

Lounge

✔

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Cafe Murano

Afternoon tea

✔

✘ ✔ ✔

El Faro

Spanish tapas

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

N'awlins Jazz House

Cajun

✘

✘ ✘ ✔ ✔

Nozomi

Japanese

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Pearl Social

Mediterranean

✘

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔

Sawa

International

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Toro Toro

Pan Latin

✘

Circle

International

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Slice

Deli

✔

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha

Millennium Plaza Doha

Dining Guide Listings

Liang

4035 5555

✘

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

4041 6999

MARHABA

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ SPRING/SUMMER 2021

49 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 4

4/7/21 1:35 PM

DOHA

Grab & Go “Long Stay Promotion” QAR 5,850/month

- With “Grab & Go” Breakfast/person - Minimum stay of 1 month - Laundry supplement @150 QAR/month (optional) Select your “Grab & Go” breakfast set options of International or Oriental menu of your choice!

For inquiries, kindly contact us at +974 4419 8839 / Mob: 3395 0900 reservations@goldentulipdoha.com QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

6 GOLDEN TULIP AD JUNE.indd 1

5/31/21 2:12 PM

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

51 CENTARA AD M80 eguide.indd 1

4/7/21 11:25 AM

Dining Guide Listings

LICENCED

DINNER

CUISINE

LUNCH

TELEPHONE

BRUNCH

HOTELS

BREAKFAST

Dining Guide Listings

Mondrian Doha 4045 5999 CUT by Wolfgang Puck EllaMia Hudson Tavern Morimoto Walima

American Cafe, lobby lounge Craft burgers Fine Japanese Middle Eastern and shisha

✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Park Hyatt Doha 4009 1234 Anis Opus Sora

Organic beverages, local food Local flavours Japanese

✔ ✔ ✘

✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔

Premier Inn Doha Education City 4007 8333 Omnia

All-day dining

✔

✘ ✔ ✔

✘

Premier Inn Doha Airport 4009 5222 Omnia

All-day dining

✔

✘ ✔ ✔

✘

Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha 4428 1428 Bentley’s Grill Premium steaks Bombay Balti Indian – curries and fresh naan Chingari Indian – Tandoori Hyde Park International Inginuity Contemporary bites Ruby Wu’s Authentic Chinese Sakura Japanese masterpieces The Frying Scotsman British, comfort food The Italian Job Italian food with singing waiters

✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔

Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort 4021 4000 Al Odaid International, Arabic ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ La Merenda Italian ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ Reef & Burger Burgers, seafood ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ The Edge Beverages, shisha bar ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel 4485 4444 Al Hubara Restaurant All-day dining, seafood Atrium Lounge Em Sherif Arabic Irish Harp Pub, Irish La Veranda Italian Nusr-et Steakhouse Meat lovers Pool Cafe Poolside dining QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

MARHABA

52 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 5

4/7/21 1:36 PM

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

53 RADISSON F AND B AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 2:07 PM

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Indian

✘

✘ ✘ ✔ ✘

Al Shurfa Arabic Lounge, Al Jomrok Boutique Hotel

Arabic

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

La Patisserie, Al Bidda Boutique Hotel

French, sweet treats and beverages

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

La Piazza, Al Bidda Boutique Hotel

International

✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘

B-Lounge Doha

Asian fusion

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Flamingos

Poolside dining

✔

✘ ✔ ✘

Sel & Miel

French brasserie

✘

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

STK Doha

American

✘

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔

The Lagoon

International, Arabic

✔

✘ ✘ ✔ ✔

The Flying Carpet

International, all-day dining

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

✘

Three Sixty

Fine dining

✘

✘ ✔ ✔

✘

Torch Tea Garden

Tea lounge

✘

✘ ✘ ✔

✘

Dining Guide Listings

The Ritz–Carlton, Doha

The Torch–Doha

CUISINE

LICENCED

Moroccan

Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill, Arumaila Boutique Hotel

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

TELEPHONE

DINNER

BRUNCH

Argan, Al Jasra Boutique Hotel

HOTELS

LUNCH

BREAKFAST

Dining Guide Listings

4433 6666

4484 8000

✔

4446 5600

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

4492 1555

Hunter’s Room & Grill

Signature grills, steak, seafood ✘

Mix Bar Lounge & Terrace

International

✘

✘ ✘ ✔ ✔

Sabai Thai

Signature Thai dishes

✘

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Seasonal Tastes

All-day dining, international

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Waves Pool Cafe

Snacks, light bites

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

La Spiga by Paper Moon

Italian

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Market by Jean–Georges

International

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Spice Market

Southeast Asian

✘

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

COYA

Peruvian

✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

W Doha Hotel & Residences

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

4453 5000

MARHABA

54 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 6

4/7/21 1:38 PM

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

55 THE RITZ SEL MIEL AD M80.indd 1

4/7/21 2:09 PM

Fact_OutletsReopening2021_Alwadi.pdf

24/05/2021

16:38

Time to unveil and rediscover a unique culinary experience at Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery

CMJ

Open the door to unique experiences and delve into new tastes. Rediscover AtTEAtude with our signature High Tea, indulge in a delicate lunch at Le Colonial, refresh at our al fresco OʼGlacée with theme nights and be amazed by the view at Infinity with special nights for Ladies and Gentlemen. We crafted Memorable Moments to welcome you back at our restaurants. Msheireb Downtown Doha | Email: reservations.alwadihotel@accor.com | Tel: +974 4009 9999

MGALLERY. STORIES THAT STAY

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

000 AL WADI AD MAY .indd 1

5/26/21 10:13 AM

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

57 MONDRIAN AD Eguide M80.indd 1

4/7/21 11:27 AM

Ramadan Feast in a Box Enjoy the rich traditions of Ramadan in the comfort and safety of your home. Order our Ramadan box for Iftar or Sohour, and have a memorable feast in the company of your loved ones. Highlights on the menu include Chicken Majboos, Lamb Kabsa, Grilled Shrimps, Beef Lasagna, traditional desserts and more. QAR 139 per person Available for home delivery and self-pick-up +974 4015 8888

icdohathecity.dining@ihg.com

InterContinental Doha The City, Off Al Wahda Road, West Bay, Doha, Qatar

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

58 INTERCON THE CITY Eguide M80.indd 1

4/18/21 2:01 PM

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

11 THE WESTIN AD JULY EGUIDE.indd 1

6/28/21 9:07 AM

Dining Guide Listings

LICENCED

AL FRESCO

CUISINE / ENTERTAINMENT

FOOD

TELEPHONE

ENTERTAIN

CLUBS AND BARS

ALWAYS TAKE YOUR PASSPORT/ID WHEN VISITING HOTELS

EVENING

Dining Guide Listings

Al Najada Doha Hotel 4470 4444 Pool Bar

Mocktails, juices, sandwiches ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton 4489 9000 Pool Bar

Refreshing juices, light bites

✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection 4009 9999 Infinity Rooftop Lounge International drinks, cocktails ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ O'Glacee Pool Bar Mediterranean flavours, shisha ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Best Western Plus Doha Krossroads

4424 0000

Live music

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha Pool Bar

4009 5555

Light meals

✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔

Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park 4408 7777 Liquidity Misturado

Poolside cafe Tex-Mex, international

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay The Vogue Club

Live DJ

✔ ✔ ✘

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Doha – Al Sadd 4004 7400 ST.R EAT Culture Urban Bar

Sports bar

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Doha – Old Town 4034 3333 Pure

Light snacks, DJ

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas Dunes Monkey Tale

International Beach bar, DJ

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

4019 9999

4448 1234

✘ ✔

Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park 4031 3333 Stock Burger Co. Sports bar, speciality burgers, salads ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ InterContinental Doha Hotel & Residences 4484 4444 Belgian Cafe Lava La Vue Manko QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

Belgian beer, food Fusion drinks Cigar lounge Parisian lounge bar

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

MARHABA

58 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 7

4/7/21 1:38 PM

Dining Guide Listings

LICENCED

4015 8888

AL FRESCO

InterContinental Doha The City

ENTERTAIN

TELEPHONE

marhaba.qa

Al Jalsa Garden

Arabic, shisha

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Hive

Sports bar

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

La Vista 55

Cuban lounge with tapas

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

ALWAYS TAKE YOUR PASSPORT/ID WHEN VISITING HOTELS

4429 5000

The Den Kempinski Residences & Suites

Lounge bar, finger food

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

Sports bar and restaurant

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

4405 3333

Skybox61 La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor

4428 8888

So Lounge

Club Lounge

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

Sky View

Cocktails, snacks, sushi

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Magnum Hotel & Suites West Bay

4445 1555

Aviary

Night club, live music

Shamrock Tavern

Pub

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

Ambar

Stylish cocktail bar

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

Aqua

Rooftop lounge, bar

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Mandarin Oriental, Doha

Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel Champions

Dining Guide Listings

JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

FOOD

CUISINE / ENTERTAINMENT

EVENING

CLUBS AND BARS

PRINT and ONLINE

4008 8888

4419 5000

Sports bar, international, live music ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

Glo Cocktail Bar

International, live DJ, tapas

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha

4035 5555

Illusion – The Secret Garden

Live entertainment, DJ

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Mercure Grand Hotel Doha City Centre

4446 2222

The Old Manor

Bar, steakhouse

✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔

Mondrian Doha

4045 5555

Black Orchid

Night club

✔ ✔ ✘

✘ ✔

Rise

Cocktail lounge

✔ ✔ ✘

✘ ✔

Smoke & Mirrors

Cigar lounge

✔ ✘ ✘

✘ ✔

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

59 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 8

4/7/21 1:38 PM

Oryx Rotana Doha

LICENCED

AL FRESCO

Steaks, cocktails

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

4402 3333

Jazz Club

Dining Guide Listings

CUISINE / ENTERTAINMENT

FOOD

TELEPHONE

EVENING

CLUBS AND BARS

ALWAYS TAKE YOUR PASSPORT/ID WHEN VISITING HOTELS

ENTERTAIN

Dining Guide Listings

Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha

4428 1428

Manhattan

Lounge bar

✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔

Orion

Cocktails and snacks

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

Qube

Snacks, nightclub

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

Shehrazad

Sports bar, pub quiz nights

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

The Library

Soft music, panoramic views, international food

✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔

Sports bar

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

Shisha lounge, cocktails

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

El Cedro Tasting Room

Cigar lounge

✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔

IRIS

Outdoor lounge, cocktails

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Saray Corniche Hotel, Doha

7741 6999

Aquaview Sports Lounge Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort

4021 4000

The Edge Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Doha

4425 6666

Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel

4485 4444

Irish Harp

Irish pub, fast food

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

The Backyard

Live bands, bar snacks

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

4484 8000

Habanos

Cigars, vintage wines

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

The St. Regis Doha

4446 0000

Oyster Bay & Bar

Light bites with live reggae music ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

The Club at the St. Regis

Live music, international

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

The Rooftop

Outdoor, DJ

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Vintage Lounge

Cocktails and snacks

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

Bar, lounge and terrace

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Live DJ

✔ ✔ ✘

Shisha lounge

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

4492 1555

Mix

VIP Hotel

4426 1111

Senario Club

W Doha Hotel & Residences

4453 5000

Wahm

QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

✘ ✔

MARHABA

60 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 9

4/7/21 1:40 PM

Dining Guide Listings

DINNER

CUISINE

LUNCH

TELEPHONE

BRUNCH

Multiple locations, respective number listed

marhaba.qa

BREAKFAST

AROUND TOWN *

PRINT and ONLINE

5593 6470 Lebanese, international

✘

✔

Aloosh Restaurant *Salwa Road, Souq Waqif

4451 4444

Arabic

✘

✔

Al Sayyad The Diplomatic Club

4484 7420

Lebanese, seafood

✘

✔ ✔

Amara Al Muthanna Complex, Salwa Road

4416 0707

Indian

✘

✔

Asha's *Villaggio, two other locations

4452 9662

Indian

✘

✔

Assaha Lebanese Village Salah Al Deen St

4443 0983 Lebanese

✔

✘

✔

Barrio Fiesta Al Muthanna Complex, Salwa Road

4490 4886

Filipino

✔

✘ ✔ ✔

Biella *The Mall, City Center–Doha, Landmark Mall, TPQ

4467 7732

Italian

✔

✘

✔

Dining Guide Listings

Al Mourjan *Al Corniche, Souq Waqif

✔

Carluccio's *The Pearl-Qatar, DFC, Mall of Qatar, 5084 8259 Italian, gluten-free menu ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ Casper & Gambini *Landmark Mall, Mirqab Mall

4417 8406

International

✔

✘

✔

Chili’s *City Center–Doha, six other locations

4411 5848

American, Tex-Mex

✘

✔

Debs W Remman *The Pearl-Qatar Mall of Qatar 3333 4663 Lebanese ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ Eataly *Doha Festival City, Mall of Qatar

4028 5055

Italian

✔

✘

✔

Eatopia The Gate Mall

4020 6400

International, bakery

✔

✘

✔

Emirgan Sutis *Al Emadi Financial Square, TPQ

4037 5287

Turkish

✔

✘

✔

Garvey’s European Family Club Traditional British Off Salwa Road 5560 2779 and European

✔

✘

✔

✘

Gerry’s Grill *Al Nasr St, Barwa City

6673 5178

Filipino

✘

✔

Green Education City Golf Club

7773 7973

French, Mediterranean

✔

✘

✔

Huda Restaurant Hotel Park Doha, Tawar Mall

4447 5086 Lebanese

✔

✘

✔

✘

✔

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

61 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 10

4/7/21 1:40 PM

PRINT and ONLINE

Dining Guide Listings

DINNER

CUISINE

LUNCH

TELEPHONE

Multiple locations, respective number listed

BRUNCH

AROUND TOWN *

BREAKFAST

marhaba.qa

INDIGRILL Barwa Tower

4483 3855 Indian grill

✘

✔

Jamie's Italian Doha Festival City

4455 4812 Italian

✔

✘

✔

Jones the Grocer The Gate Mall

4407 7175

Australian

✔

✘

✔

Layali *Salwa Road, Lagoona Mall

4431 0005

Lebanese

✘

✔

MRA *Al Ghanim, six other locations

4442 2070

Bakery, Indian, sweets

✔

✘

✔

Mado *The Pearl-Qatar, Ezdan Mall Al Wakra

4436 4622

Turkish

✔

✘

✔

Maison de Sushi *01 Mall, Tornado Tower, DFC

7050 1373

Japanese, sushi

✘

✔

Max's Restaurant *Al Sadd, Al Muntazah

4444 6297

Filipino

✔

✘

✔

Nando’s *Salwa Road, Afro-Portuguese six other locations 4444 2345 flame-grilled chicken

✘

✔

Nassayem Qatar Diplomatic Club

4484 7470

Qatari

✘

✔

Neo *Salwa Road, Mall of Qatar

4432 2539

Chinese, Japanese

✘

✔

4490 2944

Fish and chips, seafood

✘

✔

Orient Pearl Restaurant Al Corniche

4410 6666

International

✔

✘

✔

Outback Steakhouse *Lagoona Mall, City Center–Doha

4414 9028 Steakhouse

✘

✔

P.F. Chang’s *Villaggio, Mall of Qatar, DFC, Gulf Mall

44528494

✘

✔

Paper Moon Doha Jaidah Square

4016 6000 Italian

✔

✘

✔

PAUL *Villaggio, six other locations

4495 9815

✔

✘

✔

Roger’s Diner C Ring Road

4455 2666 American

✔

✘

✔

Romano’s Macaroni Grill Villaggio

4451 7585 Italian

✔

✘

✔

Royal Tandoor *Al Sadd St, five other locations

4036 0716

North Indian

✔

✘

✔

Roti & Boti Ras Bu Abboud

3355 5777

Indian

✘

✔

Sabah W Masa *Salwa Road, The Pearl-Qatar

4466 6001

Lebanese

✔

✘

✔

Shakespeare and Co *Dar Al Salam, four other locations

6676 8812

International

✔

✘

✔

Ocean Basket Mall of Qatar

Asian bistro

Patisserie, light meals, French

MARHABA

62 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 11

4/7/21 1:40 PM

Dining Guide Listings

DINNER

CUISINE

LUNCH

TELEPHONE

BRUNCH

Multiple locations, respective number listed

marhaba.qa

BREAKFAST

AROUND TOWN *

PRINT and ONLINE

4466 6213 Persian

✘

✔

Spikes Doha Golf Club

4496 0716

International

✔

Sushi Minto *Salwa Road, City Center–Doha

4467 5577

Japanese, Asian, international

✘

✔

Tamarind Indian Lagoona Mall

4466 6876 Indian

✘

✔

Tandoor Express *Old Airport, five other locations

4462 0100

Indian

✘

✔

The Butcher Shop & Grill Villaggio

4495 9847

South African, steak

✘

✔

The Cheesecake Factory *Mall of Qatar, DFC, Villaggio

4452 9995

American, international

✘

✔

The French Olive Barwa Complex, The Pearl-Qatar

4444 4777

French, Italian

✔

✘

✔

The Locker Room Doha Sports Park

4469 0444

Pub food

✘

✔

The Manhattan Fish Market *Bin Mahmoud, two other locations

4444 2353

Seafood

✘

✔

The Noodle House *City Center-Doha, two other locations

4411 5063

Southeast Asian

✔

✘

✔

The Village *Salwa Road, Souq Waqif

4444 6601

Indian, Iranian

✔

✘

✔

Tofu House *Al Jazeera St, Al Mansoura

4435 8678

Korean

✘

✔

Vapiano *The Gate Mall, Al Mana Tower

4407 7188

Italian

✘

✔

Wagamama *Lagoona Mall, Doha Festival City, Mall of Qatar

4463 3876

Japanese, Pan Asian

✘

✔

Wok of Fame Villaggio

4413 4772

Asian

✘

✔

Yee Hwa *Al Kinana St, Al Jazeera St

4441 9898

Korean, Japanese

✘

✔

Yugo The Gate Mall

4407 7118

Asian

✘

✔

Zahr El Laymoun Shoumoukh Towers

4444 9197

Lebanese

✔

✘

✔

Dining Guide Listings

Shiraz Garden Salwa Road

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

63 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 12

4/7/21 1:41 PM

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Al Jalsa Cafe Sharq Village & Spa

4425 6666

Coffee, tea, sweet treats

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Al Jalsa Garden Lounge InterContinental Doha The City

4015 8888

Shisha lounge, Arabic dishes

✘

Al Kut Cafe Wyndham Grand Regency Doha

4434 3333

Sweet and savoury

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Al Mandarin *Salwa Road (multiple locations)

4442 5588

Juices, snacks, sandwiches

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Antoinette's Dusit Doha Hotel

4004 4444

French

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Atrium Cafe VIP Hotel

4426 1111

A la carte cafe

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Atrium Lounge Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Conv. Hotel

4485 3000

Afternoon tea, snacks

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Aqua Lounge Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel

4419 5000

Dining Guide Listings

LICENCED

Arabic sweets, shisha

DINNER

4424 3787

LUNCH

Al Amaken Fraser Suites Doha

CUISINE

BRUNCH

TELEPHONE

Multiple locations, respective number listed

BREAKFAST

CAFES/ LOBBY LOUNGES *

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Shisha, poolside cafe

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Baraha Lounge Mandarin Oriental, Doha 4008 8888

Tea, coffee, iced drinks, light bites

✘

Cafe #999 Fire Station Artist in Residence

4458 2556

Contemporary international

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Columbus Cafe *Landmark Mall, Villaggio

4456 5325

Light bites, cakes

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Espression LavAzza The Gate Mall

4407 7199

Italian

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Farggi *Hamad International Airport, Al Ghanim

4492 9826

Spanish coffee shop

✔

Fauchon *Royal Plaza, DFC

4435 5588

French

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Figaro Ghanem Business Centre, Bin Mahmoud

4462 0878

Italian

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Fy Cafe *Suhaim bin Hamad Street, Aspire Zone

4444 4656

Arabic, casual dining

✔ ✘ ✔

Gelato Mandarin Oriental, Doha

4008 8888

Desserts, gelato

✘

Gelato Mondo City Center-Doha (multiple locations)

4411 5281

Ice cream, cakes

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Gourmet House Kempinski Residence & Suites

4405 3333

European fine foods, bakery

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Hyde Park Coffee Shop Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha

4428 1555

International

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Java U *B Square Mall, Al Nasr, The Pearl-Qatar

4041 0000

Hot and cold beverages, snacks

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Jazz Cafe *WOQOD Al Hilal, Barwa Village, Qatar Foundation

4411 1969

Bakery

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

✔ ✘

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

MARHABA

64 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 13

4/7/21 1:41 PM

Dining Guide Listings

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

Light bites, pastry, live piano

La Parisienne Intercontinental Doha The City

4015 8888

Fresh baked items, patisserie ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

La Cigale Traiteur La Cigale Hotel, Doha

4428 8803 International

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Lobby Lounge InterContinental Doha The City

4015 8888

Light bites, afternoon tea

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Lobby Lounge JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

4429 5000

Desserts and pastries

✘

Lobby Lounge La Cigale, Doha

4428 8698

Fresh juice, desserts

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Luxe Lounge The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

4492 1658

Afternoon tea

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Magnolia Bakery *Dar Al Salam, MoQ, Ezdan Mall

4450 9407

Cupcakes, cakes

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Meesh Cafe Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park

4408 7744

Snacks, sandwiches, raw juices ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

✔ ✘ ✘

LICENCED

4446 5600

DINNER

Kufic Lounge The Torch Doha

LUNCH

CUISINE

Multiple locations, respective number listed

BRUNCH

TELEPHONE

BREAKFAST

CAFES/ LOBBY LOUNGES *

✘ ✘

Dining Guide Listings

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

MIA Cafe Museum of Islamic Art 4422 4168

Healthy French-Arabic fusion

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Moda Lounge AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton

5513 3472

Chic, high tea

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Orangery Cafe Traittoir La Cigale, Doha

4428 8819

International

✔ ✘ ✔

Palm Garden Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha

4428 1555

International

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Quick Bites Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel

4419 5000

Healthy all-day dining

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Ristretto Cafe Golden Tulip Doha

4419 8807

Light snacks

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Riqqa Lounge Crowne Plaza West Bay

4019 8875

Gourmet coffee, tea, desserts ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Savor Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park

4408 7777

Snacks

Sugar & Spice *Aspire Park, Lagoona Mall

4038 9668

Light bites, desserts, pastries ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

The Lobby Lounge The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

4484 8000

Afternoon tea, desserts

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

W Cafe W Doha Hotel & Residences

4453 5385

International

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

West End Cafe Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel

4419 5000

Quick bites, meals

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘

Zest Chocolate Cafe Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

4040 5116

Savouries, cakes, pastries

✘

✔ ✘

✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

MARHABA

✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ SPRING/SUMMER 2021

65 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 14

4/7/21 1:41 PM

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Burgeri Aspire Park

4449 3958

American

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

CinnZeo *City Center-Doha, Hyatt Plaza, The Mall 4469 7316

Cinnamon rolls, beverages, desserts

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

ChowKing *Dar Al Salam, Mirqab Mall, Hawdar Al Khail St

4486 6077

Asian fusion, Chinese, Filipino

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Fuddruckers *Khalifa Tennis Stadium, Ezdan Mall

4483 3983

American

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘

Hot Chicken *Al Najma St, seven other locations

3058 3386

International, fast food

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Hustoh Royal Plaza Mall

4441 6761

Burgers

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Johnny Rockets *Ramada Signal, three other locations

4455 2792 American

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Jollibee *Old Airport, eight other locations

4444 9492

Asian, Filipino

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Mooyah *Al Sadd Sports Club, Al Jamiaa St

4444 4048

American, burgers

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

My Sandwich WOQOD Al Hilal

4444 0313

International fast food

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Sandwich Factory The Gate Mall

4020 6500

Arabic, Lebanese

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Shake Shack *Villaggio, Gulf Mall, Mall of Qatar, DFC

4452 9668

American burgers, milk shakes

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Shater Abbas *City Centre Mall, 10 other locations

4483 9230

Persian, Arabic barbecues

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Subway *Salwa Road, 26 other locations

4444 4043

Subs, salads

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Take Away *Al Sadd St, seven other locations

4442 7778

Arabic, sandwiches, sweets

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Thai Smile *Umm Ghuwailina, Barwa City

4441 5222

Traditional Thai

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

The Chippy Bin Omran

5022 0126

British, multi-cuisine, quick bites

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Turkey Central *Al Nasr, Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street, Najma

4442 3423

Turkish

✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Dining Guide Listings

DELIVERY

Indian fast food, chaats

TAKEAWAY

4462 2100

DINNER

Bombay Chowpatty *Old Airport, five other locations

CUISINE

LUNCH

TELEPHONE

*Multiple locations, respective number listed

BREAKFAST

FAST FOODS

MARHABA

66 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 15

4/7/21 1:42 PM

Dining Guide Listings

DELIVERY

CUISINE

DINNER

TELEPHONE

LUNCH

A few choice dining options among many

marhaba.qa

BREAKFAST

HEALTHY OPTIONS

PRINT and ONLINE

Al Mosak Al Jazeera Petrol Station

4412 3666

Healthy bites

✔

Quartier, The Pearl-Qatar

4441 9048

Healthy food, quick bites

✔

✘

Chef’s Garden Education City

4409 5040

Organic meals, salads

✔

✘

two other locations

4444 0609

Salad bar

✘

✔

Diet Factory Al Mirqab Al Jadeed

4444 3477

Healthy, fitness food

✔

Diet Delights Nuaija

4433 9444

International healthy food

✔

4444 4911

International healthy food

✔

International Airport, The Pearl-Qatar

4464 4176

Organic, vegan

✔

Freshii Al Muntazah

6658 8815

Healthy meals

✔

Umm Salal Mohammed

6687 1239

Healthy food

✔

Ideal Diet Ali Bin Ali St

4488 7745

Healthy food

✔

✘

Carbon Wheels 14 Qanat

Dining Guide Listings

Dean and David Ezdan Hotel,

Diet House Bin Omran, six other locations Evergreen Organics Hamad

Healthylicious Barzan Souq,

Checked & Updated February 2021

Infinity Rooftop Lounge Alwadi Hotel Doha - MGallery

Walima, Mondrian Doha

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

67 E-Guide DINING GUIDE LISTINGS M80.indd 16

4/7/21 1:42 PM

MARHABA

68 FOOD REVIEW INTRO M80.indd 2

4/7/21 2:16 PM

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

69 FOOD REVIEW INTRO M80.indd 3

4/7/21 2:16 PM

marhaba eats out...

Al Messila Resort & Spa: A Yummy Brunch at Deli Kitchen!

By Charlotte Wright

Messila Resort & Spa is a renowned spot in Doha to indulge in delicious cuisine and spend the day lounging by the pool. But their Deli Kitchen restaurant has recently revealed an appealing brunch option: Yum Cha! The Yum Cha brunch is a fabulous new edition to the weekend’s offering – and the best news is that you don’t have to sacrifice your regular Friday brunch spot! The Yum Cha brunch is available every Saturday, so you can double up your brunches... if you dare. For the wholesome price of QAR150, we could not believe the amount of food that’s on offer. Although buffet services have been temporarily suspended, this brunch is certainly ‘all you can eat’. The wonderful staff are armed with huge trolleys filled to the brim with delicious, piping hot plates of food.

The first trolley to arrive was adorned with iced tea, soft beverages, chilled juices and fresh, cool water. A must try is the signature iced matcha tea which has a quite earthy flavour with subtle bitter undertones, but was so refreshing and perfect to start your meal. As we sipped our matcha tea, we couldn’t help but soak in the incredible atmosphere that thrives at Deli Kitchen. With windows that stretch from the floor to the ceiling, the sunlight is inescapable and the view across the garden and pools is utterly stunning. Add that to the divine aroma that escapes from the kitchen and you are left with a voracious appetite. As we were basking, our first sampling of food was delivered. The first dish to catch our eye was the dim sum tower which housed a selection of chicken, vegetable and prawn dim sum served with a dish of chilli soy dip for those who like their food spicy. We also received a generous helping of som tam, which is green mango and papaya salad. The papaya salad was tart and crunchy, and the dim sum were cooked to perfection. Next, we decided to tuck in to the homemade spring rolls with a creamy siracha mayonnaise. These spring rolls were loaded with flavour– and not at all greasy as some can be. Just when we thought we had sampled everything, the chicken satay arrived with lashings of peanut sauce. And, of course, what Asian feast would be complete without some crunchy prawn crackers on the side? I must say that we savoured our first course; with such a relaxing atmosphere and sumptuous food, we were ready to sit there all day. We managed to lick our plates clean just in time for the second course

MARHABA

62 A Yummy Brunch at Deli Kitchen! .indd 3

12/6/20 9:31 AM

FOOD REVIEW of dishes to arrive. The first dish to arrive was a favourite of mine – Thai green curry with heaps of soft jasmine rice. There was also a huge plate of steamed Sultan Ibrahim with Shezuwan pepper, ginger, and superior soy, a bowl of Singapore fried noodles and a scrumptious dish of Mapo tofu. Our favourite dish of the night had to be the Char Siu – barbecue beef ribs with smooth herb dressing. The beef fell right off the bone and the barbecue marinade was so rich and tasty. I think we had had quite a few portions of this dish by the end of the meal! By the time the dessert cart rolled by, we were getting rather full. But when dessert arrived it looked far too good to miss! There was a smooth, sweet mango sago pudding paired with some chocolate mushroom which, never fear, to my knowledge don’t contain actual mushrooms. And finally some deep-fried, sugar-crusted banana spring rolls. What a way to end the meal! All in all, I would have to say that this is one of the best brunches that I have been to in a while! The volume and quality of the food is unbeatable for a Saturday brunch, and all for the modest price of QAR150 per person? Sign me up to go back next week! The Yum Cha Brunch at the Deli Kitchen is on every Saturday at 12:30 pm and continues until 4 pm. It costs QAR150 per person and for special beverages you pay an additional QAR120. For reservations and more information about the Yum Cha Brunch at Deli Kitchen, call 4445 0000. You can also read about more offers from Al Messila, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa at marhaba.qa And don’t forget to check our Hospitality e-Guide for all the information you need about Qatar’s everchanging dining scene! m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

63 A Yummy Brunch at Deli Kitchen! .indd 2

12/6/20 9:50 9:31 AM

marhaba eats out...

Marhaba: Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your history of cooking?

Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Let’s Get Social at Dalchini for Brunch!

By Charlotte Wright

riday brunch is one of the luxuries of Doha living, but so often it can be a tad on the expensive side. That is until we found the Social Brunch at Dalchini in Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences. For less than QAR150 you can get a tabletop brunch with plenty of starters, mains and desserts to share AND special house beverages! This progressive Indian restaurant stunned us with the wide selection of delicious dishes that they had on the menu, and the best part was that you don’t have to choose just one starter, or one main – you get all of these delicious dishes brought directly to your table to feast on. Looking at the fantastic menu, we had to know which Chef could pull it off! We were quickly introduced to Chef Binit, who’s in charge of the kitchen at Dalchini.

Chef Binit: I am from India, and I graduated from Hotel Management College in 2008. I started my culinary journey with Taj Hotels and Resorts as a management trainee in various locations in India before moving to join Mövenpick Hotel and Spa in Bangalore, India to do my first pre-opening. After that I joined the Hilton Hotel in Pune, India and then joined Doubletree by Hilton in Qatar. In between, I was part of the 2 Michelin-starred restaurant Le Noir in Saarbrucken, Germany to represent Indian food. Finally, I arrived at Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences, pursuing my passion for food. M: With all that experience, what do you like best about cooking and being a Chef? B: Cooking is all about people, food is one of the very few universal things that really have the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat. Cooking is all about imbibing different cultures and putting them on the plate. Being a chef, I pursue my passion and creativity every day and making people happy every single day. There is not a single boring day at work. Chef Binit’s passion for cooking and food was easy to see as we sampled our starters. We received a huge tray of delicacies including: patta chaat, chicken 65, lamb sheek kebab, prawn kempu, and tandoori broccoli with pomelo kachumber. The starter course definitely got our brunch off on the right foot. Each dish was perfectly seasoned, and

MARHABA

64 Let’s Get Social at Dalchini for Brunch!.indd 3

12/6/20 9:49 AM

FOOD REVIEW there was a great selection of both spicy and nonspicy dishes. Although some dishes had a little more zing to them than others, they were never too spicy. The flavours were always strong and tasteful but never over-powering. My favourite starter had to be the chicken 65. These bites of chicken are bursting with flavour and spices! M: What is your favourite dish on the wonderful Social Brunch menu and why? B: Kale and Spinach chaat, I think the dish is a classic example of Dalchini food philosophy, ie a fine balance of authenticity and creativity. For our main course we were treated to Kashmiri rogan josh, chicken tikka makhani, saag, slow-cooked black lentils, chicken biriyani and of course, a neverending assortment of naans and pappadums.

B: Dalchini Social brunch is all about friends, family, good vibes, good food and good music. We couldn’t agree more! This meal certainly ticked all our boxes for a perfect Friday brunch. The food was absolutely fantastic – it was a perfect blend of traditional Indian cuisine and contemporary tastes. The Social Brunch at Dalchini is Friday 12:30 pm – 3 pm, or 3:30 pm – 6 pm. The Premium Beverage Package costs QAR249 per person; the Regular Beverage Package costs QAR149 per person. For more information about the Social Brunch at Dalchini, visit centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/cwq, call 4009 5520 or WhatsApp 3001 5360 m

Whenever I come to Dalchini, I always have to have to the black lentils, and they are always perfect. They are warm and creamy and oozing with flavour. And how could any Indian dining experience be complete without biriyani? With every mouthful of this dish you find more and more ingredients and tastes. M: What’s it like working with Michelin-starred Chef Alfred Prasad, who designed and curated this menu? B: It’s great to work with him, he was the youngest Indian chef to receive a Michelin star, which speaks a lot about his calibre as a chef. He is best when it comes to delicately balancing creativity and authenticity. M: And finally, we had a fantastic time at the Social Brunch but what do you think makes the Social Brunch at Dalchini so special?

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

65 Let’s Get Social at Dalchini for Brunch!.indd 2

12/6/20 9:50 AM

marhaba eats out...

Dusit Doha Hotel ‘Dusit’ Down to Excellent Thai Food

By Sarah Palmer

enjarong restaurant already has a huge following, both in its native Thailand and worldwide, for the quality of its food and overall general excellence. Marhaba had been invited to sample some of its delights at the Dusit Doha Hotel and we couldn’t wait to see what all the fuss is about. The hotel is located in Al Dafna and as soon as you walk in you can see that this is something different – black and cream marble mixes merrily with lucky bamboo plants and silver accessories, and there are genuine smiles from the hotel staff. It’s all extremely luxurious but feels incredibly welcoming. There is a wonderful faint smell of lemongrass throughout the property, which happily continues as we arrive at our restaurant for the evening. We were met by cheerful ladies Florie and Analyn, who exuded impeccable Thai warmth and hospitality, and who were wearing gorgeous traditional Thai clothing.

Walking through the restaurant, we noticed the restrained yet beautiful interior design, with its soft lighting and furnishings in tones of browns and cream – a high-end restaurant, no doubt, but without any pretensions. The perfect ambience in which to enjoy some Thai food! The menu is what might best be called adaptations of traditional dishes: contemporary twists on Thai food that still maintains its authenticity. The well-known salads, soups, curries and desserts are all here, but slightly tweaked for the discerning modern palate. If you are in any doubt over what to order, amiable Chef Gina is on hand to talk you through the outstanding selection, and is ready to suggest a dish based on your own levels of heat – or will happily adapt it to suit you should you want more or less. There is a vegetarian menu and any other food concerns can be easily addressed. This was exactly the impetus we needed, and eagerly followed Chef Gina’s suggestions. We ordered soups to start, the perennial favourite Tom Yum Goong, with succulent prawns, and Tom Sab Nua Tun, with slowcooked spicy beef. Both were excellent, a delicious twist on those we’d had before, and Chef Gina had absolutely nailed the spice level. We were blown away with the intensity of the spices and seasoning – it was a total flavour riot in our mouths! These were great starts to the evening. For our main courses, Chef Gina had recommended two of the house favourites – the catchy Mussaman Ka Kae by Poem of King Rama II (lamb massaman curry to you and I) and the equally tongue-tripping

MARHABA

66 Dusit Doha Hotel.indd 3

12/6/20 9:34 AM

FOOD REVIEW Pla Krapong Nueng Manao Gub Ka Lam Plee Muan (steamed seabass with cabbage rolls).

microherbs and chilli strips. The dish was light yet incredibly satisfying.

Now here is where Benjarong really sets itself apart from other Thai restaurants. The presentation and decoration of both dishes was sublime, and we took a few moments just to breathe in the aroma…a fabulous combination that will definitely make your mouth water.

We couldn’t resist having our favourite dessert to end the meal – Khao Niew Moon Mamuang Gub Mousse Kati, which as you all know is sticky rice with mango and coconut cream. It is typically just that, three basic components on a plate, and absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, at Benjarong it has been elevated to an entirely other level. Yes, the above three components are still there, but the dessert has been transformed with the addition of swirls of mango puree, small mounds of coconut mousse, sago, mint leaves, toasted sesame seeds and edible flowers. Wow!

The massaman curry features lamb shank that has been slow-cooked for 48 hours. The meat just fell off the bone and was deliciously tender, and fully complimented by the homemade sauce, with potatoes and cherry tomatoes and cashew nuts and herbs … so much going on, yet all married perfectly together, especially with the coconut pandan rice. Meanwhile, the seabass was just as tasty – make sure you spoon up all the garlic, chilli and lime sauce which was zesty and zingy and zuperb (ok, not an actual word but you get my drift!). The cabbage rolls were juicy and we absolutely loved the use of

For extraordinary food, excellent service and a beautiful atmosphere, you are strongly recommended to sit down at Benjarong. We predict the restaurant will be acquiring the same cult following in Doha! The restaurant is open daily 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm. For reservations, call 4004 4444 m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

67 Dusit Doha Hotel.indd 2

12/6/20 9:50 9:34 AM

marhaba eats out...

Mandarin Oriental, Doha Out for Lunch

By Lalaine Turqueza

e all felt a little excited to be going out after the restrictions were eased. How different is this from the usual Marhaba foodie outings? Read on and find out. Izu restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Doha faces the open-air covered square of Barahat Msheireb. The place carries the usual chatter of people out for lunch. All staff were wearing face masks and gloves. Menu cards were ‘disposable’ but you can opt to scan the code instead and view the menu using your own phone. Izu, named after popular celebrity Chef Izu Ani, offers French Mediterranean cuisine. Their menu features dishes inspired by Chef Izu’s travel around Europe and the Middle East – refreshing, simple and made for sharing. Izu’s chef de cuisine, Stavros Chatziantoniou, is a close friend of Chef Izu.

If we were to judge the restaurant based on their appetizers, Izu would be on top of our list. The bread alone is enough to spoil you – soft and buttery on the inside, with just the right crispiness on the outside. They also serve a tasty burrata with sweet cherry tomatoes on the side. If you’re going to Izu, this is one dish you shouldn’t miss. Then came the main course... The steak is tender and meaty and sweet, enough to feed our group of three. As if that wasn’t enough to overwhelm, they also gave us a serving of their sea bream fillet! The meal overall is very satisfying. The dishes were flavoursome and garnished with enough vegetables to balance out the richness of the meat and the fish. Even the rice on the side has a hint of nuts and herbs. If you plan to have lunch at Izu, we recommend skipping your breakfast cereal or sandwich, or better yet, come hungry! For dessert, we head out to Gelato, the ice cream bar right beside Izu (how convenient!). If you’re fond of ice cream or anything that’s sweet and cold (who isn’t?), this is a place for you. Their colourful display matched with their diverse flavour offerings are sure keys to happiness. Unsure of which one to get? You can always ask for samplers. The staff allowed us to sample each flavour! Oh and don’t forget the toppings. They have the best meringue sticks! Marhaba foodie verdict for Izu and Gelato: Totally worth our time!

MARHABA

68 Mandarin Oriental, Doha .indd 3

12/6/20 9:41 AM

FOOD REVIEW Izu at Mandarin Oriental, Doha is open daily 11 am – 11 pm. For reservations, call 4008 8888 or email modoh-reservations@mohg.com Please note that safety measures are still in place in all establishments in Qatar. Make sure to follow all precautions and that your Ehteraz Green code is active. Masks are required as you go around the hotel vicinity. m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

69 Mandarin Oriental, Doha .indd 2

12/6/20 9:50 9:41 AM

marhaba eats out...

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha Beautiful Beach Barbecue at Marsa Malaz

By Sarah Palmer

f you’re looking for delicious food in a casual setting with outstanding service, you must visit Amwage Beach at Marsa Malaz hotel. It’s the perfect antidote to the working week. After a hectic week in the Marhaba office, we were desperate for some R&R. Thankfully those affable chaps at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha came to the rescue! The hotel has recently introduced the weekend Amwage Beach Chill ‘N’ Grill BBQ, so we were looking forward to sitting back, relaxing and enjoying some good food at one of Doha’s premier beachfronts. The pristine beach and terrace is a fantastic setting, even more enjoyable now we have the cooler evening temperatures. We already know how glamorous the hotel is, with opulent marble and crystal chandeliers

at every turn. The outside areas are just as well appointed, featuring clipped landscaping and infinity pools as one takes a leisurely amble to Amwage. The restaurant’s al fresco seating allows for excellent views of both the hotel and Qanat Quartier – it really is a stunning sight in the evening, with lights twinkling out at sea and the hotel’s iconic horse statue by Iraqi artist Ahmed Al Bahrani illuminated in full majestic splendour. The tranquil waves lapping at the shoreline made us want to stroll barefoot along the beach, it was so inviting. Naturally we wanted to soak up these beautiful sights, so we took a table on the terrace. And this of course meant we were also conveniently nearer the food! The barbecue has a huge amount of fresh meat and fish just waiting to be cooked. While we tackled the difficult question of what we should have first, we enjoyed a selection of fresh mezze – humous, moutabel, green papaya salad, mozzarella and rocket salad, coronation chicken pasta, feta cheese with watermelon, and quinoa with pomegranate seeds. Then it was straight to the delights of the barbecue! Ribeye steak, sea bass and salmon were all cooked to perfection – juicy, fresh, and with delicious accompanying sauces. The lure of the barbecue coals enticed us again, resulting in succulent T-bone steaks, burgers and ribs, prawns and lobster. While waiting we chatted to the rather cheerful chef on the live cooking station who followed our instructions exactly, creating delicious, spicy vegetable noodles. Thanks to his recommendation, a large portion of the just-roasted turkey also found its way onto our plates – and yes, we had seconds of that as well!

MARHABA

70 Beautiful Beach Barbecue at Marsa Malaz.indd 3

12/6/20 9:36 AM

FOOD REVIEW Every good meal ends with dessert. We enjoyed a fresh fruit platter, which is really quite enough on its own. However, further damage to our waistlines was incurred due to the absolutely sublime cakes and sweet treats we felt it necessary to eat, including some wonderful gluten free options. Fresh mezze, excellent barbecue fare, delectable cakes, and pleasing views of the ocean … there really wasn’t anything else we wanted from a Thursday evening. The Chill n Grill BBQ night is every Thursday and Friday 6 pm – 10:30 pm. It costs QAR288 per person, inclusive of soft beverages; enhanced beverages are à la carte. Children aged 6 – 12 can enjoy a 50% discount, while those under 6 are free of charge. Reservations are recommended, as is prior notice of any specific dietary requirements. Call 4035 5011 or WhatsApp 7479 0864 m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

71 Beautiful Beach Barbecue at Marsa Malaz.indd 2

12/6/20 9:50 9:37 AM

marhaba eats out...

Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha A Walk Down Memory Lane

By Lalaine S Turqueza

e did it again – we went out on a weeknight, had fun, stayed late and spent an amazing time in one of our favourite hangout places in Doha, the Radisson Blu Hotel. The hotel is an old favourite, a familiar space for Doha residents who’ve been here forever. The plan is to go for a late afternoon splash at the pool (read: swimming without the sun) and later, enjoy the Indian feast at Chingari. The pool at Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha has always been synonymous with families for as long as I can remember. It’s a favourite swimming pool for residents around the area because it’s accessible and offers enough space for everyone!

Situated on the sunny side of the old wing, the trees surrounding the pools also give the place a familiar comfort – bright and shady at the same time. While most pool areas don’t allow food near the water, the pool actually has a ‘bar’ – the Cabana Club – where you can order food and drinks! The colourful slide system on the kiddie pool can also keep kids busy for hours. Standing under one with its flowing waters can be hypnotising. After that ‘quick’ splash, we went next to Inginuity, another one of our favourite places. It was surprisingly empty, the first time that I’ve actually seen it not filled with people. We’re too early, that’s why, says our lovely host. And true enough, after a round of refreshing drinks, people started coming. Inginuity is actually a baby compared to the other outlets in Radisson. The resto-bar replaced Maxims in 2018, a cosy date place reminiscent of a Paris bistro. Inginuity, for all its newness, caters to a more active clientele.

Chingari Chingari’s place in the list of our favourite Indian restaurants in Qatar has always been on top, mainly because of the food and the friendly staff. Under normal circumstances, a sitar-playing band will be singing on the background, crooning out relaxing Indian music, and surprising non-Indian guests with a rendition of ‘Hotel California’ in the middle of a performance. Good times. The place serves classic Tandoori dishes, which for us is always a very comforting bowl of Butter Chicken and Naan, a platter of grilled meat and seafood,

MARHABA

1 Radisson Blu Walk Down Memory Lane.indd 3

2/18/21 2:46 PM

FOOD REVIEW some mildly-spiced rice, and curry. A glass of Mango Lassi served on the side just to cut in the meaty taste. We were happy. f it’s not a weekday, we would probably have stayed longer – a walk along the open area around the pool, visit the singing staff at The Italian Job, maybe have a cup of coffee back at Inginuity, just like in normal times, pre-COVID-19. Funny how things that we used to take for granted previously has become such a precious thing in such a short span of time. Our take of this weeknight out? Good things remain to remind you of things that matter. Thank you Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha for reminding us. Please note that health and safety measures are still in place in all public areas around Qatar. Everyone is required to show a green Ehteraz status upon entry to the hotel, wear face masks and practice social distancing. Opening times: Chingari: 6 pm – 11 pm daily Inginuity: 2 pm – 11 pm daily The Italian Job: 6 pm – 11 pm daily Main pool: 9 am – 9 pm Kids pool: 9 am – 8 pm Advance reservations required, call 4428 1621 or email cabana.doha@radissonblu.com m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Radisson Blu Walk Down Memory Lane.indd 2

2/18/21 9:50 12/6/20 2:46 AM PM

marhaba eats out...

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha: Enjoy a New Menu at Sel & Miel!

By Charlotte Wright

ur favourite modern French brassierie, Sel & Miel, has a fabulous new lunch menu! It’s true that we are regular attendees at this wonderful French restaurant but with a constant stream of remarkable new menus, how can we resist? Nestled on the ground floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, Sel & Miel serves authentic French cuisine with recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation: it’s like a small slice of France secreted away to Qatar. While the inside of the restaurant is chic and effortlessly stylish, you can also sit in the

indoor terrace, to bask in the sunlight through the floor to ceiling windows and enjoy the best food France has to offer! How else can you begin a sampling of French cuisine than with hors d’oeuvres. We decided to try the soupe a l’oignon, or French Onion Soup, and the calamars frits, which sounded so good we ordered two! The deep-fried squid was soft on the inside and crusted in well-seasoned crunchy batter that was utterly mouthwatering. For les plats, we decided to order the blanquette de veau, the Bouillabaisse and the risotto aux champignons des bois. The blanquette, or veal in cream sauce, was true to its name and was fantastically creamy. The bed of soft, white rice was topped with lashings of creamy sauce and veal, which in turn was capped with soft mushrooms and carrots. Shortly after we began sampling the veal, the risotto arrived, steaming hot from the kitchen. The mushroom risotto was flavoursome and smooth, and worked fantastically with the thick shavings of parmesan cheese that lay on the top. We tucked in to the Bouillabaisse next, which comprises a huge plate of a selection of seafood with potatoes, tomatoes, fennel and onions tossed in a rich sauce. Collectively, this was our favourite dish, with mussels, scallops, prawns and fish to choose from – all cooked perfectly in the hearty tomato sauce. How could it not be? And to complete an already fantastic sampling of French cuisine, dessert arrived! We received a huge portion of Crêpes Suzette and a sampling of Tarte Tatin. The crêpes were the traditional favourite served with lashings of Grand Marnier, sugar and butter and

MARHABA

1 Ritz-Carlton, Sel & Miel.indd 3

2/24/21 8:45 AM

FOOD REVIEW topped with slivers of tangy orange peel. The crêpes were the perfect base to enjoy the tangy, sweet flavour of the dressing. The Tarte Tatin, however, was not quite as sweet but was rather rustic. The chunks of freshly baked apple is perched on a soft bed of puff pastry and coated in sugar and vanilla bean shavings. We highly recommend you pair a mouthful of tarte with a soft scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream, it tastes absolutely heavenly. It’s true that this lunch menu is sure to leave you thinking ‘faisons-le encore’ – let’s do this again! The special lunch menu at Sel & Miel is served daily noon – 4 pm. For reservations and more information, call 4484 8000 m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Ritz-Carlton, Sel & Miel.indd 2

2/24/21 9:50 12/6/20 8:45 AM

marhaba eats out...

decided to visit for lunch, but this signature South-East Asian restaurant is always a busy hot-spot which gives the place a great vibe.

W Doha Hotel & Residences Spice Up Your Life With This New Menu!

By Charlotte Wright

t the Spice Market in the W Doha, they have been asking the question: how do you level up an already fantastic menu? And they came up with the answer: you add heaps of new dishes with exciting and intriguing flavours! The W Doha Hotel & Residences is an institution here in Doha – their brunches alone are infamous – but now they have gone above and beyond to enhance their menu at Spice Market, which could truly make the restaurant their crowning glory. When you arrive at the W Doha, a quick trip through their chic lobby -- past their ever-changing centrepieces and their notorious blue polar bears which are always worth a quick snap for Instagram – and up to the mezzanine floor will take you to Spice Market. We

After quickly getting our Ehteraz checked at the door, we were escorted to our table. The cozy, candlelit lounge exudes a soulful and exotic sensation, making it the perfect venue to excite and explore your palate. We were quickly greeted by Restaurant Manager Diego Brizzio who gave us a thorough walk-through of the new menu and recommended countless new dishes for us to try. In the end it was impossible for us to choose any single dish to sample – so we ordered pretty much one of everything! The first starter to arrive was a shaved artichoke and young coconut salad. This French-inspired dish is utterly unique: shavings of artichoke and coconut are heaped together and lightly sprinkled with a lime vinaigrette and a dash of curry powder, with hidden soft, buttery chunks of fresh avocado. This salad was crunchy, refreshing and completely vegan! Speaking of vegan... the next to arrive at our table was the broccoli soup, which was cooked with Thai spices like coconut and lime, and also totally vegan. The huge bowl was plenty for two people and was thick, creamy and delicious. Who knew vegans had it so good?! After our broccoli soup we were treated to two very generous fillets of salt and pepper fish served with Thai basil and an intriguing yuzu dipping sauce. The Chef de Cuisine, Rizal Saikrol, decided to swap out international fish alternatives and use a local hamour in keeping with his menu’s goal to be more inclusive

MARHABA

1 W DOHA Spice Up Your Life With This New Menu! .indd 3

2/23/21 4:40 PM

FOOD REVIEW All that food, and we hadn’t even gotten to the main course yet! The highlight of the meal for me was the stir-fried lamb. At the centre of the plate was a dome of perfectly cooked white rice, and then encircling it was piles of lamb cooked with cumin and chilies. The lamb was tender, and if you like spicy dishes this is the perfect main course for you! In addition to the lamb, we were given a plate of salmon Cha Ca La Vong and local prawns in a light curry sauce. The salmon was served on a bed of egg noodles and topped with a fresh, flavoursome herb salad. The prawns were huge! They were served in a light curry sauce with trimmings of bok choy and fried plantain.

of local ingredients. And it was absolutely divine! The fish was soft and flaky, with a crispy batter and the yuzu sauce was surprising. The dipping sauce was tangy and sharp but with a soft, creamy aftertaste that paired excellently with the hamour. Alongside the fish dish came the shrimp toast. We can say, without a doubt, that we highly recommend this dish. In fact, according to Brizzio, this is one of the most popular dishes on the menu. This FrenchAsian fusion consists of a bed of toast, layered with soft shrimp and covered in sesame seeds. The pear jam and mustard dip was my favourite part though – it was sweet and savoury at the same time. After our ‘small’ plates had been cleared, our sampling of the Robata course was served. We just had to indulge in the decadent charred chilli Wagyu beef skewers served with Thai basil dipping sauce. In addition, we sampled the chicken skewers which were paired with a chunky, rich peanut sauce.

However, if you fancy sharing a dish with your friends or eating ‘family style’ then the Peking duck is the dish for you. Served with scallions, cucumber and hoisin sauce, you can make your own pancakes which is a great activity to get everyone chatting while they enjoy their food. After sampling all these incredible dishes we couldn’t wait to see what dessert had in store. We were treated to a deliciously sweet yuzu pudding cake with a delectable almond sorbet on the side. It was the perfect Asian sweet to end what had been a fantastic lunch. These new dishes are certainly an incredible addition to this already substantial menu. Each portion brings a different and unique flavour of South-Asian cuisine. This new menu is sure to become a favourite of the Doha crowd! Spice Market is open daily (except Friday); lunch is noon – 4 pm; dinner is 5 pm – 11:30 pm; Friday and Saturday open until midnight. To make a reservation, and taste these new dishes for yourself, call 4453 5135 m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 W DOHA Spice Up Your Life With This New Menu! .indd 2

2/23/21 9:50 12/6/20 4:40 AM PM

marhaba eats out...

Al Messila Resort & Spa

Authentic Italian at Veritas

By Ola Diab

talian restaurant Veritas at Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha and its Executive Chef Pino Lavarra welcomes you to an authentic Italian Michelin-starred dining experience. Although their menu allows you to pick and choose from a selection of refined dishes of pasta, meat and seafood, we’ve let the chef guide us through a journey of Italian flavours. The small and intimate restaurant consists of elegant interiors and décor for sophisticated and exquisite dining experiences. Our delightful dinner began with *Pane di Campagna, a plate of freshly baked round loaf bread and salted breadsticks, with two richly flavoured cream cheeses, and dried tomatoes. Some of the dishes rested on

small rocks, which are from the grounds of Al Messila Resort & Spa itself, an indigenous botanical oasis or natural habitat of Doha, and home to native flora and exotic fauna. Then we devoured the *Aperitivo all’italiana, a delicious, authentic and traditional Italian appetiser of slices of bread, topped with cream cheese and tomatoes with a small plate of well-dressed salad. This is another appetiser which rests on a rock from Al Messila Resort & Spa itself. Then we had an *Insalata di Gamberi Marinara, an aromatic gamberoni or prawn, with organic wild arugula and a marinara sauce. For a little something out there, we tried a Tartare di Fassona, uncooked beef with green peas and truffle, and onion cookies. Our first main course began with a Spaghetti al Pamigiano, Tartufo e Gallo Arrosto, a cacio e pepe or ‘cheese and pepper’ pasta dish surrounding a wellcooked soft textured roasted rooster with black truffle This was followed by a *Risotto al Peperone, a delightful risotto dish with yogurt mayo, a black olive crumble and onion. Then we had *Rombo Marghaerita, a delicious main course off their ‘from the sea’ selection: a warm seafood salad with sundried tomato and basil, resting in richly flavoured mozzarella sauce. And last but not least, another delectable dish was the *Agnello Alla Lavanda, a ‘scottadito’ lamb, which comes with lavender crust, aubergine and carrot.

MARHABA

1 Al Messila, Authentic Italian Veritas .indd 3

2/18/21 2:39 PM

FOOD REVIEW It’s finally time for dessert! Served by the chef himself, Soffice Al Limone Amalfitano is a unique raspberry sorbet dessert that’s more than just sorbet. It’s served with strong lemon-flavoured mousse and lemon leaves at the bottom, giving off the rich and unmistakable scent of the fruit. In addition to the scrumptious food, the most exceptional aspect of dining at Veritas is their artistic and aesthetically pleasing food presentation. Truly unique! Veritas is open from Monday to Saturday 6 pm – 11 pm, and is closed on Sundays. To view Veritas’ menu, visit online.flippingbook.com. For more information or reservations, call 4445 0000 m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Al Messila, Authentic Italian Veritas .indd 2

2/18/21 9:50 12/6/20 2:40 AM PM

marhaba eats out...

Alwadi Hotel MGallery

A Unique Culinary Journey

lwadi Hotel MGallery’s unique culinary offerings, combined with the essence of Qatari hospitality, will both surprise and delight guests seeking a truly special and elevated dining experience in Doha. The hotel currently has five venues open to guests, all focusing on a different and authentic culinary experience. Le Colonial, the hotel’s signature restaurant located on the first floor of the hotel, has, in just a short period of time, won many fans among Doha foodies. The décor reflects the history of Qatar and the Msheireb area; the restaurant serves a menu of breakfast favourites and light meals until 3 pm. Using local produce, the chefs have reinvented some breakfast classics with a Qatari spin. Indulge in a traditional eggs Benedict or try a flavoursome Qatari

breakfast including shakshuka and balaleet. Fresh juices and international coffees and teas compliment the menu. As the weather cools, diners can sit on the restaurant’s terrace and savour their meal with a view across the historical heart of Doha – Souq Waqif. Meanwhile, Sofra restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel evokes the majestic wooden dhows which are so much a part of Qatar’s history. Its à la carte menu takes guests on a tour de force of the Levant, Arabic and Qatari cuisines for dinner. Perfect for family dinners and get togethers, the menu encourages sharing with beautifully cooked platters of seafood and meat straight from the grill, as well as specialty dishes and Qatari favourites. The stylish AtTEAtude Lounge gives guests the option of dining in a luxe lounge, refined majlis or alternatively enjoy the fresh breeze on the Msheirebview open terrace. With beautifully created pastries, desserts, light meals and of course, a sumptuous tea selection, it is a perfect setting for morning casual catch-ups, business lunches and afternoon tea. At night, the venue dims the lights and transforms into a cosy spot for pre-dinner drinks or evening chats. O’Glacee, with its unique views of Msherieb and its poolside vibe, is the spot to relax. With the option of Mediterranean-inspired dishes al fresco or the poolside bar for a drink and a light snack, as the Doha weather cools it is the hot spot in the city. Hani Akkari, General Manager of Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery, said the hotel’s restaurants showcase not only the culinary team’s depth and breadth, but also draws upon Qatar’s generous hospitality.

MARHABA

1 Alwadi, A Unique Culinary Journey.indd 3

2/18/21 2:36 PM

FOOD REVIEW Alwadi Hotel MGallery is the perfect setting for gathering with loved ones and friends. Whether taking a leisurely breakfast at Le Colonial, a chic afternoon ladies tea at AtTEAtude, or a traditional family dinner at Sofra, guests are assured of a memorable dining experience. Call 4009 9999 or WhatsApp 3075 8211, email reservations.alwadihotel@accor.com or visit alwadihoteldoha.com, facebook.com/alwadihoteldoha for reservations and more information. m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Alwadi, A Unique Culinary Journey.indd 2

2/18/21 9:50 12/6/20 2:37 AM PM

marhaba eats out...

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas

Living Life The Italian Way at Dante

By Charlotte Wright very dish had a unique Tuscan flare and flavour, that with every mouthful you feel yourself being transported back to Italy.

The restaurant is named after Dante Alighieri, who was a poet in 1265 in what is now Italian Tuscany. He is best known for writing the ‘Divine Comedy’ and other infamour Italian literature. So, to celebrate the combination of poetry and cuisine, the menu is named Liber de Coquina and the restaurant was named after Dante himself. The restaurant brings you the best Tuscan cuisine that it is meant to look, feel and taste like poetry.

There’s no better chef to make this vision a reality than Chef de Cuisine Alfonso Ferraioli. He grew up in Tuscany so he knows the traditional way to prepare dishes and with plenty of experience in the Middle East, he knows how to give each dish a unique twist that will appeal to everyone. We were seated at our table by Assistant Restaurant Manager Dexter who explained Dante’s unique origin and design. He was always keen to help and explain every dish, along with our waitress Jessica and Chef Alfonso himself. In fact, they recommended our drinks and food for the entire evening! For our drinks, we were brought the restaurant’s favourite mocktails: the Via Cortona, the MostoMosto, the Orzata and the Bea. Our favourite was the Via Cotona which was made with citrus, basil, mint, and limonata. Delicious! We began our Tuscan culinary journey with some salads. Now, for me, salads are usually just a sideshow while you enjoy the main event - but these salads absolutely stole the show! The Panzanella or tomato salad was my favourite dish of the evening. The individual ingredients are brought to the table in glorious blue ceramic bowls so you can see exactly how the salad is made. To begin, a bed of croutons are heaped in to a large mixing bowl, mixed with fresh tomatoes which were ripened on the vine so they are extra juicy. These are then combined with a trickle of agrodolce bianco and lashings of olive oil. Afterwards the cucumbers, fresh basil leaves, salt, mixed herbs and pickled onions are added and mixed for 20 seconds. The result was a wondrously fresh and tasty concoction.

MARHABA

1 Hilton Salwa Beach resort & Villas .indd 3

2/18/21 2:33 PM

FOOD REVIEW The next dish to arrive at the table was the Bruschettone Stracciatella Di Burrata - Pomodorini or a pulled burrata bruschetta. Served on a wooden board, this unique style of bruschetta comprised a thin bed of oven-baked bread, wedges of succulent tomatoes, heaps of pulled burrata cheese, sprigs of basil and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. The combinations of freshness from the tomatoes, creaminess from the burrata and the smoky undertone from the oven-baked bread made for another fantastic dish.

In a similar fashion the Pesce Al Sale was another incredible dish that was served encased in a ‘jacket’. However, this jacket was not for eating! The catch of the day was encrusted in salt which Jessica had to crack open to reveal the succulent fish inside. By this point, we were getting rather full but how can you turn down the pasta course at an Italian restaurant? We tried the Ravioli Di Melanzane Ricotta Al Forno, which was a ravioli stuffed with roasted aubergine with baked ricotta crumbled on top, and the Scoglio Per “Quatro”. This dish should not be attempted with less than four people - it’s massive! This overflowing plate of pasta comes with not one, not two nor three, but four different types of fish. It’s definitely a seafood lovers paradise. There’s no better way to finish a proper Tuscan meal, than with some proper Italian desserts. Of course tiramisu is an infamous choice and Dante do it perfectly. with the Tanto, Tanto Tiramisu. We also had to try Grandpa’s coffee cafe or the Coppa Del Nonno. The strong coffee flavour is perfect to cleanse your palette and goes perfectly with something sweet like the Panna Cotta.

Another favourite of ours was the Crostoni Toscani In Teglia. Served on Tuscan bread, the chicken liver was paired with goats cheese, baby onions, bread, pesto, and herbs. Chef Alfonso was keen to tell us that we had to try a mouthful with all the ingredients to get a proper taste of Italy. And he was right! A classic Italian dish that everyone knows and loves is... a margarita pizza. This Regina Margherita with buffalo cheese is a tasty addition to the menu and a fabulous choice for sharing with family or friends. This dish was served alongside the Cestino Di Olive Ascolane which had a fantastic rich, smoky flavour.

In a time when you can’t travel anywhere, restaurants like Dante are so important. With authentic, traditional flavours and dishes you can be transported anywhere - and where else would you rather go than Tuscany? Located at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Dante invites residents and guests to ‘Celebrate Life the Italian Way’ from Monday – Saturday, 4:30 pm – 11 pm. For reservations please call or WhatsApp 5045 9130. You can read the full food review on our website marhaba.qa/food-reviews m

What came to the table next was a puzzle at first. From a distance, it was hard to work our what it was but when it arrived at the table you could see it was black dough wrapped over a surprise ingredient. The Galletto - Crosta Di Pane is actually a whole free range chicken in a bread ‘jacket’. The whole chicken is stuffed with herbs and then encased in a black dough. This is regular pizza dough that has been dyed black with squid ink. By encasing it in the dough, Chef Alfonso was able to deliver a perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with salty skin which had absorbed all the flavours of the herbs which was trapped by the dough. Chef Alfonso was eager to tell us to try the baked dough as it’s perfectly suitable to eat. ©

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Hilton Salwa Beach resort & Villas .indd 2

2/18/21 9:50 12/6/20 2:33 AM PM

marhaba eats out...

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha A Shining New Spanish Menu at El Faro

By Charlotte Wright

he new menu at El Faro is a beacon of delicious Spanish cuisine here in Doha. The menu received a complete overhaul by new resident Chef de cuisine Alejandro. His passion for fresh, authentic and classic Spanish dishes shine through and seems to be causing the splendour of the new dishes on offer. El Faro means ‘lighthouse’ in Spanish so it’s highly fitting that this wondrous restaurant perches on an island in the heart of The Pearl – Qatar. Of course, I mean the same ‘island’ that the Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha resides.

The restaurant may have been open for 5 years, but the menu is all new! The core ideal of the menu is for guests to share and enjoy a couple of hot tapas, a couple of cold tapas, and perhaps a few desserts. It’s a wonderful venue to bring your friends, family and perhaps even your colleagues. The captivating history of Spain is woven in the meal right from the beginning: take, for example, the bread. When it arrives at your table, gloriously warm and fresh from the oven, it is an authentic sourdough bread served with traditional tumaka. Chef Alejandro told us that the reason that sourdough bread was so popular in Spain was that during the Civil War when supplies were limited it was the cheapest bread to make and quickly became an intrinsic part of Spanish culture. Another dish that has been woven in with tradition and culture on the menu at El Faro is the Tudela lettuce hearts with assorted anchovies. All these different flavours of anchovies came about in Spain because fisherman would go to sea and catch huge amounts of fish but they had no way to preserve them except to pickle them or smoke them etcetera. This dish showcases the results of each method of preservation by featuring lots of varieties of anchovies. Now usually, I’m not a fan of anchovies - in fact I make a habit of avoiding them - but Chef Alejandro assured me that I would enjoy them. And he was right! The strong fishy flavour was offset by a smoky flavour or a sharp vinegar flavour so it really allowed you to appreciate each flavour of anchovy. If you’re a seafood lover - this plate is a must-try.

MARHABA

1 Marsa Malaz Kempinski, El Faro.indd 3

2/23/21 4:38 PM

FOOD REVIEW Along with the Tudela salad we were given a Russian salad made with tuna and crab meat. This disc of tuna and crab meat was incredibly flavourful and creamy. Again, although made with seafood, the strong fish and salty flavours were matched perfectly with the creamy dressing and spices. The last of our cold tapas to arrive at the table was the ensalada de queso de cabra carmelizada con pina, neuces garrapinadas y vinagre de Xerez or the prawn, avocado, and kumuto salad served with a Sherry vinegar reduction. This dish was my favourite of the evening. It was utterly delicious and so light and refreshing I could have eaten it again for dinner the next night, and the next... and possibly the night after that. Next, we moved on to the hot tapas. Everyone has tried a Spanish omelette at some point in their life but dining at El Faro gives you the perfect opportunity to taste the authentic Spanish version cooked by Chef Alejandro. The mix of eggs, potatoes and herbs tasted incredible as we scooped it out of a sizzling hot iron pan - no extra seasoning or dressing required. Another staple of Spanish cuisine that everyone knows are croquettes. The croquettes served at El Faro are filled with a chicken stew and leek ‘cecina’ or dried meat. This is yet another homage to Spanish cuisine as the origin of croquettes was for people to reuse all ingredients that were left over and avoid wasting valuable meat and fish. These croquettes are made with only the finest ingredients and have a wonderfully creamy filling and a crispy, fried exterior. Our last plate of hot tapas was the gambas al ajillo or the sauteed prawns with garlic and chilli. These five huge prawns were cooked to perfection ad served in a spicy chilli and garlic sauce. How could we come to a Spanish restaurant and not try the paella? The paella at El Faro symbolises what

the entire menu is trying to accomplish: sharing with friends and family. The plate is absolutely huge and could easily serve six people or four hungry ones. We decided to try the chicken and vegetable paella. The rice was seasoned and cooked to perfection, with all the flavours of the ingredients coming together with every mouthful. Of course, we had to ask: what’s the secret to such amazing paella? Chef Alejandro explained that it’s all about the rice. You can’t just use any rice... it has to be ‘bomba’ rice flown in directly from Spain. ‘Bomba’ rice absorbs three times its volume in water as opposed to the average rice grain, which means it absorbs more flavour and doesn’t stick together making it the perfect rice for paella. Our last dish of the evening was an oxtail stew paired with rosemary mashed potatoes and baby carrots. The meat was wonderfully rich, with a strong flavour of tomato and herbs and the meat fell apart in your mouth. The mashed potato was soft and creamy and the rosemary worked so well to elevate the taste. And to end this incredible meal we delved in to a huge plate of Catalonian crème and homemade churros served with lashings of sweet chocolate sauce. The churros are homemade from scratch, and taste best with heaps of chocolate sauce. The Catalonian crème, however, reminded me of a crème Brule. Neither of them lasted long on the plate! Chef Alejandro’s dedication to the authenticity of Spanish flavours and culture has truly made this menu, and restaurant, special. The lighthouse, El Faro, is now a beacon of traditional and genuine Spanish delicacies here in Qatar, and is absolutely worth a visit. El Faro is open every night for dinner from 5 pm to midnight, to book your reservation please call 4035 5011 or WhatsApp 7479 0864. m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Marsa Malaz Kempinski, El Faro.indd 2

2/23/21 9:50 12/6/20 4:38 AM PM

marhaba eats out...

Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha A Bella Notte at The Italian Job By Charlotte Wright

he Italian Job at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha has been around for such a long time - it’s a cornerstone of Qatar dining! Little has changed; the waiters still sing (well, not at the moment), the décor is still inspired by Michael Caine’s classic film, and the menu is still spectacular - why mess with a winning formula? So, rather than mess with perfection, The Italian Job have simply expanded it. This super Italian eatery is now home to a wonderful outdoor patio with gleaming lights, table-side fire heaters and the wonderful dishes.

As we sat at our table, our intuitive waitress ignited the outdoor heater. Between the glow of the fire, and the colourful hue of the fairy lights, the veranda at Italian Job is such a idyllic and charming venue. With Valentine’s Day coming up, you can’t help but think how it’s the perfect date spot for a romantic night out. We decided to feast on our dinner family style, so we each ordered a plate to share. To begin, we delved in to two plates of insalate - the buffalo mozzerella with tomato and pesto dressing, and the marinated beef carpaccio with ruccola salad and parmesan cheese. How could we visit an Italian restaurant and not indulge in a pizza? We decided to try the Pizza Valtellina which is topped with tomato, mozzarella, beef bresaola and shaved parmesan on top. The thin crust was perfect to scoop all the delicious toppings off the plate and in to your mouth. Our second choice was another Italian classic - the Lasagna Alla Bolognese. This dish comprises layers of pasta, Bolognese sauce, béchamel and parmesan cheese. Exactly how mama used to make! We also tried the seafood pasta which is the ‘must have’ of the menu. The fresh tagliatelle pasta is heaping with rich tomato sauce with an array of seafood delicacies hidden inside - there were prawns and scallops aplenty! Our final choice was something on the lighter healthier side: a salmon escalope with a buttery lemon and mint sauce. The salmon was perfectly cooked and paired perfectly with the creamy, tart sauce it was served with. This is the perfect dish for someone who’s looking to cut out carbs.

MARHABA

1 Radisson Blu, Bella Notte Italian Job.indd 3

2/18/21 2:41 PM

FOOD REVIEW For dessert we could do nothing else but sample everything on the menu. Yes everything. There was a glorious, sweet Tiramisu al fresco, a creamy chocolate Mousse el cioccolato in salsa alla menta and three scoops of vanilla, strawberry and chocolate ice cream. The tiramisa was layer upon layer of delicious creamy mascarpone cheese filling, and coffee flavouring while the mousse was a soft and tangy when you added the shot of mint dressing. All in all our night was utterly fantastic. Sitting outside in the fresh air, enjoying the lights and the fire, while indulging in some infamous Italian cuisine. It truly was a bella notte. To make a reservation at The Italian Job, please call 4428 1428. Or to find out more information about The Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha please visit their website by clicking here. m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Radisson Blu, Bella Notte Italian Job.indd 2

2/18/21 9:50 12/6/20 2:41 AM PM

marhaba eats out...

including Greece, Italy, Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco and more.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha A Culinary Escapade Through the Mediterranean

By Ola Diab

ithin the luxury island where the palatial five-star Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha stands are a rich selection of fine dining restaurants and lounges, serving diverse global authentic cuisines to suit all tastes, from the Levant, Japan, the Iberian Peninsula, the Pan-Latin region and most recently, the Mediterranean. Situated adjacent to Toro Toro and Nozomi is the newly reopened Mediterranean restaurant and lounge, Pearl Social, which delivers a variety of choices of rare and authentic Mediterranean dishes in a relaxed and atmospheric environment, perfect for intimate and social get-togethers. The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers a menu full of traditional yet contemporary dishes from countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea

Our Pearl Social dining experience began with a selection of freshly baked, appetising Italian breads with Kalmata olives and parmesan cheese, and accompanied with olive and tomato pastes, followed by a warm and rich tasting Onion Soup. Their selections of salads and hot appetisers are exceptional, as we enjoyed a taste of Goat Cheese Fig Cranberry Salad (warm goat cheese, mixed green salad served with fig chutney), Quinoa Kale Tabbouleh Shrimps Salad (boiled quinoa with parsley, kale, and tomato salad served with grilled prawn), Mediterranean Salad with Greek Feta Cheese (tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, capers, green pepper, Greek feta cheese and Kalamata olives), Bizri Sardines Salad with Tahini Dressing (fried sardines with mixed garden salad served with tahini dressing), and Tunisian Mechwiyah Salad (green pepper, tomatoes, onions, and garlic served with boiled eggs, black olives, tuna and olive oil). Then came our second favourite part of the fourcourse dinner – a further four tantalising hot appetisers including Black Ink Calamari (cooked black ink calamari topped with aioli sauce), Mini Chicken Souvlaki (marinated grilled chicken skewers served with mustard lemon sauce), Seafood Provencal (mixed seafood with lemon coriander sauce) and Lamb Navarin (Mediterranean slow-cooked lamb stew). Almost full and trying to leave room for the main course, and of course dessert, we decided to go for something light, so we had Sea Bream Olive Tapenade with Cumin Risotto (pan-fried sea bream

MARHABA

1 Marsa Malaz, Pearl Social Culinary.indd 3

2/18/21 2:38 PM

FOOD REVIEW fillet with olive tapenade served with cumin risotto and tahini sauce) and Greek Orzo Pasta with Grilled Tiger Prawns (boiled orzo cooked with tomato sauce served with grilled tiger prawns). And then came dessert – our favourite part of the Pearl Social dining experience. Although we were full, we couldn’t put our spoons down when we were served the Mixed Berry Pannacotta and Mille Feuille With Red Berry Compote and Vanilla Chocolate Sauce. It was the cherry on top of a truly delectable culinary escapade through the Mediterranean. The unique dining experience is complemented by modern, Art Deco surroundings with framed pictures of life along the Mediterranean Sea, and floor to ceiling windows, offering stunning views of the blue waters surrounding Marsa Malaz Kempinski that can also be enjoyed from the beautiful terrace for al fresco dining. As dining during COVID-19 is the new norm, Pearl Social is licensed by Qatar Clean, ensuring remarkable levels of cleanliness, hygiene and safety for guests as well as restaurants and hotel staff. Pearl Social warmly welcomes you as you present your Green Ehteraz, then a friendly masked attendant will take you to a fully sanitised table. A sanitiser is also available on every table. All of the restaurant’s staff wear masks and gloves, and santise tables before and after guests are seated. Pearl Social is open daily (except Sunday), 7 pm – midnight. For more information or reservations, call 4035 5011 or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Marsa Malaz, Pearl Social Culinary.indd 2

2/18/21 9:50 12/6/20 2:38 AM PM

marhaba eats out...

Park Hyatt Doha

Taste the Best of Arabia and the Mediterranean at Opus By Ola Diab

ithin the architectural marvel Msheireb Downtown Doha stands the sophisticated Park Hyatt Doha, home to the elegant Opus restaurant.

A composition by Michelin Star Chef, Jean-Francois Roquette of Park Hyatt Paris, Opus is a spacious Arabesque restaurant with an open kitchen, cooking Qatari and Mediterranean dishes from the heart, which are served in generous, sharing style – just the way food is meant to be enjoyed. QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

Making the best of this season’s pleasant weather, we chose to dine at their magnificent outdoor dining terrace with rays of sunlight on comfortable beige loungers and red velvet pillows, surrounded by Arabesque lanterns and greenery. Our lunch began with a colourful and plentiful Mezze, resembling a Charcuterie Board, consisting of four homemade salads, each on a separate plate, resting on green seeds, accompanied by vegetables, olives and pickles, and two pieces of warm Arabic bread and breadsticks. The delicious salads were beetroot and mint, carrot vegetable crudités, hummus and baba ghanoush. Last but not least, cream cheese with beetroot. This selection of unique and diverse salads was one to remember and marked the beginning of an exceptionally scrumptious lunch. For our mains, we had Charcoaled Roasted Shrimp, on a mini-grill with pieces of corn ribs, saffron rice, and tomato chutney, and Charcoaled Chicken Majboos, which came in two separate plates of a perfectly seasoned and cooked chicken pieces with pine nuts, raisins, tomatoes and an egg, and wellspiced Basmati rice, almonds, pine nuts, and raisins. To end an exceptional lunch, we shared a slice of a warm Date Cake for dessert, which was outstanding in taste and texture. It’s their most popular dessert along with their Saffron Cheesecake. Opus is open for breakfast (6:30 am – 11 am), lunch (12:30 pm – 3:30 pm) and dinner (7 pm – 10 pm). For more information on Opus, visit their Instagram pages @opusdoha and @opusmenugram m

MARHABA

1 Park Hyatt Doha.indd 3

2/18/21 2:35 PM

FOOD REVIEW

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Park Hyatt Doha.indd 2

2/18/21 9:50 12/6/20 2:35 AM PM

marhaba eats out...

of fruit and chocolates, a sleep shirt and kimono, a teddy bear tucked up in bed, and a rubber duck to share a long bath with.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha

A Memorable Japanese Staycation

By Sarah Palmer f you’re feeling in a bit of a funk after the seasonal festivities, why not try a staycation at the Radisson Blu, Doha?

We fancied an overnight stay as a weekend pick-meup, and those kind chaps at the Radisson quickly came to the rescue. Having been in Doha for many years, you can be reassured that they know what they’re doing!

Following all necessary health protocols currently in place, we were quickly and easily booked into our home for the night. We stayed in a suite, comprising dining and lounging areas, a very comfortable bedroom and a massive bathroom. There are a number of special touches kindly provided by the hotel: a welcome basket QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

After admiring the spacious suite and making sure Teddy and Ducky were ok for the evening, there are a number of options to enjoy a quick bite or something more substantial. The hotel has been steadily reopening their outlets now that restrictions are gradually being eased, some of which look a little bit different to the last time you may have been. QUBE has recently reopened after undergoing refurbishment, and is now a huge light and airy restaurant, offering tasty snacks to enjoy while watching the big game on one of the massive TV screens. Meanwhile, The Italian Job has also been upgraded with a fab new terrace by the pool – perfect for the cooler weather (look out for a Marhaba review coming soon!). But don’t worry, inside is reassuringly the same, with the team serving up the restaurant’s famed authentic Italian dishes. Maybe you’re craving a steak? Doha favourite Bentley’s Grill is just the ticket – you too can pretend you’re in a gentlemen’s club while eating ribeye or Chateaubriand. For a more relaxed affair, go for the Steak Diane promotion currently on at Inginuity. Prefer Indian? Then head to Chingari for the ultimate Tandoor dishes. Two of the Radisson’s other famous outlets, Indian restaurant Bombay Balti and Chinese restaurant Ruby Wu’s, have now been joined by Sakura Express. While

MARHABA

1 Radisson Blu, Japanese Staycation.indd 3

2/23/21 4:36 PM

and stays over...

FOOD REVIEW

the hotel’s main Japanese restaurant is temporarily closed, lovers of sushi and sashimi can get their fix at Sakura Express. Menus are conveniently placed underneath the glass on the tables, meaning you can quickly see what you want. And there is a lot you are going to want – with prices starting at just QAR40!

coffee from the Nespresso machine, we awaited breakfast with baited breath. There’s something so decadent about having room service… no need to rush about, you can take your time while still wearing your PJs (plus the fluffy robe and slippers, of course...).

Served by the affable Keo, she advised us of the chef’s recommendations and so we chose the Dark Shadow Maki (fried salmon skin, crab meat, avocado and a chilli mayo), and an order of the house special, Green Caterpillar Maki (crab sticks, mayo and cucumber, wrapped in avocado and topped with a choice of tobikko or unagi sauce). We also chose perennial favourite, California Maki (crab stick, cucumber and avocado with tobikko), and shake (salmon) sushi nigiri. You can watch them all hard at work behind the counter – it constantly amazes us how quickly they make the sushi rolls (and without making a complete and utter mess!).

Mindful of social distancing, we watched plate after plate being placed on the dining table and as soon as we could, we dived in. We ordered the American breakfast, which comes with a choice of eggs and served with beef sausages and crispy beef bacon, accompanied by plenty of toast, bread rolls and pastries. Meanwhile the poached eggs were scrumptious and came with hash browns and extra gluten free bread, and the masala oopatham were soft and spicy – we definitely recommend the coconut chutney and sambar!

But you don’t just have to choose from Sakura Express – although that is obviously a good enough meal in itself. Due to its location, diners can also order from Bombay Balti and Ruby Wu’s. Fabulous!

All in all, an excellent restorative break – no wonder we all keep coming back to the Radisson. For now though, it was time to pack up and take Teddy and Ducky to their new home If you’re looking for a relaxing stay and delicious food, call 4428 1428 for information and bookings asap! m

Never one to look a gift balti in the mouth, we tucked in to delicious, succulent chicken and prawn tikka, which was well seasoned and had a good level of spice to it (you can of course adapt this to your own preference). Next up was an equally well-spiced lamb rogan josh, with huge pieces of meat, and their famous creamy dreamy dal maharani, both served with jeera (cumin) rice, the perfect foil for both curries. Ruby Wu’s also made an appearance, offering us a platter of Szechuan chicken, and hamour in garlic sauce. The chicken was spicy and zingy with the right amount of sauce and crunchy vegetables, while the hamour was soft and cooked perfectly, with crisp broccoli and a piquant sauce. A great end to our Asian feast. Next morning our thoughts were again on food – we’d had a great night’s sleep, felt completely refreshed and were eager to start the new day! After a cup of ©

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Radisson Blu, Japanese Staycation.indd 2

2/18/21 9:50 12/6/20 2:31 AM PM

marhaba eats out...

Al Messila, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Everything You Want in a Brunch Place, You Can Find at Deli Kitchen

By Lalaine S Turqueza

arhaba’s latest weekend brunch outing took us to the beautiful Deli Kitchen of Al Messila, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. The place has the space, the food and the most fashionable group of brunch people in Qatar!

If you plan to spend your Friday at the Deli Kitchen, be sure to wear something that is not too tight in the waist, paired with a fashionable set of heels that are comfortable enough for the number of times you’d have to make around the different food stations. Who dresses up for brunch, you’d ask? Well, these people did! The socially appropriate distance required in between customers allowed us a view of the food and the crowd. And it was impressive. But first, take the obligatory Instagram photo! The ambiance at the Deli Kitchen will allow you minimal effort in your images. While food is the reason we came in the first place, the beautiful dishes also kept us holding our cameras and phones and clicking away. The food stations are lined up on one side, separated by glass panels that keep the food a safe distance away from the Friday brunch crowd. How do want to fill your plate? Slices of steaks in the centre with grilled lobster on the side? No problem. The plate will be filled with delicious meats and more. Fancy having some Asian fare? Yes please. Dumplings come in small bamboo steamers served with soy sauce and spicy chili paste on the side. How about some Japanese sushi? How do you say no to that? And just as we thought we can sit back and contemplate our good fortune, a wheel of cheese comes rolling by, with servings of very flavourful risotto. You can happily indulge your rice cravings but

MARHABA

1 Al Messila, Deli Kitchen.indd 3

2/23/21 4:43 PM

FOOD REVIEW

please reserve some space for the pasta, which also comes in a wheel (of cheese). Our verdict for the Deli Kitchen Friday Brunch? Definitely a five star destination! Brunch at the Deli Kitchen starts at 12:30 pm, from QAR250 per person. For reservations and more information about the Friday Brunch at Deli Kitchen, call 4445 0000. You can also visit our Hospitality page for more offers at Al Messila, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa this month. m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Al Messila, Deli Kitchen.indd 2

2/23/21 9:50 12/6/20 4:43 AM PM

marhaba eats out...

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha: It’s ‘Bon Appétit!’ to Seafood Night at Sel & Miel

By Terry Sutcliffe he Ritz’ has entered English idiom as the peak of perfection, the height of hospitality, and the most sumptuous of luxury.

Sel & Miel is a cosy restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha but for tonight’s Seafood Night we were escorted outside to the colourful garden terrace and there greeted by our personable and informative waiter, Samuel.

We were soon feeling quite at home and tucking into the wide variety of light leaves, and fresh and healthy crudités that Samuel quickly brought us. Light and healthy they may be, but scrumptious indeed with different dressings of cream cheese, yoghurt dips and herb butter, terrific tapenade, roast onion aioli and, of course, sea salt and honey, brought together with our favourite – and unlimited – white or red grapes by the somewhat intuitive Samuel. In the current COVID climate, we had complete confidence in Sel & Miel, and in The Ritz-Carlton, Doha in general, seeing the clear and visible dedication to cleanliness and social safeguards; in addition, the fresh and balmy breeze of the outside terrace led to even more content and carefree ambiance. Onto the live cooking station to view the array of sparkling seafood and succulent, stuffed chicken, with your choice of peppers, courgettes, carrots, eggplant and new potatoes. I chose the best of France and the best of Qatar with the ever-delicious, ever-satisfying hamour complementing more exotic coquilles St Jacques, that unique creation of pan-fried scallops; and – taking your tastebuds to the next level – Sel & Miel have created sauces with flavoursome names, such as bouillabaisse, provençale and émulsion hollandaise (despite its name, one of the five ‘mother sauces’ of French cuisine). Panfried scallops with their hollandaise sauce, citrusmarinated shrimps, half shell mussels and spicy squid all showed us the best of seafood and were

MARHABA

1 Ritz-Carlton, ‘Bon Appétit!Sel & Miel .indd 3

2/23/21 4:50 PM

FOOD REVIEW all enjoyed for their individual taste, and indeed their texture and sauce; back onshore, the humble chicken breast was transformed by its mouth-watering succulent stuffing of mozzarella and basil. Our personal waiter was alert and attentive to all our needs, whenever needed, right down to the contented conclusion of our delightful experience of authentic French cuisine in Qatar, when we luxuriated in Sel & Miel’s home-made sautéed caramel ice cream and chocolate eclair – the sweetest delight to end the night. Seafood Night at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is offered every Thursday, 6 pm to 11 pm, QAR285 per person, inclusive of red and white grape beverages. For more information and to make a reservation, call 4484 8522 or email reservations@selmieldoha.com. m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Ritz-Carlton, ‘Bon Appétit!Sel & Miel .indd 2

2/23/21 9:50 12/6/20 4:50 AM PM

marhaba eats out...

Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Thai Kitchen Night By Terry Sutcliffe

And at Centara West Bay, you’ll feel extra safe, with staff wearing masks and all surfaces sanitised just waiting for your visit. Let’s start with Asia and more specifically – Thai Kitchen Thailand has got everything. Nestled between China, Vietnam and Malaysia, Thailand has absorbed and developed the many tastes of Asia into a mouthwatering menu of now world-famous favourites. Sweet Satay, Sour Salad or Spring Rolls, Chicken with Cashew Nuts or Lamb Massaman Curry; did you want that Green Curry – we also have Red? Revisit those favourites Tom Yum and Pad Thai ... Sizzling stir-fried vegetables or seafood – take your pick. And that Jasmine rice - so fluffy and fragrant you could eat it for dessert! Your wellbeing and health security are No 1 at Centara.

hai Kitchen Night Every Thursday evening 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Full fixed menu of starters, tasters, mains and desserts – only QAR88 all in.

In Thai Kitchen you will see only attentive and respectfully distant staff, who radiate friendship and service with a smile. m

MARHABA

1 Centara West Bay Hotel, Thai Kitchen Night.indd 3

2/24/21 8:16 AM

FOOD REVIEW

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Centara West Bay Hotel, Thai Kitchen Night.indd 2

2/24/21 9:50 12/6/20 8:17 AM

marhaba eats out...

The RitzCarlton, Doha The Best Place to B for Lunch – B Lounge

It’s the first time we have visited the venue since it was restyled from the infamous Admirals Club. The new internal design alone is worth the trip – it’s chic and glamorous, with bright organic colours and gorgeous ceramic tile feature walls. But before anyone is allowed in to this stunning venue, all guests have to show their green Ehteraz code at the door, and must be wearing a mask until they’re seated at their table. No walk-ins are allowed, everyone has to have a reservation booked for a two hour slot. All Marriott International hotels, like the Ritz-Carlton, Doha are committed to keeping you safe while you dine out; you can read more here if you need a little extra peace of mind.

ow that we are finally free to dine-out again, there are so many places on our ‘bucket list’ but sadly there are only so many hours in a weekend! However, lunch at B-Lounge, Doha was right at the top of our list. With a gorgeous chic aesthetic, a mouthwatering menu and a stunning view – B-Lounge has got it all.

As soon as we were settled at our table by the window, we decided to indulge ourselves with some signature mocktails. We had a hard time choosing but eventually decided on the ‘Care Bear’ and ‘I Lost My Bag In Tokyo’. While the Care Bear was sweet, pink and served in the cutest bear-shaped glass, the I Lost My Bag In Tokyo had a spicy, ginger flavour and was, rather ingeniously, served in a bag! We had definitely never seen anything like that before, but that’s what B Lounge is all about – unique mixology and delicious food.

Located between The Ritz-Carlton, Doha hotel and their marina lies B-Lounge. This splendid location offers the restaurant impeccable views of the marina, in fact the outdoor terrace is perched over the water so you can enjoy the splash of the waves while you enjoy your food and drinks.

We took a peek at the menu using a QR code on our phone, and we were astounded at the huge collection of Asian fusion and international cuisine that was on offer. As we were struggling to make up our mind, our lovely server highly recommended a sushi platter and the chicken salad to begin our meal.

By Charlotte Wright

MARHABA

1 Ritz-Carlton, B Lounge.indd 3

2/24/21 8:14 AM

FOOD REVIEW

We opted for the 20-piece Tsuga Sushi Platter so we could try a little bit of everything – and I do mean everything! The dish had acebichado rolls, tempura prawn rolls, California rolls, ebi, yellowtail nigari, and salmon and tuna sashimi. It was the perfect sharing platter – in fact if there are only two or three of you, you could almost make a meal out of it! In addition to our sharing platter, we delved in to the chicken salad, which was made of five-spiced grilled chicken and napa cabbage, all coated in scrumptious sesame sauce. The flavour was absolutely divine, but the dish was also nice and light so we still had plenty of room for our main course. For our main course, we decided to try the Chicken Kung Pao, the stirfried vegetables and the chicken fried rice. Every single bite was to die for, but the unanimous favourite of the evening was the Kung Pao. The cubes of chicken was mixed with slivers of celery, cashew nuts, and dry chilli, all lathered in the most incredible, sticky sauce, with steamed jasmine rice on the side.

To end our perfect experience at B-Lounge we decided to let ourselves splurge on a sweet dessert. The enticing chocolate fondant that we chose was a chocoholics ultimate fantasy. The spongy chocolate cake hid inside it a warm, gooey chocolate centre which spilled out on to the plate as soon as we dug our forks in. The rich, chocolate flavour was paired expertly with fresh berries and fruit. All in all our experience at B-Lounge was as terrific as we had imagined, and although there are other venues on our list, we’ll definitely be back! Lunch is available at B-Lounge on Saturday to Thursday, from 12 pm – 4 pm. If you would like to book a reservation for lunch at B-Lounge, Doha, call +974 5080 4421 or email reservations@ bloungedoha.com. For more information about B-Lounge, Doha you can visit their website or you can learn more about all the exclusive special offers and promotions at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha here. m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Ritz-Carlton, B Lounge.indd 2

2/24/21 9:50 12/6/20 8:15 AM

marhaba eats out...

Centara West Bay Hotel and Residences Indian Insights and Delights at Dalchini What a Feeling! By Terry Sutcliffe

t’s time to get out and about, expand our horizons and taste some real food, cooked by real chefs and meet people who really want your evening to be special and memorable. Armed with face masks and Ehteraz, we set out to check the offerings and ambience at Dalchini, in

Centara West Bay Residences and Suites. We thought we were almost guaranteed a good experience because of the innovative expertise brought to Centara and its Dalchini Progressive Indian Cuisine Restaurant by the Michelin-starred Chef Alfred Prasad. Staff were super welcoming, the hotel was well organised to meet the current threats to our health right down to the table and seats kept reserved for each guest party. So began a delightful experience: we were treated to a delicious selection from the menu, each preparation reflecting in some degree, the range and diversity of Indian cuisine (including the cocktails), whether typical of Northern India or one flaunting the flavours of the South, and where vegetarians, nay vegans, have equal, picante prestige – another lesson that India can give to a world needing to know how we can live our lives together harmoniously and to the full. The exotic selection – in provenance and palate – that we were treated to included truffle oil infused Dal Shorba, Malabar Sea Bass, crispy Kale and Spinach Patta Chaat and Murg Makhani or Indian Butter Chicken. From starters to desserts the different plates all tasted unique and original, spicy to our preferred degree of hotness, and delicious. The salads were really good starters, refreshing and stimulating our taste buds and – listen up all you carnivores – the lamb biryani, the lamb chops and, wow, the lamb shank were to die for…

MARHABA

1 Centara West Bay, Indian Insights.indd 3

2/24/21 8:47 AM

FOOD REVIEW

We were totally impressed with the food presentation, wonderful to see, to smell and then to taste. Staff were superb and our every enquiry was patiently answered. Dalchini is open daily, from 12 pm until 11:30 pm. Call 4009 5520 or send an email to dalchini.doha@ chr.co.th to book your table. Visit dalchinidoha.com for more information. m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Centara West Bay, Indian Insights.indd 2

2/24/21 9:50 12/6/20 8:47 AM

marhaba eats out...

Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha QUBE – Re-imagined!

By Terry Sutcliffe

ur new health environment has led to new patterns of behaviour and social interaction; but now, to help ease the daily strain Radisson Blu Hotel Doha has revamped QUBE. Thinking out-of-the-box, it’s a completely new QUBE, spacious yet comfortably relaxing, respecting all the new safety and health protocols, that aims to provide diners with a safe and relaxing haven to unwind after a day’s hard work.

2020 is proving to be an unpredictable year and nowhere more so than in the the world of football. Strange results are the new norm – VAR scenarios are shooting up, player injuries are swelling – so, now more than ever, you don’t want to miss a moment of the action. Who knows what might happen?! With huge, high-definition screens at every angle you’re guaranteed to ‘stay in the know’! Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha is top of the list for providing a variety of eating and entertainment venues, all of which offer value for money and appeal to all tastes and preferences. At QUBE, you can now choose from a menu full of global range of tasty treats from Asia, Europe and the Americas. We tried Crunchy Panko Prawn (succulent, saucy); Vegetable Spring Rolls (the perfect starter); Singapore-style Chicken Satay (oh, that nutty flavour!); Chicken Wrap (full of flavour – filling, too); and the original fast food, Fish and Chips (cod-delicious!). Come on in, the games have just started. Enjoy! For reservations and more information, call 4428 1555 m

Opening from 5 pm until midnight, every night, QUBE is now equipped with at least 15 65-inch TV screens, which have come just at the right time as the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League are hotting up and fixtures are coming thick and fast. QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©

Radisson Blu, QUBE.indd 3

MARHABA

2/24/21 8:42 AM

FOOD REVIEW

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Radisson Blu, QUBE.indd 2

4/7/21 3:04 PM

marhaba eats out...

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Qatar Fashionista High Tea at Café Murano By Lalaine S Turqueza

arhaba’s claim to being part of the ‘fashionista’ crowd was realised this November, when we had the Fashionista High Tea at Café Murano. If you’re looking for a fashionable way to spend your afternoon, we highly recommend this very stylish gourmet café at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The PearlQatar. The café offers a splendid view of the sea

and an Afternoon High Tea with a selection of sweet and savoury miniatures that can only be described as ‘fashionable’. Imagine dainty chocolate dresses, served with sandwiches and scones and small servings of sweet cakes, arranged in miniature tiered trays! Lovely, lovely, lovely. And should we mention the different tea concoctions served in colourful cups and teapots? Coffee drinker? Don’t despair. The menu offers a reasonable selection of indulgent and refreshing coffee, plus more! While this month’s theme are centred on fashionistas, we saw a number of families having their tea at Café Murano. So don’t let that word, fashionista, keep you and your family from coming. We all deserve a break, fashionably so, if only for an indulgent afternoon, at Marsa Malaz Kempinski. Please note that Marsa Malaz Kempinski continues to implement measures against COVID-19. All guests are required to wear face masks, show an Ehteraz Green status upon entry and maintain social distancing. Café Murano’s Afternoon High Tea is served from 2 pm to 6 pm, and follows a different theme every month. Their Fashionista theme this November is available until the end of the month for QAR320 for two people. For reservation and more information, call 4035 5011, send a WhatsApp message at 7479 0864 or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com m

MARHABA

1 Marsa Malaz, Café Murano.indd 3

2/24/21 10:01 AM

FOOD REVIEW

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Marsa Malaz, Café Murano.indd 2

2/24/21 10:02 AM

marhaba eats out...

Al Messila Resort & Spa Persian Pleasures for your Palate

By Terry Sutcliffe

nation’s culture is reflected in its food – after all, it’s what they do three times a day, everyday, and in a land so great in area and talent as Iran, you are guaranteed to experience a delicious and diverse food culture. The amazing history of interaction and influence between East and West means they take the best of Turkish, Caucasian, Levantine, Greek and Central Asian cuisines, and create unique dishes that manifest those flavours. As we entered Parisa at Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, I was filled with memories of wonderful short holidays in Iran. I recalled the beautiful desert scenery and snow-capped hills surrounding Shiraz; thence to the absolutely

entrancing Isfahan where the wonders of Iranian culture really hit you: the energy and creativity of its people, the great history (think Xerxes and Persepolis!) and the diversity of its art that manifests itself in architecture, painting, weaving, pottery, calligraphy, music, metalworking and sculpture – with practitioners of both genders –stretching back hundreds, even thousands, of years. Now, I ask myself, if a nation can inspire such fond memories what can I expect from their cuisine? That’s what Chef Moghadam is answered for me at Parisa, the elegant restaurant in the exquisite Al Messila Resort & Spa, located on the edge of Doha Expressway like a modern (and upmarket!) version of the Persian Caravanserai welcoming travellers on the famed Silk Road connecting China with the Middle East. “Parisa” is a romantic, angelic name often given to a newly-born girl; at Al Messila Resort you will experience the vibrant tastes, textures and colours of our bountiful earth. Think Mediterranean Diet as a base, then add fruits (raisins, pomegranate), spices (saffron, mint, garlic, cardamom), nuts (pistachio, walnut), not forgetting the smoothest and creamiest yoghurt and labnah that you will ever taste. And it does not conclude there, as carnivores meet the experts in kebabs and appreciate the painstaking preparation of your tender beef, chicken or lamb by the masters of marination and infusion. Start with salad or soup, here at Parisa enhanced with colourful and creamy “mast” yoghurt, always with

MARHABA

1 Al Messila Parisa .indd 3

2/24/21 10:03 AM

FOOD REVIEW added aromatic attraction and visual verve and all perfectly tasty in their own right. If you’re trying to reduce your meat consumption, be prepared for the gravest temptation from angelic Parisa who will offer you the most mouth-watering mouthfuls; time was never too long to marinate, no spices were spared to bring out the most succulent satisfaction, whether with olive oil, saffron, lemon, lime, labnah, yoghurt, chilli, onion or pepper. Ideal accompaniment is the finest rice you can eat, the best steamed basmati with pure Iranian saffron. Finish with frozen vermicelli, or Fereni, a glorious blend of rice flour, fresh milk, pistachio, cinnamon and rosewater; for some, a fitting climax will be Parisa’s home-made ice cream infused with just two souvenirs of Iran’s contributions to our gastronomic happiness – pistachio and saffron. m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Al Messila Parisa .indd 2

2/24/21 10:03 AM

marhaba eats out...

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha Rediscover Traditional Middle Eastern Cuisine at Al Sufra

By Ola Diab

n Qatar, there’s an unlimited selection of restaurants serving Middle Eastern cuisine, many serving the most well-known dishes that we love and know such as hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, baba ghanoush, labneh, fatayer, falafel, foul and so much more. However, Al Sufra at Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl – Doha is where you can experience the uniqueness of Middle Eastern cuisine in its truest and most traditional form, as if it were served straight from an authentic Middle Eastern home kitchen.

This Levant-inspired restaurant serves a unique blend of traditional recipes and flavours from Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Jordan and Palestine. Al Sufra, which means ‘the dining room’ in Arabic, follows the festivals and seasons of the Levant, celebrating the traditions of this ancient cuisine. With a coffee lounge, open terrace and à la carte dining, the restaurant can be visited any time throughout the day. The contemporary gold and turquoise-themed restaurant is beautifully decorated with stunning paintings celebrating life in the Levant. Looking at their menu full of the expected – and unexpected – salads, mezzes, mouajjanat (fatayer), fatteh, grills, rice dishes, desserts and more, our Middle Eastern lunch at Al Sufra began with cold mezzes, which of course included hummus, labneh and an exceptional Jarjeer Salad (fresh rocca mix with cherry tomatoes, fresh pomegranate and lemon olive oil). Then came the hot mezzes, which included Chicken Liver (sautéed chicken liver with chilli paste, garlic, coriander and pomegranate molasses), Shrimps Mutaffa (garlic and lemon marinated shrimps with olive oil) and Kibbeh Round (traditional fried bourghul stuffed with minced meat and nuts). And now comes the most delectable part of the lunch, taking us back to traditional home-cooked Arabic meals – the Chicken Makloubeh (cauliflower, aubergine and potatoes with short grain rice) and Idreh Khaliliyeh (slow cooked lamb with rice and chickpeas served with yoghurt cucumber dip). The chicken and lamb were well cooked, soft and juicy, and the rice was richly flavoured, cooked in various spices with vegetables, leaving you reaching for more.

MARHABA

1 Marsa Malaz, at Al Sufra.indd 3

2/24/21 12:39 PM

FOOD REVIEW We were transformed back to the Levant with these truly exquisite Arabic dishes. An Arabic meal is incomplete without its muchadmired sweets. Our lunch concluded with a warm and scrumptious Kunafa Bel Ashta (traditional Palestinian crushed wheat served with ashta cream and syrup). Of course, being that Middle Eastern cuisine is vegetarian friendly, Al Sufra welcomes vegetarians and vegans. As dining during COVID-19 is the new norm, Al Sufra welcomes you as you present your Green Ehteraz, then a masked attendant will take you to a fully sanitised table. A sanitiser is also available on every table. All of the restaurant’s staff wear masks and gloves, and sanitise tables before and after guests are seated. Opening hours: Breakfast: Daily (except Saturday) 6:30 am – 11 am All day dining: Daily (except Saturday) 12:30 pm – midnight Brunch: Friday 12:30 pm – 4 pm Al Sufra is located on the ground floor of Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl – Doha. 4035 5011, restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com m

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Marsa Malaz, at Al Sufra.indd 2

2/24/21 12:39 PM

marhaba eats out...

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Eat Like a True Italian at Seasonal Tastes

By Charlotte Wright

Thursday night is all about happiness surviving the work week, not having to wake up early the next morning. And there’s no better way to celebrate the weekend, and Italian food, than enjoying the ‘Eat Like An Italian’ menu at Seasonal Tastes restaurant in The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa. ‘Eat Like An Italian’ Night is brought to life by Chef Massi - an authentic Italian, cooking authentic Italian food. We had to ask: Marhaba: Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your history of cooking. I am originally from Italy from a city called Vasto, which is on the seaside of Abruzzo on the Adriatic. My passion towards cooking started when I was very

young, I was so curious to see my mother cooking for the family that my father got me a step to be able to help her and watch her more closely. Marhaba: What do you like best about cooking and being a Chef? I have always believed that when cooking you MUST enjoy each moment. I believe that you can do the job only if you are passionate about it and you love to cook. I love cooking, giving emotions to the people through food. Seeing the guest smiling and happy, while devouring all their plate. There is no better feedback than this. Hearing this we were even more keen to dig in and taste the food! The central island was full of tasty morsels to get the mouth watering - and even though protected behind a screen - the smell of freshly baked bread, roasted vegetable bruschetta, fried croquettes and lentil soup was enhancing our fervour. After diving in to our first course, and with so much food still to choose from we asked Chef for some direction: Marhaba: What is your favorite dish on the wonderful “Eat Like An Italian” menu and why? Definitely, that would be Pizza and Brodetto di Pesce alla Vastese! I can eat Pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner, hot and cold. I love Pizza. When I was growing up, I used to buy fish with my father. We would go back home and my mother would cook one of the most famous dishes in my city, that is the Brodetto di pesce alla vastese. It is a seafood

MARHABA

1 Westin Doha, True Italian.indd 3

2/24/21 4:17 PM

FOOD REVIEW stew, cooked in a clay pot, using fresh seafood caught by our city’s fishermen the night before. Simply Mamma Mia how good that dish is!!! With some fantastic direction from the chef, we headed back over to the food station, plates at the ready. There were three flavours of pizza on offer - a Margarita, a Beef Pepperoni and a tantalising Quattro Formaggi. I had to taste the four cheese pizza and now completely understand why Chef Massi would eat this pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The crust was thin and crispy, and the gooey melted cheese on top was strong and sharp but also creamy.

After the pizza, we decided to sample the Agnello in Casseruola and the Pollo alla Diavola. Both dishes had that ‘fall-off-the-bone’ quality that only comes with time and care being taken with the best ingredients. To my surprise there was a whole dedicated ‘Make Your Own’ station not only for pasta but risotto as well. And then - for an extra dose of flavour - your pasta or risotto is placed inside a huge wheel of parmesan cheese and tossed until every grain of rice, or every sliver of pasta, is coated in a fantastically cheesy layer of parmesan cheese. Wow... talk about taking Italian food to the next level!

If there is a secret, Chef Massi certainly knows it! Dessert was a continuation of the masterpieces that came before it. There were plenty of bite-sized treats on offer - from chocolate cake to fruit tarts - and even ice cream. They were the perfect end to a wonderful meal.

Marhaba: And finally, what do you think makes the Italian Night at Seasonal Tastes so special? It is special because I can assure you that the food has been cooked with love from my side. We have created live stations such as pasta, pizza, risotto and that would be a true culinary journey through authentic Italian cuisine. I also have some news for you, the menu will change every week so – if you become a loyal guest to our Italian Nights at Seasonal Tastes – get ready for a new taste of Italy every week! See you there! Seasonal Tastes is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but Italian Night is every Thursday. You can call 3359 8514 to make a reservation. m

All that food, and we still had one more recommendation from Chef Massi: the Brodetto do Pesce alla Vastese or seafood stew in English. This magnificent dish is cooked in a clay pot and has a wonderful and extensive array of seafood delicacies hidden inside. There were mussels, prawns, scallops, squid - all dripping in a rich tomato sauce. The stew was served with a generous chunk of garlic bread to mop up any leftover drops of sauce. Mamma Mia indeed Chef! Marhaba: Is there a secret to great Italian food? I create menus reflecting traditional Italian cuisine. Keeping the dishes simple and with the maximum flavour from all ingredients. ©

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2 Westin Doha, True Italian.indd 2

2/24/21 4:17 PM

marhaba eats out...

Mandarin Oriental, Doha Chinese Cuisine at Its Very Best

By Brian Candy

ocated adjacent to Mandarin Oriental hotel in Barahat Msheireb. Liang offers a unique Chinese cuisine dining experience with outstanding service and in a most opulent setting. My guests and I collectively decided to be guided by our server. And two varieties of Dim Sum were quickly served; Xiao Long Bao Steamed chicken dumplings, and Har Gau Steamed crystal shrimp dumplings. Not being a ninja with chopsticks I decided not to try and be clever with the Dim Sum, and opted to simply pick up a Xiao Long Bao and pop it straight into my mouth. This was surprise number one, the Dim Sum was filled with what appeared to be a delicious chicken soup. The moment I bit into it there

was a flavour explosion inside my mouth. My eyes literally sprang open with astonishment. Firstly I was not expecting liquid inside a Dim Sum (how on earth do they get soup inside there anyway?), and secondly it tasted absolutely amazing. This was a delightful start to the meal. Surprise number two was filled mushroom-shaped buns. We were told that these are exclusively available only in Liang here in Qatar. The buns literally and convincingly look like mushrooms. I felt a little guilty for destroying something that must have taken so much effort to produce. But they were absolutely delicious. Then followed a succession of dishes that brought so much pleasure to my taste buds. Lotus Leaf-wrapped glutinous rice with chicken, crispy wonton dumplings, deep-fried prawn dumplings with sweet and sour dip, and Hong Kong style pan-fried turnip cakes with fermented shrimps and shiitake mushrooms. All of which were simply wonderful, and lead up to surprise number three; Chilled Sichuan Spicy Chicken. This is poached chicken in chilli sauce with sesame seeds and spring onions. Without doubt one of the tastiest things I have ever tasted. Hot and sour soup was next to appear on the table which is firm favourite of mine. I was still enjoying this when out of the kitchen came a whole roasted Peking Duck. It looked and indeed was cooked to crispy perfection. Presented to us whole, then right in front of us skilfully carved and placed into steamed pancakes along with cucumber, leeks and Hoisin sauce. Absolutely delicious.

MARHABA

1 Mandarin Oriental, Doha, LIANG.indd 3

5/19/21 9:50 AM

FOOD REVIEW What remained of the duck was then diced and cooked in XO sauce or sweet soy sauce and served with lettuce wraps. Yum! Two more dishes arrived, Kung Pao Tiger Prawns in sweet chilli sauce and Sichuan-style Braised Seabass served with wood fungus and capsicum in chilli and broad bean sauce. Then ta-dah! Out came the Signature Wagyu Beef Short Ribs. Braised short ribs with Sichuan chilli sauce. This is another dish I would return to Liang just to order again. The meat just melts in your mouth accompanied by a sauce that takes it to another level. This is when the resident and certified Tea Master arrived at our table. Tea Masters practice for years before being honoured with the coveted title of a certified Tea Master. And he gave us an impressive performance with an exceedingly long-spouted teapot

which he seemingly danced with. Make sure your phone is ready to take video if he comes to your table. The finale was caramelised banana fritter with frosted sugar. Simple, yet with so little room left in my stomach, exactly what I wanted. If you like Chinese cuisine, I can’t think of anywhere I would recommend more. Liang’s menu comprises traditional Cantonese recipes and innovative creations by Executive Chef Lam, and the handpicked team he has brough with him. m

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

2 Mandarin Oriental, Doha, LIANG.indd 2

5/19/21 9:51 AM

marhaba eats out...

Mondrian Doha

A Most Social Kebab at Walima

By Ola Diab

ooking for a fun, intimate place to enjoy a night out with friends or a loved one? Then you must try Social Kebab at the vibrant Walima at Mondrian Doha – delicious food, great service and a cosy ambience. One of the most fascinating places to dine in Qatar is Walima where you can revel in delectable Middle Eastern cuisine served with warm Qatari hospitality and service. It’s a design marvel with black and white walls and a continuation of the hotel’s Alice in Wonderland-inspired design theme, as diners sit under a ceiling bursting with a sea of multi-coloured Arabic lamps.

The grassy terrace is just as beautiful with cabanas covered with leaves (perfect for a group of friends celebrating a special occasion), Moroccan lamps, oversized white shishas and more unique designs, with views of Lusail City and the West Bay lagoon. On Mondays, it’s kebab night at Walima. Social Kebab brings you a selection of cold and hot mezzehs, chicken and beef kebabs, and of course, dessert. A menu that’s plenty for two! It begins with cold mezzehs, which include the popular Middle Eastern choices such as hummus, tabbouleh, yalanji or warak enab (vine leaves). However, a unique cold mezzeh is the very appetising Green Vegetable Armenian Salad, which is similar to tabbouleh, comprising fresh green vegetables, onions and chilli. The hot mezzehs include beef kibbeh, cheese rolls and spicy potato kibbeh. Nothing was left untouched or unfinished. Then came what we’ve all been waiting for From The Grill: beef, chicken and mushroom kebabs (mushroom flavoured meat kebab), and saffron kubayda (Turkish saffron flavoured meat kebab). Four delectable kebabs on beautiful golden skewers, each with a unique flavour, perfectly grilled, and soft textured. The kebabs are served with grilled vegetables, white rice and garlic sauce. The grill is towards the end of the terrace where you’ll find charming Oriental Chef Sezar Eliass. Who knew kebabs required a certain expertise? But when you taste these kebabs, it will make sense. Chef Sezar is as delightful as the kebabs with a great sense

MARHABA

1 Mondrian Doha Social Kebab at Walima .indd 3

5/19/21 9:49 AM

FOOD REVIEW of humour. He said he doesn’t invest in colognes because the grill’s smoke is all the cologne he needs. Last but not least, for dessert, you’re served more kebabs – fruit kebabs lightly covered in chocolate, and served with yogurt/honey sauce and walnuts. Social Kebab Menu QAR295 with food and unlimited arak Every Monday, 6 pm – 10 pm For more information or reservations, call 4045 5999. m

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

2 Mondrian Doha Social Kebab at Walima .indd 2

5/19/21 9:49 AM

marhaba eats out...

Park Hyatt Doha

Sora: Spectacular Food, Spectacular Views

By Brian Candy

ocated in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the Park Hyatt is in one of the most vibrant and fashionable areas within Qatar. The restaurant is spacious, modern and very premium. And the staff made sure I felt welcome from the moment I stepped out of the elevator.

the food arrived at the table just in time, every time, with no pause. Absolutely perfect timing. Beginning with Crispy Mochi Chicken which was black in colour thanks to squid ink, along with Lobster Tempura. These bite size lobster balls were exceedingly tasty, and very much to my liking. Salmon Tadaki and Tuna Caviar Tadaki were next to make an appearance. I love salmon so much I headed straight for the Salmon Tadaki. Then I, with my absolutely dreadful chopstick skills, grabbed a slice of Tuna Caviar Tadaki and managed to get it across the table and into my mouth without dropping it. WHAT! NO! WHAT IS THIS! I had to enquire what this stunning dish was called immediately, because I had just found a very big reason to return to Sora. It was soooo…. Good. If you take just one tip from this review, make sure it’s to try the Tuna Caviar Tadaki. You will thank me. Next out was Chef’s selection of Nigiri Sushi. Available raw or cooked, our selection was raw, just how I like it.

The menu is Japanese, created, curated and brought to life by Sora’s head chef who is of course Japanese.

If you order the next dish to be served, make sure you have your phone ready and set to record video, because the Spiced Salmon Maki is one for your Instagram account. It comes out smoking!

My fellow guests and I decided to let our server select our meal for us. And in no time at all some Taiyaki Japanese Waffles arrived on the table. These filled hot pastries are complimentary and a great way to prepare your pallet for what’s coming. From this moment on,

Signature dish time! Up next was Wagyu Beef Tenderloin. Oh come on. The moment you see the word ‘Wagyu’ you know this beef is going to be exceptional. Not just exceptional, but the very best beef can possibly be.

MARHABA

1 Park Hyatt Doha .indd 3

5/19/21 9:48 AM

FOOD REVIEW wait, ‘Love Potion’. And all of a sudden there was a new contender. Sora’s Pistachio ice cream. It was stunning! The best pistachio ice cream I have ever tasted. It was so good I had another plate of just pistachio bought for me. My fellow diners and I enjoyed a Japanese menu at its very best. Would I return? I guarantee it. Would I recommend it to you? Absolutely! And have your camera ready. Sora has the Wow Factor! m

Get your camera ready again, because the next dish was still moving when served. The Hokkaido Scallops are covered in fish flakes that chef has somehow managed to animate. I was mesmerised. And this is when I realised that Sora is all about spectacle. The view is spectacular, the taste is spectacular, and the presentation is, yup you guessed it, spectacular. Oh and the scallops… cooked exactly as I like them. Yum! But wait, there is still one more chapter in this book. Desert! Mochi & Ice. Another spectacle and another photo op. So out comes some ice cream, well presented, fogging and once again Instagram ready. I love Dairy Queen ice cream, it’s the ultimate soft ice cream. My favourite Baskin & Robbins flavour is ‘Love Potion’, no wait, ‘Cotton Candy’, no

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

2 Park Hyatt Doha .indd 2

5/19/21 9:48 AM

20200163 Msheireb Msheireb Galleria Launch Magazine.pdf

Untitled-6 2

3/31/21

1:35 PM

4/4/21 9:47 AM

Untitled-6 3

4/4/21 9:47 AM