W I N T E R 2021/22 I N O .8 2 TOURISM IN QATAR SPA AND BEAUTY CENTRES PLACES TO STAY DINING IN QATAR DINING GUIDE LISTINGS FEATURE THE ‘HOST A FAN’ INITIATIVE
Hospitality in
Qatar
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Discover the most popular tours in Qatar
Discover Doha
Discover the Dunes and the Inland Sea
Explore Doha on a fully guided tour to learn about the rich history and the future plans of this great city. From QAR 102
Embark on a four-wheel drive adventure through the desert to one of only 3 places in the world, where sand dunes meet the sea. From QAR 398
Discover Souq Waqif
Discover Regional Cuisine
Explore the vibrant alleys of Souq Waqif and its many hidden gems with one of our expert local guides. From QAR 180
Discover true Arabian hospitality through a unique cultural experience and local food journey. From QAR 390
Discover Arabian Horses
Discover the Zekreet Peninsula
Experience Qatar’s gleaming, ultramodern equestrian center and discover the history behind the world recognised Arabian breeds. From QAR 500
Embark on a privately guided tour to the North of Qatar where the famous rock formations dominate the landscape.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
From QAR 909
To view our full range of tours, airport services and transfers visit our website, scan QR code or call us
discoverqatar.qa +974 4423 7103 Prices are correct as at the date published 01/12/2021 and are subject to change.
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE © Marhaba_Cover.indd 1
MARHABA
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2 DISCOVER QATAR M82 AD.indd 1
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Hospitality, Hotels & Dining
PRINT and ONLINE
marhaba.qa
Hospitality, Hotels & Dining
Tourism in Qatar
Feature – The ‘Host A Fan’ Initiative
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has launched the ‘Host a Fan’ initiative, enabling households across Qatar to volunteer to host visiting fans during upcoming sporting events.
Places to Stay
Dining in Qatar
Dining Guide Listings Details of places to eat and drink in Qatar, from fine dining establishments to fast food outlets
Spas & Beauty Centres • Spas • Beauty Centres • Complementary Clinics
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
WINTER 2021/22
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55
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2
Wyndham Grand Regency
Al Asmakh Mall
Al Sudan Study Plus
Hamad Amb Hospital
Warwick AIA
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Women’s
British Council
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53 Royal Hall
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Imperial Suites
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51 Al Gharrafa/ Bani Hajer 52 Al Luqta/Lebday Old Al Rayyan/ Al Shaqab 53 New Al Rayyan Muaither, Al Wajba 54 Al Soudan, Mehairja, Muraikh, Luaib, Baaya 55 Al Soudan, Al Waab 56 Bu Hamour, Mesaimeer, Ain Khaled 57 Industrial Area 60 Al Dafna 61 Al Dafna, Al Gassar 62 Lekhwair 63 Onaiza 64 Lejbailat 65 Onaiza 66 Legtaifiya, Onaiza 67 Hazm Al Markhiya 68 Jelaiah, Al Tarfa 69 Al Egla 70 Wadi Al Banat, Al Ebb Rawdat Al Hamama
Al Rayyan Security Dept
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26 27
28 Sharg Zone/ Al Khulaifat 29 Ras Bu Abboud 30 Duhail 31 Umm Lekhba 32 Madinat Khalifa (N) 33 Al Markhiya 34 Madinat Khalifa (S) 35 Kulaib 36 Al Messila 37 New Al Hitmi/ Bin Omran Hamad Medical City 38 Al Sadd 39 Al Nasr/Al Sadd Al Mirqab Al Jadeed 40 New Slata 41 Nuaija 42 Al Hilal 43 Al Maamoura, Nuaija 44 Nuaija 45 Old Airport 46 Mesaimeer/ Al Thumama 47 Al Thumama 48 Doha Int'l Airport 49 Hamad Int'l Airport/ Banana Island
Al Furousiya St
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Al Jasra Al Bidda Mohd Bin Jasim Mushaireb Barahat Al Jufairi Old Al Ghanim Al Souq Wadi Al Sail Arumaila, Armeilla Al Bidda Abdul Aziz Al Doha Al Jadeeda Old Al Ghanim Sharg Zone/ Al Hitmi/Al Rufaa Sharg Zone/Slata Doha Port Wadi Al Sail Al Rumeila, Armeilla Bin Mahmoud Bin Mahmoud Rawdat Al Khail Al Mansoura/ Bin Derhem Najma Umm Ghuwailina
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 14 15 16 17
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Full details of Qatar’s districts and zones at gisqatar.org.qa
Appletree Nursery
MoI HQ
Th Bin ed mm Al ha Mo
City
Debakey
Al Rayyan
Sa
Al Salam St
(zones comprise one or more districts, some of which are listed below)
University of Calgary
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THE ZONES OF DOHA D
Al Messila Resort & Spa
Al Messila
Newton
Racing & Equestrian Club
Town Centre
Messila
yan Al Jadeed S t
Al Wajba St
Metro Stations
Nissan Civil Defence Al Ahli Hospital
36 37 Medical
Al Rayyan Al Qadeem
Compass
St
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Gold line Al Aziziyah - Ras Bu Abboud
Ansar Gallery
20 1 iza
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Philippine School of Doha
Al Jazeera
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Doha College Al Wajba
34 35
Al Jazira Al Arabiya St University Foundation College English Modern School
64
Volvo
QBS QTV
DESS
Omar Bin Al
Al
Imam Mohd Ibn Abdul Wahab Honda
Qatar Guest Centre
French Nursery
Beverly Hills Al Rayyan
Red line Lusail - HIA T1 - Al Wakra Green line Al Riffa - Al Mansoura
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Chef’s Garden
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EC Golf Club
Makkah St
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Al Hazm
Omar Bin Al Khattab
Swiss International
Makkah St
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32 33
Al Gharrafa
New
Al Kh
St
Kanga’s Pouch
Souq Al Ali
Education City
St
66
ty
CCQ Boys
Starfish Lane Kids
Khalifa St
Al Luqta St
St
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All trains connect at Msheireb Station
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Compass QNCC Qatar National Library
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Interchange
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Academic Bridge Program (ABP) Al Shaqab Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) Ceremonial Court Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Education City Golf Club Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Education City Mosque Multaqa (Student Center) Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) Oxygen Park Qatar Academy Doha (Primary School)
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Ansar Gallery
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Doha Sports Park
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QIPCO
Qatar University
Doha Golf Club Lagoona Mall
Ritz-Carlton
Grand Mondrian Hyatt
Legtaifiya Lagoon
Abraj Quartier
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Mexico
C4
Belarus
B3
Moldova
B4
Belgium
C3
Morocco
C4
Benin
C3
Nepal
E3 C4
B3
Netherlands
Brazil
B3
Niger
C3
Brunei
B3
Nigeria
C4
Bulgaria
B3
North Macedonia C4
Burkina Faso
B3
Oman
Canada
C4
Pakistan
C. African Rep
B3
Palestine
C4
Chile
C4
Panama
B4
China
B3
Paraguay
B3
Costa Rica
C3
Peru
Croatia
C4
Philippines
B3
Cuba
B3
Poland
B4
Cyprus
C4
Portugal
C4
Djibouti
B4
Romania
C4
Dom. Rep.
B3
Russia
B4
Ecuador
B4
Senegal
C3
El Salvador
B4
Serbia
B3
Eritrea
E4
Singapore
B4
eSwatini
B4
Somalia
C4
Ethiopia
B3
South Africa
B3
France
C4
Spain
B4
Gambia
E4
Sri Lanka
E4
Georgia
C4
Sudan
Germany
C3
Sweden
C4
Ghana
B3
Switzerland
B3
Greece
B4
Syria
C4
Hungary
B3
Tajikistan
C3
India
C4
Tanzania
C4
Indonesia
D3
Thailand
Iran
C4
Tunisia
C4
Iraq
C4
Turkey
B4
A
B4 C4
C3
B
C4
C4
C4
Uganda
B3
Ivory Coast
B4
Ukraine
B3
Japan
B4
United Kingdom
C4
Jordan
C4
United States
Kazakhstan
B3
of America
C3
Kenya
B3
Uruguay
C3
Korea (S)
B4
Venezuela
B4
Kosovo
C4
Vietnam
B3
C
m ad
I/ C –
Rawdat Al Khail St
C orridor
See our detailed map of the area south of Doha MAP of AL WAKRA
St
Al Meera
Air Force I/C
Free Zone
Qatar Free Zone
Ras Bufontas Qatar Free Zone
E
Kahramaa
Al Weteyyat
Hamad Int’l Airport
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Ah
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46
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King’s College
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American Academy
t ri S
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ME & HE
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C4
Azerbaijan
Airport Traffic Division
Al A
aC
Austria
HIA T1
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rw
C4
A
Ayy
Ba
B3
Malaysia
Oryx Airport Hotel Concourse C
Abu
Al
St
Le
Oqba
Al Thumama Kahramaa Awareness Stadium Park FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
Meteorology
ort
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Medical Commission Drainage Dept
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Ansar Gallery
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Ar
Mesaimeer
m
C4
Libya
C4
E
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Airport
St Bin Nafie
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Safari Mind Institute
Berlitz
al
Sa Um ba h
Liberia
B3
Australia
Hamad International Airport
48
Shoprite
Montezine
aS
Qatar Ind Tech QDC Bangladesh
E Ring Rd
In
Zaks Uniform Store Ideal Indian
et Stre ort Airp Old
Qatar Red Crescent
tri
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44
45 jm
Park House
Summit KG
Tank Farm
Doha Mall
Elder Tree Nursery
The Mall IAID
Na
Al Jazeera Academy
Al Ahli Sports Club
t
Pak Education Centre
atar ntific lub
LuLu
Regency Kahramaa Halls
aS jm Na
43
Immigration
B3
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Ras Bu Abboud
Najma St
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Newton Int’l
Girls Al Ma Creativity ad Centre ee Qatar Egyptian dS Skills t Language Academy TEK Cambridge Indian Alfardan Girls Cultural Gardens 3 MES Centre Doha Modern Mesaimeer Indian Mesaimeer Services
56
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d St Abbou
Premier Inn Doha Airport Hotel Capital Al Liwan Police Concorde Jarir Bookstore
C Ring Rd
ha
Do
D Ring Rd
Doha Academy
B4
Stadium 974 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
Doha Marriott
Sharq Village & Spa
National Museum
41 42
40
German School Doha
Lebanon
C4
Banana Island by Anantara
16 23 14 15 27 Bin Mahmoud
24
lo
C4
ark
National Museum of Qatar
he St Souq Al Cornic Waqif Bin Zaid MME
Alwadi
Four Points by Sheraton
La Cigale
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Alfardan ardens 4 Dar Al Salam Mall
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39
C4
Algeria
xP
Bo
i Al Jadeda DoubleTree ad Chevrolet Qatar W Doha Clinic Gulf Pearls Al Sadd Aeronautical Hospital College Westin Doha dan Crowne B Ring Rd Al Muntazah QNA Hotel & Spa Plaza The Doha Heliport Al Mirqab Chevrolet Centre Holiday Mall Umm Al Meera Radisson Family Inn Jarir Blu Food Centre by Step Ghuwailina aalishan d Sterling Hyatt Regency Cafe Al Mansoura Al Meera aR Jassim Bin Hamad American Oryx Doha Batteel lw Ford a S Stadium C R Hospital AAB Mashreq Rawdat ing (Al Sadd Club) Nissan Bank St CCQ Al Mana Al Khail Holiday Al Matar Al Qadeem R b d Garden li Girls Villa Al Jabor Rd Chrysler Ta g Al Asiri i n Vision D C Ri Ab CAA Bin Gulf Times Salwa Rd Financial Marhaba Ali Safeer Arrayah Al Arabi Bridge Square Gulf Club Rd Family Warehousing ing Food Centre Al Meera Alfardan R Al Emadi Darwish D Dreama St Hospital Le Mirage Gardens Travel ul
55
Kyrgyz Rep
dd
Al Sadd
Al Sadd St
Joaan
Kuwait
B4
Doha Port
i Al B
NCCCR Rumailah Heart
Vet Surgery
B3
Albania
Italy
Al Mourjan
11 12 2 1 7 22 3 13 4 5 6 17 oud St
Avenue Millennium Royal Plaza
Four Seasons
ni or
Al C
Qatar National Theatre
e Al Khal
Jawaan St
Corniche
Fire Station
hm Bin Ma
Al Asmakh Mall
60che
Hamad Ambulance Al Bidda Hospital
Wyndham Grand Regency
Ooredoo
Hotel Park Sheraton
Park
Women’s
British Council
a
St
Hilton
Qatar Post
White Palace
Hamad
Warwick
Imperial Suites
62
Su h aim Bin Ha
38
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61
Al Fu
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Tornado Tower
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St
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Al Rayy
City Center Retaj Doha Rayyan
Katara The Pearl-Qatar Lagoona Mall Al Bidda Park Souq Waqif National Museum of Qatar Grand Mosque QNCC Al Shaqab Mathaf Museum
Marriott Hotel Sharq Village & Spa Fisherman’s Wharf Museum of Islamic Art The Corniche Orrie Oryx City Center-Doha Hotel Park Hilton Hotel InterContinental Hotel
Diploma
St
The Gate
20 10
Lulu
la
ht ar
63
Qatar Sports Club
Volvo
6 37 Medical
lM uk
St
64
Nissan Civil Defence Al Ahli Hospital
Town Centre
DOHA HOP-OFF BUS SIGHTSEEING ROUTE stops at
rA
Al Jazi Gardens
Al
Al Jazeera
n Al d Bi me Ah
ppine hool Doha
ad in Ham Jasi m B
a St
InterContinental
61
t
4 35
St Regis
a Are tic
Ja
QBS QTV
DESS
b St
Beach
Perlita Gardens
Beach
Floresta Gardens
ar St
Imam Mohd Ibn Abdul Wahab Honda
Qatar Guest Centre
Sedra Arjaan Residences by Rotana
31
5/6 O Int’change ma
S iya rkh Ma
Edison
Viva Bahriya
Novo Cinemas
Al Qassar
5/6 Park
Onaiza St
33
t
29
30
SEK
Al Hazm
c HQ
Chouiefat
Omar Al M uk ht
West Bay Al Meera
Starfish Lane Kids
Medina Centrale
23
Porto Arabia
The Pearl-Qatar
Institut Francais du Qatar
Kanga’s Pouch Elder Tree KG
1
Newton
Newton
CCQ Boys
Porsche
20
21 High St
Al Khafji St
St
Al M
Edison
St
18
22
2
Katara
66
67 zm
L
4
Lusail St
68 Ha
ya
t Lycee Wadi Rawd a n S Voltaire
Al Ghaf St
h ex
ifi
ag
Le
ta
t nS oo
6
Oyster
Diplomatic Club
The PearlQatar
15 12
ette ois
Lusai l St
Ministry of Education
Marsa Malaz Kempinski
Qanat Quartier
Hilton The Pearl
Legtaifiya
7
f the antic
Afghanistan
Bosnia & H
Lusa
rfa
a Al T
Lusail Marina
Vendome Mall
Energy City Qatar
Qatar Petroleum District
s2
EMBASSY LOCATIONS
Fox Hills North
Lusail Towers
Comm
aS
5
Qetaifan Island North
Qetaifan Island North
B Square Mall
Airport (49) I/C
Workers Health Centre
DOHA GREATER MAP M82.indd 3
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Founder & Managing Editor Hilary Bainbridge Editorial Sarah Palmer (Editor) Ola Diab (Deputy Editor) Terry Sutcliffe Advertising Howard Bainbridge Charlotte Wright Retail Sales Ayen Molina Online/Digital Lalaine Turqueza Weslee Dizon Ramla Mohamed Abdirahman Neena Turqueza (Intern) Matthew Wright (Researcher)
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. © 2021/22 Marhaba Information Guide. All Rights Reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in any form, without written permission of the publishers.
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We’re a great place to start For families, we make it easy. Kids aged 15 and under can stay free*. Our spacious family rooms comfortably cater for a family of four with free cots for the smallest members of your family. For unbeatable rates, book direct at
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Tourism in Qatar
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Boosting tourism A range of visa measures announced by Qatar Tourism (QT), formerly known as Qatar National Tourism Council (QT) and 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 QT and Qatar Airways) has resulted in bringing close to 200,000 visitors to Qatar.
Tourism in 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 2020, Qatar restricted travel to and from Qatar, and imposed a ban on inbound tourists causing the volume of tourists to plunge. 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. Visitation from Saudi and Emirati nationals increased by 9% and 100% respectively between H1 2020 and H1 2021. Declines in visitation remained significant among the rest of Qatar’s top 15 visitor arrival nationalities due to continued restricted international entry, with the exception of approved events and necessary business activity. However, the country continues to concentrate on attracting Chinese, Russian and Indian tourists. QT
has representation offices in three of the largest cities in China, as well as in Russia and India.
Hotel and hotel apartment performance Despite the continued border closures through Q1 2021 and the resultant significant declines in visitor arrivals, Qatar’s hospitality sector has fared exceptionally well throughout, particularly with a continuous uplift across each month in Q1 2021. Throughout Q1 2021, occupancy showed consistent growth, reaching 68% in March 2021. Average occupancy in March 2021 is 61%, representing a 4% decline in comparison to March 2020. Overall, occupancy declined by 4% between Q1 2020 and Q1 2021, but increased from 54% in January 2021 to 68% in March 2021. Excluding accommodation being utilised for quarantine purposes, since the beginning of March 2021, occupancy rates consistently outpaced those of 2020. Average occupancy in June 2021 has 60%, representing a 7% increase year-on-year. The supply of room keys across Qatar’s hospitality sector increased by 7%, compared to the end of June 2020. Overall, occupancy increased by 7% between H1 2020 and H1 2021. Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) has increased 16%, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) has increased 24%.
Cruise industry Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic that distrupted the the 2020–21 and 2021–22 season, 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 ©
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Tourism in Qatar
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.
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. At the time of writing, industry experts said a few cruises are expected to resume in November 2021 with restrictions for the 2021–22 season. Over the past few years, QT 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. QT’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.
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. QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
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 Tourism (QT) In November 2018, The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Decision No 74 of 2018 establishing Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), cancelling QTA and the government committee to coordinate conferences and events. In 2021, Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) has been renamed Qatar Tourism (QT) QT 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, QT 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. For more information, visit visitqatar.qa or qatartourism.com
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Live moments that are truly yours
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FEATURE
The 'Host A Fan' Initiative By Ola Diab The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) launched the Host a Fan initiative, enabling households across Qatar to volunteer to host visiting sports fans during upcoming sporting events.
E
xperience Qatar’s culture through the eyes of a local with SC’s 'Host a Fan' initiative, enabling households across the country to volunteer to host visiting sports fans during upcoming sporting events. An expression of the Arab world’s famed hospitality, the first-of-a-kind programme will link supporters travelling to Qatar for major tournaments with locals and residents. The 'Host a Fan' initiative is part of SC’s strategy to provide fans visiting Qatar with a variety of culturally rich accommodation options. According to Project Manager of the initiative at SC, Khalid Al Jumaily, this unique approach will allow fans to experience Qatar’s culture through the eyes of a local. ‘Participants in the initiative, many of whom might be visiting Qatar for the first time, will be able to see what the country has to offer in an immersive manner, and will leave with memories that will reach beyond the excitement of what happens on the field of play,’ said Al Jumaily.
The participation will be limited only to hosts and fans who are fully vaccinated, in line with the Ministry of Public Health’s (MoPH) regulations to limit the spread of COVID-19. In addition, the initiative is completely free of charge. Visiting fans will not be required to pay for their accommodation, nor will hosts be paid for hosting a fan. Locals and residents alike will volunteer to host visiting supporters during upcoming sporting events. Hosts, however, will be able to choose where fans will stay, and how long their visit will be. Most importantly, hosts will act as cultural guides, showing their guests Qatar’s most significant cultural destinations, and introducing them to local customs and traditions. According to the initiative's terms and conditions, one room can host a maximum of two guests, provided that they are related. Otherwise, one room should host one guest. Married couples and friends of the same gender can be accommodated in the same room. Hosts will have the option to determine how many guests they’re willing to have during the sign-up process. Hosts will receive a site visit from the 'Host a Fan' team prior to arrival of their guests to ensure that there is adequate space for accommodation. Official documentation proving the host is part of 'Host a Fan' initiative shall be provided upon host request. Those interested in learning more about the specific requirements of the initiative can visit hostafan.qa. Registration opened on 25 September 2021 and closed on 12 October 2021. Fans visiting Qatar from 30 November to 18 December 2021 registered their interest in being part of this initiative by signing up on hostafan.qa from 2 October to 1 November 2021.
DISCOVERING QATAR E-GUIDE ©
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properties rented out to tourists from across the world for a short-term period not exceeding 30 consecutive days.
This is in preparation of FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™, and the initiative is expected to take place again in preparation for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Fans traveling to Qatar must have registered for the Fan ID system via the official portal to be able to enter the country during the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™.
Rent a Home Tourists coming to Qatar, especially during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, may take a step closer to immersing themselves in the local culture. Discussions are currently ongoing between Qatar Tourism and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) to include Qatari houses as additional option for holiday accommodation for the tourists. The Assistant Undersecretary for Municipal Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality, Mansour Abdullah Al Mahmoud, said, ‘Qatar Tourism is making a new regulation to let the people rent their houses to tourists on a short-term basis. There are current discussions between the Ministry of Municipality and Qatar Tourism to make a regulation regarding this. Tourists also come for investments. And I think there will be people who will be willing to rent their houses for the upcoming World Cup’.
According to Al Mahmoud, there are many projects such as compounds and large residential buildings that are being completed to be rented out to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ visitors and fans. In addition, building permits have been increasing steadily.
Upcoming sports events 2022 will be an exceptionally eventful year, not just because of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, but for the several other events taking place in Qatar in 2022, such as the following: Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship 2022: Organised by the Qatar Golf Association, the Championship has come a long way since its inception in 1983, when it was contested over a sand course in Mesaieed, to become an international qualifying tournament for the Qatar Masters. The event will be held in January 2022 at Doha Golf Club. Room bookings can be made at the InterContinental Doha Hotel, by quoting QGAQATAR. dohagolfclub.com FEI Jumping World Cup: The International Federation for Equestrian Sport (FEI) is bringing one of their most prestigious, world-class competitions to Doha. The event will take place in March 2022. Venue details and ticket information will be available at fei.org For more upcoming events, see Events in Qatar and/or the Sports Events Calendar in the Events and Activities section. m
Once approved, World Cup visitors may opt to stay in the houses of locals or residents of Qatar, in addition to a plethora of accommodation options, including hotels, cruise ships, luxury campsites, and other regulated holiday homes. Qatar Tourism recently issued regulations in the operations of its ‘Holiday Homes’ programme in the country. Owners who rent apartments or villas in tourist areas or standalone villas in other areas were encouraged to apply for a license and undergo a classification process to have their ©
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!إســتمتع بتجربــة تخييــم ال مثيل لها !إحجز خيمة واحصل على الخيمة الثانية بسعر منافس
الميزة متوفرة خالل أيام األسبوع فقط من السبت إلى اإلربعاء ّ هذه تطبق األحكام والشروط ّ
Experience camping like no other! Book one tent and get the second one at competitive rate! Applicable during weekdays (Saturday - Wednesday) Terms & Conditions apply
Located in an easy access spot, where the sand meets the sea. Sarab camp is a traditional Arabian camping village featuring modern amenities with access to private beach and fun activities for the entire family! Welcoming its visitors to experience the true Qatari camp life in International standards of hospitality and safety.
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
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Stay a little longer If you need a base while you find your feet, or just want to spend a little longer in the city you can enjoy low rates at Premier Inn hotels in Doha. We’re where you need to be, with two great locations in Education City and Doha Airport. Combined with our super comfy beds, free WiFi and flexible rates, you can rest easy at Premier Inn. For unbeatable rates, book direct at
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Monthly Rate
Education City | +974 4007 8333 Doha Airport | +974 4009 5222 doha@mena.premierinn.com
QR 5,550 per month
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Places to Stay RESTAURANT
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Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha
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Al Najada Doha Hotel
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AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton
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Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection
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Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara
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Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb
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Bentley Luxury Hotel & Suites
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Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha
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City Centre Rotana Doha
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Concorde Hotel Doha
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Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park
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Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay
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Ezdan Palace Hotel
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Four Seasons Hotel Doha
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Golden Tulip Doha
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Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas
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Hilton Doha
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Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas
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BEACH
FITNESS CENTRE
Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel
HOTELS
SWIMMING POOL
BUS/CONF FACILITIES
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Places to Stay
FIVE-STAR HOTELS
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InterContinental Doha Hotel & Residences
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InterContinental Doha The City
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Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha
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Mandarin Oriental, Doha
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Millennium Hotel Doha
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Millennium Plaza Doha
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APARTMENTS
VILLAS
SUITES
ROOMS
marhaba.qa
TELEPHONE
WEBSITE
2
111
3
122 30 4445 0000
almessiladoha.com
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tivolihotels.com/en/al-najada-tivoli
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208 4489 9000
alrayyanhilton.qa
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213 4009 9999
alwadihoteldoha.com
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doha.anantara.com
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60 215
28 4445 5555 4470 4444
4410 3333
banyantree.com/en/qatar/doha
4 431 4410 2444
thebentleytower.com
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4009 5555
centarahotelsresorts.com
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24 94
4445 8888
rotana.com/citycentrerotanadoha
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21 4407 3333
concordedoha.com
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40 90
4408 7777
ihg.com/crowneplaza
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32 40
4019 9999
crowneplaza.com/dohawestbay
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4004 7400
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4034 3333
DohaOldTown.DoubleTree.com
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4004 4444
dusit.com/dusitdoha-hotel
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195 4007 1111
ezdanpalace.qa
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4494 8888
fourseasons.com/doha
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doha.goldentulip.com
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28 4423 3333
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11 4004 7777
91 4448 1234
dusit.com/dusitd2/salwaqatar
grandhyattdoha.com
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4141 1234
hyattregencyoryxdoha.com
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4484 4444
doha.intercontinental.com
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intercontinental.com/dohathecity
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38 42
4429 5000
jwmarriott.com
4405 3333
kempinski.com/doha
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32 4428 8888
lacigalehotel.com
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41 91
4008 8888
mandarinoriental.com/doha
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4419 5000
marriottmarquisdoha.com
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73 4035 5555
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226 4424 7777
millenniumhotels.com
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millenniumhotels.com
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Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park
doha.hilton.com salwabeachresort.qa
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Aleph Doha Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton
dohaalsadd.doubletreebyhilton.com
246 115 4423 6666
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Places to Stay
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alaziziyahboutique.com
kempinski.com/marsamalaz
The Ritz-Carlton, Doha ©
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SOMETIMES A L L I T TA K E S I S BEING IN THE R I G H T P L AC E
A modern hub for productive business and enjoyable leisure time located right at The Business Park in downtown Doha.
Crowne Plaza® Doha - The Business Park is the preferred hotel choice of the Modern Traveler. With 378 well-appointed rooms and suites, restaurants and bars for every palate, flexible meeting and event spaces, innovative facilities and five-star service, we ensure you always get the most out of every stay. For reservations, call us at 4408 7777. Follow us on social media: /crowneplazadohathebusinesspark @crowneplazadohabp Book with us and become an IHG® Rewards Club member. Visit crowneplaza.com/dohabp or call 4408 7777.
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Places to Stay FITNESS CENTRE
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Mondrian Doha
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Mövenpick Hotel West Bay Doha
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HOTELS
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Oryx Airport Hotel
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Park Hyatt Doha
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Pullman Doha West Bay
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Retaj Salwa Resort & Spa
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Saraya Corniche Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
D4
1
Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Doha
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
D4
1
Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
C4
3
Simaisma, A Murwab Resort
✘
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✔
Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✘
✔
F5
1
Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels Al Bidda, Al Jasra, Al Jomrok, Al Mirqab, Al Najada, Arumaila, Bismillah, Musheireb, Najd
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
1
Steigenberger Hotel Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
1
The Avenue, A Murwab Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
D3
1
The Ritz-Carlton, Doha
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
B4
3
The St. Regis Doha
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
B4
2
The Torch Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D2
1
The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
D4
3
VIP Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
D4
1
W Doha Hotel & Residences
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
C4
2
Warwick Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D3
1
Wyndham Doha West Bay
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
C4
5
Wyndham Grand Regency Doha Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D3
2
Zulal Wellness Resort
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✔
JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
1
Golden Tulip Doha
MARHABA
24 E-GUIDE PLACES TO STAY M82.indd 4
12/1/21 5:33 PM
PRINT and ONLINE
APARTMENTS
VILLAS
SUITES
ROOMS
marhaba.qa
TELEPHONE
WEBSITE
270 4045 5555
sbe.com/hotels/mondrian/doha
4
345
movenpick.com/west-bay-doha
5
100 4010 8100
oryxairporthotel.com
4
187
33 4009 1234
parkhyattdoha.com
C4
313
62
pullman-doha-westbay.com
74
4
4
143
2
4496 6600
93
4009 4000
90 4428 6000
44 4497 3777
retajsalwaresort.com sarayacorniche.com
35
2
58 4021 4000
sealinebeachqatar.com
4
149
24
1 4425 6666
ritzcarlton.com/doha
4
307
64 4485 4444
52 4479 9555
marriott.com/dohsi simaisma.com
5
101
4428 7888
tivolihotels.com/en/souq-al-wakra-tivoli
4
104
53
4433 6666
tivolihotels.com/en/souq-waqif-doha
4
177
28
4020 1666
steigenberger.com
3
167
3 4042 8222
4
313
61 4484 8000
ritzcarlton.com/doha
4
278
58 4446 0000
stregisdoha.com
2
132
31 4446 5600
thetorchdoha.com.qa
4
338
26 4492 1555
4
193
4426 1111
4
238
51 153
3
142
22 4456 3333
4
516 4008 7000
wyndhamdohawestbay.com
3
246 4434 3333
wyndhamgrandregency.com
120 60 4477 6500
zulal.com
4453 5000
Steigenberger Hotel Doha
Places to Stay
4
Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection
avenuedoha.com
westindoha.com N/A whoteldoha.com warwickhotels.com/doha-hotel
Dusit Doha Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Doha ©
MARHABA
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12/1/21 5:34 PM
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
MARHABA
28 THE TORCH AD M83 EGUIDE MARCH.indd 1
3/10/22 3:33 PM
Marhaba Ad Alwadi.pdf
1
20/10/2021
22:20
A memorable stay awaits you at Alwadi Doha - MGallery Hotel Collection. Relax, recharge and get inspired.
C
M
J
CM
MJ
CJ
CMJ
N
Immerse yourself in the essence of Qatari hospitality with an unparalleled level of luxury and five-star service. Located in the heart of Doha, Alwadi Doha celebrates the city's progressive spirit with luxurious rooms and suites, sumptuous and exceptional restaurants, a high-end equipped gym, refreshing pool, and soothing spa. Discover cultured blend of Qatari heritage and contemporary design creating endless Memorable Moments. Msheireb Downtown Doha | Email: reservations.alwadihotel@accor.com | Tel: +974 4009 9999
MGALLERY. STORIES THAT STAY
©
MARHABA
WINTER 2021/22
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Places to Stay RESTAURANT
LICENSED BAR
SPA
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✔
✘
D4
Al Mansour Suites
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
Best Western Plus Doha
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
D4
Centro Capital Doha
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
D3
Corp Executive Hotel – Doha Suites
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
Ezdan Hotel, West Bay
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
C4
1
Four Points by Sheraton Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
1
Gokulam Park Doha
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
D4
Grand Regal Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
D4
Gulf Pearls Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D3
Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✘
D4
3
Holiday Villa Hotel & Residence City Centre
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
2
Horizon Manor Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✘
D4
1
Jouri, A Murwab Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
D4
1
K108 Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✔
✘
D4
1
Mercure Grand Hotel Doha City Centre
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✘
D4
1
Millenium Central Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
1
Mövenpick Hotel Doha
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✘
D4
1
New Blue Rose Hotel
✘
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
D3
Plaza Inn Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✔
✘
D4
Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
D4
5
Ramada Encore Hotel Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✔
✘
D4
1
Retaj Al Rayyan Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✔
✘
C4
2
Safir Hotel Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✔
✘
D4
1
Sapphire Plaza Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✔
✘
D4
1
Strato Hotel by Warwick
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
D4
Swiss-Belhotel Doha
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✘
D4
1
Swiss-Belinn Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✘
✘
D3
1
The Curve Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
C4
The Royal Riviera Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
Time Rako Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
F5
Victoria Hotel Doha
✘
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D3
BEACH
FITNESS CENTRE
Al Liwan Suites
HOTELS
SWIMMING POOL
BUS/CONF FACILITIES
FACILITIES MAP
Places to Stay
FOUR-STAR HOTELS
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
MARHABA
28 E-GUIDE PLACES TO STAY M82.indd 6
12/1/21 5:34 PM
2
1
1
PRINT and ONLINE
APARTMENTS
VILLAS
SUITES
ROOMS
marhaba.qa
TELEPHONE
WEBSITE
D4
84 4424 2888
alliwansuites.com.qa
D4
69
50 4020 8400
almansoursuites.com
D4
24
256 4424 0000
D3
226
1 4455 5000
rotana.com/centrocapitaldoha
D4
60
3 4402 7000
doha-suites.com
bwpdoha.com
196
D4
120 4433 8888
fourpointsdoha.qa
D4
72 4470 8822
gokulamdoha.com
D4
195
grandregal.com
D3
66
2804
14
4496 9111
4409 4444
30 4444 1470
ezdanhotels.qa
307 4031 3333
holidayinn.com/doha
D4
234
holidayvilladoha.com
D4
136 4445 5444
horizonmanor.com
D4
110
jourihotel.com
D4
108 4433 3000
k108hotel.com
D4
175
4446 2222
mercuredoha.com
D4
134
6 4449 3333
millenniumhotels.com
D4
154 4429 1111
movenpick.com/doha
D3
70 9
blueroseqa.com
D4
60
plazainn.com.qa
D4
520
D4
111 4444 3444
ramadaencoredoha.com
C4
288
retajalrayyan.com
D4
133 4445 5333
safirhotels.com
D4
174 4033 7000
sapphire-hotels.com
D4
95 4041 4444
stratohotelbywarwick.com
D4
154
12 4407 8888
swiss-belhotel.com
D3
123
1 4424 9111
swiss-belhotel.com
26
4408 4888
4004 1000
120 4422 1111 47
16
4428 1428
72 4420 4444
C4 600
4007 8888
Park Hyatt Doha
gulfpearlshotel.com
D4
122 396
Places to Stay
C4
Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb
radissonblu.com/hotel-doha
thecurvehotel.qa
D4
154 4020 9777
theroyalrivierahotel.com.qa
F5
98
3 4034 2111
timehotels.ae/time-rako-hotel
D3
88
7 4476 5666
victoriahoteldoha.com
Mandarin Oriental, Doha ©
MARHABA
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DOHA
Golden Tulip Doha Al Meena Street, P.O Box 47066, Doha-Qatar +974 4419 8839 / 8888 reservations@goldentulipdoha.com www.goldentulipdoha.com
@goldentulipdoha
Catering Time Anytime!
+974 4419 8826 / 8888 catering@goldentulipdoha.com @cateringbygoldentulipdoha
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
MARHABA
30 CATERING GOLDEN TULIP AD M82.indd 1
12/2/21 8:24 AM
©
MARHABA
WINTER 2021/22
31 MANDARIN ORIENTAL AD M82.indd 1
12/2/21 8:24 AM
Places to Stay BUS/CONF FACILITIES
FITNESS CENTRE
RESTAURANT
LICENSED BAR
SPA
SWIMMING POOL
BEACH
FACILITIES MAP
Al Muntazah Plaza Hotel
✔
✘
✔
✘
✘
✘
✘
D4
1
Asherij Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✘
✘
D3
7
Century Hotel Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
2
Chairmen Hotel Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✘
✘
D4
6
Doha Dynasty Hotel
✘
✘
✔
✘
✘
✔
✘
D4
8
Golden Ocean Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
9
Grand Qatar Palace Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✔
✘
D4
9
Green Garden Hotel
✘
✘
✔
✘
✔
✘
✘
C4
4
Kingsgate Hotel Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
1
Le Castle Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✘
✘
D4
1
Le Park Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D3
1
Musherib Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✘
✘
D4
6
Premier Inn Doha Airport
✔
✘
✔
✘
✘
✘
✘
D4
1
Premier Inn Doha Education City
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✔
✘
C2
2
Rawda Hotel
✘
✘
✘
✘
✘
✔
✘
D4
2
The Town Hotel
✘
✘
✔
✘
✘
✘
✘
D4
1
Tourist Hotel, Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✘
✘
D4
9
Zubarah Boutique Hotel Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✘
✘
D4
4
HOTELS
Places to Stay
THREE-STAR HOTELS
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Doha – Al Sadd QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel
MARHABA
32 E-GUIDE PLACES TO STAY M82.indd 8
12/1/21 5:35 PM
PRINT and ONLINE
APARTMENTS
VILLAS
SUITES
ROOMS
marhaba.qa
8
TELEPHONE
WEBSITE
4435 5677
almuntazahplaza.com
119
3
72 4408 2828
N/A
4
215 4445 5111
centuryhoteldoha.com
4
68 4426 0444
chairmenhotel.com
4
84 4449 9222
N/A
4
93
goldenoceanhotel.com
4
92 4441 4140
N/A
4
48 4426 0100
greengardendoha.com
4
140 4408 5555
millenniumhotels.com
4
110 4473 3111
lecastlehotel.qa
3
113
leparkhotel.com
4
60 4430 6000
musheribhotel.qa
4
105 4009 5222
premierinn.qa
2
219 4007 8333
premierinn.qa
4
22 4041 2525
rawdahotelqatar.com
4
110
thetownhotelqatar.com
4
91 4432 1321
touristhotelqatar.site
4
45 4447 0000
zubarahhotels.com
37 4443 3005
4425 5555
10 4410 7100
Premier Inn Doha Education City
Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas
Places to Stay
4
Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel
Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel ©
MARHABA
WINTER 2021/22
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D O H A - T H E BU SI N E SS P A R K
We are in the business of happy. Just the place for you. At Holiday Inn, find amenities that help you make connections, work and play, including a full-service restaurant where Kids Eat Free, a vibrant sports bar, meeting and business facilities, an outdoor swimming pool and flexible public spaces. Whether you are on the trip of a lifetime, a family vacation, or just business, make Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park your first choice. For reservations, call us at 4031 3333. holidayinndoha
holidayinndoha
Book with us and become an IHG® Rewards Club member. Visit holidayinn.com/dohabp or call 4031 3333.
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
MARHABA
34 HOLIDAY INN AD M82.indd 1
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A 5-star hotel managed by The Torch Doha, located at Aspire Zone surrounded with lush greenery. Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel is newly renovated with stylish classic rooms & suites which features an upscale all-day dining restaurant, Glass House and an outdoor Recreation Area with swimming pool, kids playzones, large space for events and the scenic Patio Café, bringing a breath of fresh air in the middle of Doha.
alaziziyahboutiquehotel Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel Al Baaya Street Aspire Zone P.O Box 23833 Tel +974 4445 5555 Fax +974 4445 5500 reservation@alaziziyahboutique.com www.alaziziyahboutique.com
©
MARHABA
WINTER 2021/22
35 AZIZIYAH HOTEL AD M82.indd 1
12/2/21 8:26 AM
Places to Stay BUS/CONF FACILITIES
FITNESS CENTRE
RESTAURANT
LICENSED BAR
SPA
SWIMMING POOL
BEACH
FACILITIES MAP
Aleph Doha Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
C4
2
Al Mansour Plaza
✘
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✘
D4
7
Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
Al Safa Royal Suites
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✔
✘
D4
Fraser Suites Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
B4
Imperial Suites Doha
✘
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
Le Mirage City Walk
✔
✔
✘
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
Magnum Hotel & Suites West Bay
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✘
C4
Marriott Executive Apartments
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✔
✘
C4
Rabban Suites West Bay Doha
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
C4
1
Royal Mirage
✘
✔
✔
✘
✘
✘
✘
D4
7
Sedra Arjaan by Rotana
✘
✔
✘
✘
✘
✔
✘
B4
Staybridge Suites Doha Lusail
✔
✔
✘
✔
✘
✔
✘
B4
HOTELS
Places to Stay
DELUXE APARTMENTS
✔
3
STANDARD APARTMENTS Al Madina Suites
✘
✔
✔
✘
✘
✘
✘
D4
Al Mansour Park Inn Hotel Apartments
✘
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
D4
Al Sadd Suites Hotel Apartments
✘
✔
✘
✘
✘
✘
✘
D3
Doha Palace Residence 2
✘
✘
✘
✘
✘
✘
✘
D4
La Villa Inn Hotel Apartments
✘
✘
✘
✘
✘
✘
✘
D4
Liberty Suites Hotel
✔
✔
✔
✘
✘
✘
✘
D4
Qairawan Hotel Apartments
✘
✘
✘
✘
✘
✘
✘
D4
Retaj Inn Hotel
✘
✔
✔
✘
✘
✘
✘
D4
Wakra Inn
✘
✔
✘
✘
✘
✘
✘
Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
W Doha Hotel & Residences
MARHABA
36 E-GUIDE PLACES TO STAY M82.indd 10
12/1/21 5:35 PM
PRINT and ONLINE
APARTMENTS
VILLAS
SUITES
ROOMS
marhaba.qa
TELEPHONE
WEBSITE
4
240 4004 7000
alephdoharesidences.curiocollection.com
4
70
N/A
4
25 4031 2888 4470 4444
oakshotels.com
4 282
4403 8383
alsafaroyalsuites.com
4
4424 3443
doha.frasershospitality.com
4
138
365 4492 4444
thepearlresidences.hilton.com
4 80
4405 2222
imperialsuites.com.qa
4 400
4419 0044
lemirage.qa
4 191
4445 1555
magnumdoha.com
4 254
4497 1234
marriottexecutiveapartmentsdoha.com
4
126
4
70 42
4444 0111
N/A
4 250
4044 1888
rotana.com
4
4
270 4495 5000
119 4456 5000
Mondrian Doha
ihg.com
staybridge.com/dohalusail
40
4431 8800
almadinasuites.com
4 105
4031 2000
almansourparkinn.com
3 48
4444 4199
N/A
4 12
4443 6221
N/A
4 88
4437 6613
N/A
4 40
4441 1212
N/A
4 23
4402 5000
N/A
4
12 80
4410 0300
retajinn.com
49
4463 3737
wakrainn.com
The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa
Places to Stay
100
The Torch Doha
Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha ©
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LU X URY
LIVING
E XPER IENCE
For more information, please call 4410 3333 or email sales.doha@banyantree.com banyantree.com QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
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Dining in Qatar
PRINT and ONLINE
marhaba.qa
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'.
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. And now, with the cooler weather this season, we can enjoy outdoors with 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.
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.
Helpful tips Many restaurants have a family section and there are some with closed-off rooms should you require more privacy. According to Law No 10 of 2016 on the control of tobacco and its derivatives, smoking is prohibited in closed public spaces. However, some licensed restaurants may have a smoking section. 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. 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 Qatar Clean Qatar Clean is an initiative launched by Qatar National Toursim Council (QNTC) and the Ministry of Public Health to ensure maximum safety for all travellers and residents, rolled out across the hospitality sector and expanded across tourism sectors. This initiative introduces expert protocols for hygiene and cleanliness, and follows strict sterilisation and disinfection practices applied to hotels and restaurants across the country. Over 90% of hotels and restaurants are licensed by Qatar Clean. Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, indoor dining will only be available to those who have been fully vaccinated, while outdoor dining will be allowed for everyone. Your Ehteraz status will be checked at entry. If you've been vaccinated outside of Qatar, ensure to have your vaccination certificate with you. ©
MARHABA
Checked & Updated October 2021
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.
Dining in Qatar
Three Sixty Restaurant, The Torch-Doha
If you love food and want to keep up to date with all the latest news and dining promotions, especially for Qatar National Day, Christmas and New Year, visit marhaba.qa and our social media.
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IMPECCABLE FLAVOURS OF THAI CUISINE Enjoy gorgeous views of West Bay as you savour the impeccable flavours of Thai Cuisine. Benjarong brings an unforgettable dining experience from the kingdom of Siam, highlighting old recipes passed down through the generations, along with impeccable interior design and the choice of indoor and outdoor seating. For reservations, contact +974 4004 4444 or benjarong.doha@dusit.com
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BREAKFAST
BRUNCH
LUNCH
DINNER
LICENSED
Dining Guide Listings
Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel 4445 5555 Glass House All-day dining Patio Cafe Outdoor dining Primavera Italian Victoria Tea, desserts
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Aleph Doha Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton 4004 7000 Ika Mondo Cafe
South American Lobby lounge
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AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton Mezzo Moda Lounge
Arabic, international Lobby lounge
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Lobby lounge International drinks, cocktails International Mediterranean Levantine
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Dining Guide Listings
HOTELS
TELEPHONE
CUISINE
4489 9000
Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection 4009 9999 AtTEAtude Infinity Rooftop Lounge Le Colonial O'Glacee Sofra
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara 4040 5050 Al Nahham Arabic Azraq All-day dining, Arabic Q Lounge & Restaurant International, Indian Riva Italian Ted’s American Zest Cafe and bakery
Trader Vics, Hilton Doha QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
Mosaic, Mandarin Oriental, Doha
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Give your brunch a Latin twist. IKA South American brings a vibrant fusion of South American cuisine and artisanal cocktails by Chef Edgar Hurtado. Enjoy unlimited family-style sharing dishes and live stations with soft drinks for QAR 249 or house sips for QAR 369. Every Friday from 1 pm to 4 pm.
SCAN HERE
ika.doha
TO BOOK
IKA South American
ikadoha.com
Aleph Doha Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton ©
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Dining Guide Listings
Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb 4410 3310 Il Galante All-day dining, Italian Panya Lobby lounge Qalamkarri Indian Saffron Thai Vertigo Pan Asian and drinks
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Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha 4009 5555 Dalchini Thai Kitchen The Mezze House
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Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park 4408 7777 Aramede International Arguelina Arabic, shisha Liquidity Pool side drinks and snacks Meesh Me-Time Cafe Cafe, light bites Misturado Tex-Mex, international Rodizio Brazilian Churrascaria Savor International
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Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay 4019 9999 Brewskis and Grub Bar, diner Nidaaya All-day dining, international Riqqa Lounge Gourmet coffee, tea, desserts
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HOTELS
TELEPHONE
CUISINE
Indian Thai, international Lebanese bar and restaurant
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 Street food, market style ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ Dusit Doha Hotel 4004 4444 Antoinette's French Benjarong Thai Rooftop Lounge Lounge Taste All-day dining The House Steak and seafood
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Four Seasons Hotel Doha 4494 8888 Après Spa Café International Arabica Café Cafe Elements International
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BREAKFAST
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Dining Guide Listings
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Golden Tulip Doha 4419 8888 Symphony International
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Grand Hyatt Doha 4448 1234 Al Maha Lounge Lobby lounge Isaan Thai Majlis Arabic Rocca Italian Santa Monica Breakfast Club International
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Hilton Doha 4423 3333 Bab Al Bahr Outdoor Mawasem International Pool Bar Light bites Shots Diner Sushi On Japanese
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Italian ✔ Arabic, Levantine, Qatari ✔ Lobby lounge ✔ Arabic, Asian, European international ✘ Poolside ✘
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HOTELS
TELEPHONE
CUISINE
Dining Guide Listings
Nobu Doha Japanese Pool Grill All-day dining Seasons Tea Lounge Lounge Shisha Terrace Arabic The Library Lounge And Study International bar bites
Tahitian Village Trader Vic's Ya Hala Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas 4423 6666 Dante Cucina Italiana Levantine Nesma Lounge Souk Kitchen South Bay
Outdoor, light bites Asian, Polynesian Lobby lounge
Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park 4031 3333 Meesh Express Light bites Sirocco Italian Stock Burger Co. Speciality burgers JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha
4429 5000
Fuego Argentinian Santorini Greek Shanghai Club Chinese Sridan Arabic, international QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
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DECADENT BREAKFAST 170x240mm bleed 5mm 181021 FIX.pdf
1
10/24/21
6:42 PM
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
©
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BREAKFAST@KEMPISNKI QAR 95 per person (Minimum two persons) Thursday to Saturday 8:30 am – 11:30 am
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
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BRItUUNpC!H THREE BRUNCHES. THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. ALL IN ONE SPOT. WH ICH B RU NC HER ARE YO U ?
The ALL-ROUNDER
ARAMEDE Crowne Plaza
CIAL The SOUN CHER DR
STOCK BURGER CO. Holiday Inn
The
MEAT LOVER
RODIZIO
Crowne Plaza
Friday Brunch
Friday Brunch
Saturday Churrascaria Brunch
QAR 250/person
QAR 299/person
QAR 249/person, unlimited cuts
+ QAR 100 for special
Unlimited house beverage
+ QAR 120 for house beverage
beverage upgrade
and specialty platters
upgrade unlimited for 2 hours
Get free pool access for the same day when you book a brunch! Scan to reserve your table via WhatsApp or call us at 4408 7777 / 4031 3333.
D O H A - TH E BU S I N E S S PA R K
©
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LUNCH
DINNER
LICENSED
Dining Guide Listings
La Cigale Hotel, Managed by Accor 4428 8888 Di Capri Italian Le Central International, Mediterranean Le Cigalon International Orangery Cafe International Shisha Garden Barbecue, mezza, shisha Sky View Cocktails, snacks, sushi Yen Sushi Bar Sushi, Japanese
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Mandarin Oriental, Doha 4008 8888 Baraha Lounge Afternoon tea, pastries Gelato Dessert IZU French, Mediterranean
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Dining Guide Listings
HOTELS
TELEPHONE
CUISINE
Liang Chinese Mandarin Lounge Afternoon tea Mosaic International
Marriott Executive Apartments 4497 1234 Campagnia Caffe International ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel 4419 5000 Aqua Lounge Lounge, 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
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Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha 4035 5555 Amwage Beach Grill
Barbecue and seafood
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Arabic Lounge Afternoon tea Spanish, tapas Cajun Mediterranean International Rooftop lounge
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International Deli
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Al Sufra Bohemia Cafe Murano El Faro N'awlins Jazz House Pearl Social Sawa The Secret Garden Millennium Plaza Doha 4041 6999 Circle Slice QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
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La Casa Nostra Brunch
ITALIANS KNOW THE TRUE MEANING OF FAMILY, AND WHEN TIME TO DINE, ITS ALWAYS PROUDLY TOGETHER. Join us for the most notorious flourish of taste and most unforgettable brunch display, at Cucina Italian Kitchen. A family affair masterfully composed by chef Claudio and his kitchen mafioso, that embraces the freshest antipasto, pizza and pasta, adorned with a foray of traditional Italian desserts.
E V E R Y F R I D AY | 1 2 P M T O 4 P M
QAR 145, food only | QAR 265, including selected beverages
Cucina | Level 2 | Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel For bookings and more information, please call 4419 5510 or WhatsApp 6643 6890
©
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Whether a breakfast meeting, delightful afternoon tea or simply a coffee catch-up with friends. Experience the elegance and sophistication of vintage France at La Maison Martinez JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha.
For bookings and more information: +974 5506 2798 or JWrestaurants.doha@marriott.com JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha | Conference Centre Street, West Bay
©
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BREAKFAST
BRUNCH
LUNCH
DINNER
LICENSED
Dining Guide Listings
Mondrian Doha 4045 5999 CUT by Wolfgang Puck EllaMia Hudson Tavern Morimoto Smoke & Mirrors Walima
American Cafe, lobby lounge Craft burgers Fine Japanese Cigar lounge Middle Eastern and shisha
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Park Hyatt Doha 4009 1234 Anis Opus Sora The Living Room
Organic beverages, local food Local flavours Japanese Lounge
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Premier Inn Doha Education City 4007 8333 Omnia
All-day dining
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Premier Inn Doha Airport 4009 5222 Omnia
All-day dining
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Pullman Doha West Bay 4009 4000 Asian Restaurant Asian Avenue Cuisinmotion All-day dining, international Bice Restaurant Italian Echo Pool Cafe Cafe Sukar Cafe Terrace Restaurant Outdoor The Junction Cafe The Score Bar/Lounge
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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 Qube Snacks, nightclub Ruby Wu’s Authentic Chinese Sakura Express Japanese masterpieces Shehrazad Sports bar, pub quiz nights The Italian Job Italian food with singing waiters
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Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort 4021 4000 Al Odaid International, Arabic ✔ La Merenda Italian ✘ Reef & Burger Burgers, seafood ✘ The Edge Beverages, shisha bar ✘
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HOTELS
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
TELEPHONE
CUISINE
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Rates start from
QAR
390
TURN YOUR STAYCATION INTO A VIBRANT URBAN RETREAT. Experience a lively atmosphere in the heart of Al Sadd with a dynamic selection of restaurants and bars and a relaxing outdoor pool.
STAY, EAT & ENJOY OFFER INCLUDES: Breakfast for two adults QAR 200 Food and Beverage voucher, to be used during the stay, at StrEAT Culture, Indo-Chin, Blu Terrace or In-room Dining. Book one day in advance. Offer valid until 28 February 2022. Kids below 12 years stay for free. Terms and Conditions apply.
BOOK NOW
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON DOHA - AL SADD Mohammed Bin Al Qasim Street, Doha, Qatar Phone: +974 4004 7400 Email: reservations.dohsa@hilton.com
@doha.doubletree.alsadd
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
STAY EAT ENJOY
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LUNCH
DINNER
LICENSED
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French, sweet treats International
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Moroccan
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TELEPHONE
Sheraton Grand Doha 4485 4444 Resort & Convention Hotel Al Hubara Atrium Lounge Em Sherif Irish Harp Jamavar La Veranda Nusr-et Steakhouse Pool Cafe Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels Al Bidda Boutique Hotel La Patisserie La Piazza Al Jasra Boutique Hotel Argan Al Jomrok Boutique Hotel Al Shurfa Arabic Lounge Al Najada Doha Hotel Al Baraha Restaurant
BRUNCH
Dining Guide Listings
HOTELS
BREAKFAST
Dining Guide Listings CUISINE
All-day dining, seafood Lounge Arabic Pub, Irish Indian Italian Meat lovers Poolside dining
4433 6666
Steigenberger Hotel Doha 4020 1666 Avenue Café Cake, coffee, mocktails Crust All-day dining Genuss Modern Bistro Olea Terrace Lounge and terrace Sun Deck - Pool Bar Rooftop lounge
Opening soon
The Ritz–Carlton, Doha 4484 8000 B-Lounge Doha Flamingos Sel & Miel STK Doha The Lagoon
Asian fusion Poolside dining French brasserie American International, Arabic
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The Torch Doha 4446 5600 Kufic Lounge The Flying Carpet Three Sixty Torch Tea Garden
Light bites, pastry, live piano International, all-day dining Fine dining Tea lounge
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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
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W Doha Hotel & Residences 4453 5000 COYA La Spiga by Paper Moon Market by Jean–Georges Spice Market
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QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
Peruvian Italian International Southeast Asian
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AT STEIGENBERGER HOTEL DOHA, WE OFFER A SUMPTUOUS ARRAY OF RESTAURANTS, EACH FEATURING A WONDERFUL MENU TO EXPERIENCE THE GENEROSITY, CUISINE AND CULTURES FROM AROUND THE GLOBE.
A sensory all-day experience with an open show kitchen & live stations, offering international cuisine buffets, set menus, and à la carte specials. The restaurant also includes the Crust Bakery Café section with direct access to the mall, which offers authentic German bread and pastries along with a variety of upscale cheese products and meat cuts.
A contemporary, à la carte modern bistro inspired by the rich flavors, aromas, and heritage of modern European modern cuisine with a German twist in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.
An elegant yet casual lobby café offering a myriad of experiences with special selections of tea, coffee, and mocktails. The Avenue is a great place to meet while on the go. The daily high tea ceremony is our special signature with a selection of in-house pastries.
Crust
Genuss
Avenue Café
Located on the sunny rooftop next to the swimming pool offering a wide selection of hot/cold select drinks and mocktails along with a variety of food delights. Sun Deck A great place to meet and chill outdoors inspired by the rich flavors and heritage of Levantine and Mediterranean cuisine. Olea terrace features a lounge-style atmosphere with live bar-b-q corner, bringing families and friends together in a lively atmosphere.
Olea Terrace
STEIGENBERGER HOTEL DOHA Al Matar Street #9 | Airport Road, Doha | P.O. Box 13102 T +974 4020 1666 | E info.steigenbergerdoha@steigenberger.com steigenberger.com
©
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Sparkle
& Wonder
Festive season worth longing for at The Business Park This year, we at The Business Park Doha bring you festive celebrations that we all have longed for. Celebrate in one of our vibrant dining venues or take our five-star feast to your home — either way, we are ready to delight you with a sparkling festive season.
Scan to discover our Festive Offers or visit:
uqr.to/Festive2021
Festive Takeaways
Dining Celebrations
The Ultimate Festive Getaway
Bring the festive feast to your home.
Celebrate Festive Season and
Check in for a staycation full of
Festive hampers, turkey to-go and
New Year’s Eve in our dining
wonder with our festive rates
more are available for order from
venues, all vibrant and decked
at Crowne Plaza Doha –
1-31 December, 2021.
out for the season.
The Business Park.
For inquiries or more information, call 4408 7777 or 4031 3333.
©
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QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
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©
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WINTER 2021/22
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CUISINE / ENTERTAINMENT
EVENING
ENTERTAIN
FOOD
AL FRESCO
LICENSED
Dining Guide Listings
Al Mansour Suites 4424 2888 The Red Lion
British pub
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Al Najada Doha Hotel 4470 4444 Pool Bar
Mocktails, juices, sandwiches
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✘
AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton 4489 9000 Pool Bar
Refreshing juices, light bites
✘
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✘
Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection 4009 9999 Infinity Rooftop Lounge International drinks, cocktails O'Glacee Pool Bar Mediterranean flavours
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Best Western Plus Doha Krossroads
International drinks, light bites
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Light bites
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✘
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Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park 4408 7777 Liquidity Misturado
Poolside cafe Tex-Mex, international
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Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay Brewskis and Grub
Live DJ
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Sports bar
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✘
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Doha – Old Town 4034 3333 Pure Light bites
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Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas Dunes
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Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park 4031 3333 Stock Burger Co. Sports bar, speciality burgers, salads
✔
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Hilton Doha 4423 3333 Shots Sports bar, diner
✔
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CLUBS AND BARS
Dining Guide Listings
ALWAYS TAKE YOUR PASSPORT/ID WHEN VISITING HOTELS
Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha Pool Bar
TELEPHONE
4424 0000
4009 5555
4019 9999
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Doha – Al Sadd 4004 7400 StrEAT Culture Urban Bar
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
4448 1234 International
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“QOULI NA’AM” LET US TAKE CARE OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY
SORA SAN SETTO
E L E G A NT, R E S IDENT IA L -S TY LE SXU N D O ITWS YOU N ERRINTIMATE A T S O R A LU URY AWA WEXP E DDING. ER IEN CE T HE M O ST C A PT I VATI N G S U N S E TS I N D OHA AN D C ONTAC T OU R W E DD IN G S P EC IA L ISTS O N + 9 74 40 09 4243 | +974 3158 7909
3158 7944 SORADOHA
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
S IK KAT WADI WADI MSHEIR SHEIREB DOWNTOWN DOHA @PAR T.A+974 +9 4 4009 4 0 0YA 9 1234 1T 2 3T 4 D PAR SIKKAT T. || PARKHYATTDOHA.COM PM A R K HEB YADOWNTOWN TDOWNTOWN T D O H A DOHA |DOHA T. ||IG. +| 9 7@PARKHYATTDOHA 4 4 0KH 0 9YATTD 1 2 3 4OH A||||T.P R7K H O HKH A .YATTDOH C O M A.C OM SIKKAT@ WADI MSHEIREB @PARKHYATTDOHA +97440091234 | PARKHYATTDOHA.COM ©
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PAPAGAYO
BRUNCH A N E S S E N T I A L L AT I N A M E R I CA N E X P E R I E N C E AWA I T S E V E RY F R I DAY AT PA PAG AYO B R U N C H . Swoop into a vibrant afternoon of authentic flavours, bright beverages and fabled hospitality.
E V E R Y F R I DAY F R O M 1 P M TO 4 P M QAR 240 for soft beverages package QAR 360 for enhanced beverages package
For more information please call 4419 5510 or WhatsApp + 9746 6643 6890 Fuego | Level 1 | JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
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T: +974 4141 1234 +974 6608 5806 E: cellar.oryxdoha@hyatt.com hyattrestaurants.com
©
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QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
MARHABA
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THE ULTIMATE SKY-HIGH DINING
For reservations, please call 4410 3310 or Whatsapp 3990 5558
©
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CUISINE / ENTERTAINMENT
EVENING
ENTERTAIN
FOOD
AL FRESCO
LICENSED
Dining Guide Listings
Sports bar, speciality burgers
✔
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InterContinental Doha Hotel & Residences 4484 4444 Belgian Cafe Lava La Vue Manko
Belgian beer, food Fusion drinks Cigar lounge Parisian lounge bar
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InterContinental Doha The City 4015 8888 Al Jalsa Garden Hive La Vista 55
Arabic Sports bar Cuban lounge with tapas
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JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha 4429 5000 The Den
Lounge bar, light bites
✔
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Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405 3333 Skybox61
Sports bar and restaurant
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La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor Sky View
Cocktails, snacks, sushi
✔
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Magnum Hotel & Suites West Bay 4445 1555 Aviary Shamrock Tavern
Night club Pub
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Mandarin Oriental, Doha 4008 8888 Ambar Aqua
Stylish cocktail bar Rooftop lounge, bar
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Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel Champions Glo Cocktail Bar
Sports bar, international International, tapas
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Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha 4035 5555 Antika Levantine The Secret Garden Rooftop lounge
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Mercure Grand Hotel Doha City Centre The Old Manor
✔
✘
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CLUBS AND BARS
ALWAYS TAKE YOUR PASSPORT/ID WHEN VISITING HOTELS
Dining Guide Listings
Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas The League
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
TELEPHONE
4423 6666
4428 8888
4419 5000
4446 2222 Bar, steakhouse
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Friday: 12:30pm to 16:00pm Soft Sips QAR 295 Special Sips QAR 395
©
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QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
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©
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EVENING
ENTERTAIN
FOOD
AL FRESCO
LICENSED
Dining Guide Listings
Mondrian Doha 4045 5555 Black Orchid Rise Smoke & Mirrors
Night club Cocktail lounge Cigar lounge
✔ ✔ ✔
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✘ ✘ ✘
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Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha 4428 1428 Manhattan Orion Qube Shehrazad The Library
Lounge bar Cocktails and snacks Snacks, nightclub Sports bar, pub quiz nights Soft music, panoramic views, international food
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Saray Corniche Hotel, Doha 4497 3777 Aquaview Sports Lounge
Sports bar
✔
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✘
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Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort 4021 4000 The Edge
Outdoor lounge, cocktails
✔
✘
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Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Doha 4425 6666 El Cedro Tasting Room IRIS
Cigar lounge Outdoor lounge, cocktails
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Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Irish Harp
Irish pub, fast food
✔
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✘
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Cigars, vintage wines
✔
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The St. Regis Doha 4446 0000 Oyster Bay & Bar The Club at the St. Regis The Rooftop Vintage Lounge
Caribbean, light bites International Rooftop lounge Cocktails and snacks
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The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Mix
Bar, lounge and terrace
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
VIP Hotel 4426 1111 Senario Club
Night club
✔
✔
✔
✘
✔
W Doha Hotel & Residences Wahm
Poolside lounge bar
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
CLUBS AND BARS
Dining Guide Listings
ALWAYS TAKE YOUR PASSPORT/ID WHEN VISITING HOTELS
The Ritz-Carlton, Doha Habanos
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
TELEPHONE
CUISINE / ENTERTAINMENT
4485 4444
4484 8000
4492 1555
4453 5000
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Looking for an Asian hotspot to eat and drink? You're in the right place. Explore a delightful combination of the best Indochinese cuisine at Indo-Chin.
All-You-Can-Eat Bao Tuesdays 12.30 pm – 10 pm QAR QAR
99 per person with 2 enhanced beverages 149 for two with 2 enhanced beverages
Lucky Lunch Saturday to Thursday 1 pm – 5 pm Appetizer and main course, QAR
49 per person
Brunch Friday 1 pm – 5 pm
149 per person with soft beverages QAR 245 per person with enhanced beverages QAR 85 per child, kids under 6 eat for free QAR
SCAN HERE TO BOOK TO BOOK
DoubleTree by Hilton Doha - Al Sadd
indo.chin
IndoChinRestaurant ©
indochindoha.com
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BREAKFAST
BRUNCH
LUNCH
DINNER
Dining Guide Listings
Al Mourjan *Al Corniche, Souq Waqif
4483 4423
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, Mall of Qatar 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
✘
✘
✔
✔
AROUND TOWN *
Dining Guide Listings
Multiple locations, respective number listed
TELEPHONE
CUISINE
Carluccio's *DFC, The Pearl-Qatar, 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
✔
✘
✔
✔
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
✔
✘
✔
✔
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
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Not just a Cafe…
Fresh breads, pastry and desserts prepared daily from our in-house bakery.
our location
New Salata Al Arabi Club Complex jazzcafedoha
jazzcafedoha
jazzcafeqatar.com ©
4411 1969
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Dining Guide Listings BREAKFAST
BRUNCH
LUNCH
DINNER
AROUND TOWN * 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, six other locations 4444 2345
Afro-Portuguese flame-grilled chicken
✘
✘
✔
✔
Nassayem Qatar Diplomatic Club
4484 7470
Qatari
✔
✘
✔
✔
Neo *Salwa Road, Mall of Qatar
4432 2539
Chinese, Japanese
✘
✘
✔
✔
Ocean Basket Mall of Qatar
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
4452 8541
Asian bistro
✘
✘
✔
✔
Paper Moon Doha Jaidah Square
4016 6000
Italian
✔
✘
✔
✔
PAUL *Villaggio, six other locations
4495 9815
Patisserie, light meals, French
✔
✘
✔
✔
Ric's Kountry Kitchen Al Emadi financial square, C Ring Road
4443 7846
American, diner
✔
✘
✔
✔
Romano’s Macaroni Grill Villaggio
4451 7585
Italian
✔
✘
✔
✔
Royal Tandoor *Al Sadd St, five other locations
4444 2343
North Indian
✘
✘
✔
✔
Roti & Boti Ras Bu Abboud
3355 5777
Indian
✘
✘
✔
✔
Sabah W Masa *Salwa Road, The Pearl-Qatar
4466 6001
Lebanese
✔
✘
✔
✔
Dining Guide Listings
Multiple locations, respective number listed
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
TELEPHONE
CUISINE
MARHABA
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Dining Guide Listings
PRINT and ONLINE
TELEPHONE
BRUNCH
LUNCH
DINNER
Shakespeare and Co *Dar Al Salam, four other locations
6676 8812
International
✔
✘
✔
✔
Shiraz Garden Salwa Road
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 9019
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 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
4463 3876
Japanese, Pan Asian
✘
✘
✔
✔
Wok of Fame Villaggio
4413 4772
Asian, international
✘
✘
✔
✔
Yee Hwa *Al Kinana St, Al Jazeera St
4441 9898
Korean, Japanese
✘
✘
✔
✔
Yugo The Gate Mall
4407 7118
Asian, Thai
✘
✘
✔
✔
Zahr El Laymoun Shoumoukh Towers
4444 9197
Lebanese
✔
✘
✔
✔
Multiple locations, respective number listed
CUISINE
Dining Guide Listings
AROUND TOWN *
BREAKFAST
marhaba.qa
*Most malls also have a wide selection of eateries available ©
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CAFES/ LOBBY LOUNGES *
TELEPHONE
BREAKFAST
BRUNCH
LUNCH
DINNER
LICENSED
Dining Guide Listings
Al Amaken Fraser Suites Doha
4424 3787
Arabic sweets
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
Al Jalsa Cafe Sharq Village & Spa
4425 6666
Coffee, tea, sweet treats
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
Al Jalsa Garden Lounge InterContinental Doha The City
4015 8888
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 Lounge Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Conv. Hotel
4485 3000
Afternoon tea, snacks
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
4419 5000
Poolside cafe
✔
✘
✔
✔
✔
Baraha Lounge Mandarin Oriental, Doha 4008 8888
Tea, coffee, iced drinks, light bites
✘
✘
✔
✔
✘
Espression LavAzza The Gate Mall
4407 7199
Italian
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
Farggi *Hamad International Airport, Al Ghanim
4492 9826
Spanish, coffee
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
Figaro Ghanem Business Centre, Bin Mahmoud
4462 0878
Italian
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
Gelato Mandarin Oriental, Doha
4008 8888
Desserts, gelato
✘
✘
✔
✔
✘
Gelato Mondo *Al Hilal, City Center-Doha (multiple locations)
4488 0466
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
✔
✔ ✔
✔
✔
Jazz Cafe *New Salata
4411 1969
Bakery
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
Kufic Lounge The Torch Doha
4446 5600
Light bites, pastry
✔
✔ ✔
✘
✘
La Parisienne Intercontinental Doha The City
4015 8888
Fresh baked items, patisserie
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
La Cigale Traiteur La Cigale Hotel, Managed by Accor
4428 8803
International
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
CUISINE
Dining Guide Listings
Multiple locations, respective number listed
Aqua Lounge Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel
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Dining Guide Listings
LUNCH
DINNER
LICENCED
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 Hotel, Managed by Accor
4428 8803
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
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
MIA Cafe Museum of Islamic Art
4422 4168
Healthy French-Arabic fusion
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
Meesh Me-Time Cafe AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton
5513 3472
High tea
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
Mondo Cafe Aleph Doha Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton
4004 7000
Lobby lounge
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
Orangery Cafe La Cigale Hotel, Managed by Accor
4428 8803
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
✘
✘
✔
✔
✘
TELEPHONE
CUISINE
Multiple locations, respective number listed
©
MARHABA
Dining Guide Listings
BRUNCH
marhaba.qa
BREAKFAST
CAFES/ LOBBY LOUNGES *
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FAST FOODS
TELEPHONE
BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER
TAKEAWAY
DELIVERY
Dining Guide Listings
Bombay Chowpatty *Old Airport, five other locations
4462 2100
Indian fast food, chaats
✘
✔
✔
✔
✔
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
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Johnny Rockets *Salwa Road/ C Ring Road Junction, 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
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Sandwich Factory The Gate Mall
4020 6500
Arabic, Lebanese
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Shake Shack *Villaggio, Gulf Mall, Mall of Qatar, DFC
4452 9668
American burgers, milkshakes
✘
✔
✔
✔
✔
Shater Abbas *City Centre Mall, 10 other locations
4483 9230
Persian, Arabic barbecue
✘
✔
✔
✔
✔
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 St, Najma
4442 3423
Turkish
✘
✔
✔
✔
✔
Dining Guide Listings
*Multiple locations, respective number listed
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
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Dining Guide Listings
LUNCH
DINNER
DELIVERY
marhaba.qa
BREAKFAST
HEALTHY OPTIONS
PRINT and ONLINE
Al Jazeera Petrol Station
4412 3666
Healthy bites
✔
✔
✔
✔
Chef’s Garden Education City
4409 5040
Organic meals, salads
✔
✔
✔
✔
Dean and David Ezdan Hotel, two other locations
4444 0609
Salad bar, healthy curries
✘
✔
✔
✔
Diet Factory Al Mirqab Al Jadeed
4444 3477
Healthy, fitness food
✔
✔
✔
✔
Diet Delights Nuaija
4433 9444
International healthy food
✔
✔
✔
✔
Diet House Bin Omran, six other locations
4444 4911
International healthy food
✔
✔
✔
✔
Evergreen Organics Hamad International Airport, The Pearl-Qatar, The Gate Mall
4464 4176
Organic, vegan
✔
✔
✔
✔
Freshii Al Muntazah
6658 8815
Healthy meals
✔
✔
✔
✔
Healthylicious Barzan Souq, Umm Salal Mohammed
4488 8864
Healthy food
✔
✔
✔
✔
Ideal Diet Ali Bin Ali St
4488 7745
Healthy food
✔
✔
✔
✔
A few choice dining options among many
TELEPHONE
CUISINE
Al Mosak
Dining Guide Listings Checked & Updated October 2021
Stock Burger Co., Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park
Symphony, Golden Tulip Doha ©
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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
C3
marriott.com
✔
Banyan Tree Spa Doha
4410 3314
D4
banyantree.com
✔
Devarana Spa, Dusit Doha Hotel
4004 4444
C4
dusit.com
✔
eforea Spa, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas
4423 6401
salwabeachresort.qa
✔
ESPA at Mondrian Doha
4045 5550
B4
sbe.com
✔
Heavenly Spa, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa
4492 1682
D4
heavenlyspadoha.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 4330
D4
parkhyattdoha.com
✔
Qi Spa, Hotel Golden Tulip Doha
3361 8000
D4
doha.goldentulip.com
✔
Quan Spa, JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha
4429 5000
C4
marriott.com
✔
Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha
4428 1621
D3/4
radissonblu.com/hotel-doha
✔
Saray Spa, Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel
4419 6090
C4
Serenity Spa, Zulal Wellness Resort By Chiva-Som
4446 5600
Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
4485 4600
Sisley Paris Spa, W Doha Hotel & Residences
marriott.com
✔
zulal.com
✔
C4
fitness.sheratongranddoha.com
✔
4453 5555
B4
marriott.com
✔
Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels
4433 6878
D4
tivolihotels.com
✔
Spa by Clarins, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha
4035 5555
A4
kempinski.com/en/doha
✔
SPA InterContinental, InterContinental Doha
4484 4060
B4
ihg.com
✔
Spa & Wellness Centre, Four Seasons Hotel Doha
4494 8802
C4
fourseasons.com/doha/spa
✔
The Ritz‑Carlton Spa, Doha
4484 8174
A4
ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/qatar/doha/spa
✔
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Doha
4008 8888
D4
mandarinoriental.com/doha
✔
The Torch Doha
4408 7777
D4
thetorchdoha.com.qa
✔
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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
MASSAGE
BODY TREATMENTS
FACIALS
REFLEXOLOGY
HYDROTHERAPY
STEAM ROOM/ SAUNA
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES
HAIR/BEAUTY ON SITE
NAIL SERVICES
HAIR REMOVAL
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.com
Banyan Tree Spa Doha
Checked & Updated October 2021
WOMEN
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
✔
a
Spas and Beauty Centres
Look your best, whatever your age!
Devarana Spa, Dusit Doha Hotel ©
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E-Guide Ad MSPA.pdf
1
20/10/2021
22:24
Fall in love with taking care of yourself at M|SPA
C
M
J
CM
MJ
CJ
CMJ
N
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
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ramaDan earLy Bird OfFeR The highest indulgence, the lowest rates. Book your Iftar and Suhoor as early as now until 7 April 2022 and take advantage of our special early bird rates.
iftaR
SuhoOR
QAR 175 per person
QAR 200 per person
(Save QAR 45)
(Save QAR 45)
For reservations, call 4004 4444 or WhatsApp 3129 7415.
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THE SPA
20% OFF ON ALL BODY TREATMENTS (MASSAGE & BODY SCRUBS) The perfect time to spoil your special someone with a wellness experience at The Spa by Park Hyatt Doha. Gift vouchers, Spa and Pool privatization available.
Call 4009 4300 to book or for more information. SIKKAT WADI MSH EIREB DOWNTOWN DOH A |
@ PA R KHYAT T DOHA | T. +9 7 4 4 0 0 9 1 2 3 4 | PA R KHYAT T DOHA .C OM ©
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Aldo Coppola, Park Hyatt Doha
3118 9982
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Desert Princess, Al Ali branch, Al Luqta
4479 5945
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3363 5678
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Fadia El Mendelek, The Ritz‑Carlton, Doha
4417 7755/66
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fadiaelmendelek.com.qa
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Franck Provost, Four Seasons Hotel Doha
4494 8844
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fourseasons.com/doha/spa
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4448 1235
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doha.grand.hyatt.com
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Jean Louis David, Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel
4417 5771
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andtrading.net
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6686 4220/1
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kozmaandkozma.com
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4015 8666
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4020 6408
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4480 2252
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Salwa Road
4416 3348
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4481 2316
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6612 6650
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paceeluce.com
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4407 7107
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patricealexandre.net
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Pour Elle, Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha
4428 1740
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Roots Hair and Beauty
4411 4463
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rootshair.net
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Sabit Akkaya Ladies’ Hair and Beauty Salon
5566 4710
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mandarinoriental.com/doha
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5566 4710
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mandarinoriental.com/doha
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4485 3840
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skinandsoul.com.qa
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4485 4840
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skinandsoul.com.qa
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The Barber Shop Doha, Four Seasons Hotel Doha
6616 0349
C4
andtrading.net
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Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel
4483 0623
C4
Touch of Beauty, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa
4492 1677
D4
Wispy Hair by Riad, Dusit Doha Hotel
4004 4303
C4
TELEPHONE
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Foot Care Centre, LuLu Hypermarket, Al Gharrafa
4478 0510
C3
ebnsina.com.qa
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Int'l Chinese Body Care Houses, Mirqab Mall
4411 5728
D3
icbodycare.com
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Ain Khaled branch
Spas and Beauty Centres
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COMPLEMENTARY CLINICS
QATAR HOSPITALITY E-GUIDE ©
andtrading.net
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Aldo Coppola, Park Hyatt Doha
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Himalayan Salt Room, Zulal Serenity Spa ©
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marhaba eats out...
The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Levantine Breakfast at the Luxe Lounge Author: Lalaine Sumaray Turqueza
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ave you ever tried an authentic Arabic breakfast? If you haven’t, maybe it’s time you try the Levantine offering at the Luxe Lounge of The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa. This special breakfast can fill the length of a table and includes everything you need to start a busy day - several dips and bread, pickled vegetables and olives, halloumi cheese, fresh fruits and your choice of coffee or tea. Bread is the star of the show and every dish that comes with the spread is said to complement the bread. While the price of this breakfast deal is reasonable enough for one person, bringing family or a group of
friends should be the way to go. Start with the hot stuff and work (or eat) your way down the colder dishes. If you want to have a better understanding of the Levant region, this breakfast is a good start. The food, which is served in a number of small, ceramic dishes, are both colourful and overwhelming. How can one eat this much for breakfast? Surprisingly, the food is not as heavy as they look. The meal, in fact, is light and borders on the healthy scale. Another attraction of the offer is the space. You can sit inside and lounge on their comfortable chairs, or sit outside and eat under the watchful eyes of birds and trees. We opted for a table outside. The weather this time of the year is perfect for an outdoor meal! Maybe the idea for this Levantine breakfast at Luxe Lounge is to give people time to catch up. Meals are considered family affairs everywhere, and more so for Arab families. The meal allows everyone to catch up on the latest news about each other. Having everything on the table will also allow for more time to talk. If you find yourself craving for company and family this weekend, Luxe Lounge will be there waiting, ready with their Levantine breakfast spread. This gastronomical journey from the heart of the Middle East offers a wide variety of authentic dishes for QAR99 every Friday and Saturday, from 8 am to 1 pm. Call 3359 8514 for reservations. m
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Marriott Executive Apartments Breakfast Bliss at Campagnia Caffe!
just opposite City Center. For West Bay residents, the location is spectacularly accessible, or for those living outside of West Bay the café is only a short walk from a Metro station. There are also plenty of parking for those of us who prefer to cruise around in a airconditioned car. Whether you fancy lounging with a book and an incredible cup of coffee, or set up your laptop to reply to some emails with a mug of Dilmah tea. With oodles of natural light bursting through the windows, the café is illuminated with natural light and is perfect for lounging on a comfy sofa soaking up the Vitamin D.
here’s no better way to start the day, than with an incredible breakfast. It sets you up for the whole day - a good breakfast can make a bad day seem okay, or a good day even better. And one local hangout where you are guaranteed a great breakfast is Campagnia Caffe in the Marriott Executive Apartments.
To begin our breakfast experience, we decided to order the Arabic Breakfast. The centrepiece of the huge plate of food is the Shakshooka. A bed of roasted, rich tomatoes topped with two sizzling fried eggs, and layered with squares of crumbled feta cheese is an incredible way to start the day. Paired with three bowls of: smooth, creamy hummus, rich black olives, sundried tomatoes and feta cheese, and pink yoghurt sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. With warm, crunchy triangles of fresh bread, and falafel and kibeh to scoop out the mezzes, you will find little at fault with this breakfast platter! And keep a look out for the new Turkish Breakfast which is coming soon: if it’s half as good as the Arabic breakfast it will be worth the trip!
The Campagnia Caffe is nestled on the ground floor of the new Marriott Executive Apartments. This cosy café is perfectly situated in the heart of West Bay,
The next dish to arrive at the table were the Eggs Benedict. From top to bottom this dish was a show stopper. Served on a huge, crunchy, sweet English
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Author: Charlotte Wright
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muffin were two ginormous poached eggs. Upon closer inspection you could see two thinly-cut slices of turkey ham nestled between the muffin and the egg. But the piece du resistance was the lashings of hollandaise sauce that dripped from the muffin to the gorgeous enamel plate. The eggs were served alongside a hearty handful of arugula to mop up any hollandaise sauce that might escape. Along with the Eggs Benedict we were served a Bruschetta Platter which featured all the different recipes of bruschetta available at Campagnia Caffe. All served on a crust of garlic crostini bread the delightful concoctions included feta cheese and mashed avocado, sautéed mushrooms with parmesan cheese, assortments of roast peppers, and a classic: tomato and drizzles of olive oil. In an effort to be healthy, we also ordered the Campagnia House Salad which we were told is one of the most infamous dishes available at Campagnia. A bowl of tossed arugula with surprises of halloumi, avocado, pine nuts, pecans, pistachios, dried cranberries, cherry tomatoes and you can even add chicken, all drizzled with a tangy cranberry dressing. It’s easy to see why this dish is such a popular favourite. Now to ruin our healthy cravings.... The nutella and banana waffle can only be described as a tower of sugary delight! The waffles were balanced upon layers of chocolatey nutella spread, fluffy marshmallows, cool, fresh bananas and all dowsed with a huge heap of vanilla ice cream and glazed with caramel sauce. Wow! Breakfast, or any meal for that matter, at Campagnia Caffe is certain to be an incredible experience. With a relaxed, comfortable vibe you can enjoy a book, take a break from the office and get some work done, or just relax and savour the cuisine. We will certainly be returning to this incredible eatery. Campagnia Caffe is open everyday from 7 am to midnight. Contact them on their website or call 6676 6785. m
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marhaba eats out...
Education City Golf Club The Most Colourful, and Deliciously Tasty Green You’ll Ever See!
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Author: Terry Sutcliffe
ne of the perks of being a resident in Qatar is being able to eat and socialise with friends at Education City Golf Club’s imaginative and creative restaurant, Green. Entering from the busy streets of Doha and Al Rayyan, you feel immediately relaxed by the calm atmosphere of Education City. You’re soon at the Clubhouse Restaurant. Aptly named Green, and with both indoor and outdoor balcony seating and fantastic panoramic views of the expansive golfing greens, you’ll love seeing the myriad varieties of trees, bushes and shrubs interwoven with pretty colourful flowers.
Green offers a casual yet familyfriendly dining experience to refresh and unwind in a relaxing atmosphere. Operated by Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, Green offers delicious internationalstyle dishes from salads to sandwiches, sushi combos to vegetarian options, desserts and drinks. Pop in for a bite to eat and the friendly informative staff, led by Harlene the Restaurant Manager, will make you feel right at home. Plus, it’s a great place to start your weekend, as the breakfast menu has everything from a classic or vegan breakfast to eggs benedict and dosas. Even the drinks look great. Especially if you like green! Try the Lemon with Mint; if you weren’t fully awake when you arrived you’ll be fully conscious now. And one drink, Peanut Berry Power, has so many healthy ingredients it’s literally bursting with goodness and energy. And it’s lips-lickin’ delicious, too. Highly recommended. The choice of food from four continents should be enough to please all tastes; cooked to perfection, the dishes are arranged, decorated and dressed, as beautiful to behold as satisfying to taste. The Eggs Benedict and The Scotsman were such a gratifying blend of protein and vivacious vitamins – but it was a shame to spoil the presentation, a picture of perfection. As, indeed, was the sublime Shakshouka. Suffice to say, our compliments must go to Richard Ruiz, the chef, who has the amazing ability to make even a simple poached egg so attractive. With flowers! Tomatoes, too. Unbelievable!
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Enjoy indoor and outdoor dining at Green – the Education City Golf Club innovative restaurant – with perhaps the most beautiful green scenery in Qatar, seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. Send an email to info@ecgolf.com or a Whatsapp message at 7773 7973 to book a reservation. For more information about the Education City Golf Club, visit ecgolf.com. m
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Marriott Executive Apartments
Enjoy a Lunch Break at Campagnia Caffe!
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Author: Charlotte Wright
ampagnia Caffe is a remarkable and comfortable café where you can enjoy a hot drink, breakfast, lunch, dinner - pretty much anything you can imagine! It’s situated on the ground floor of the Marriott Executive Apartments opposite City Center - right in the heart of West Bay. When we walked in to Campagnia Caffe we were struck by how bright and airy it is. It’s the perfect place to take your laptop and get through some emails. It even has a fantastic outdoor seating area so you can relax and soak up some Vitamin D.
To start our lunch we decided to sample some mocktails and lemonades - perfect for a hot day! I ordered the Lemon Breeze which was sweet and cool, while my lunch partners ordered the Innocent Mai Thai and the Spicy Margarita. There was nothing innocent about this Mai Thai - it was slightly sweet with a sour aftertaste that made your tongue sizzle. The Spicy Margarita however was exactly what it promised to be - spicy! You can’t go wrong with any of these incredible choices prepared by Campagnia’s expert ‘bartender’. We decided to order a variety of lunch/dinner dishes and share - family style. Everything looked so delicious it was impossible to choose just one! We ordered the Pomegranate Glazed Chicken, the Skirt Steak, the Harissa Baked Cauliflower and we just had to try the Beef Burger from the “New Adds” menu. The Skirt Steak was tender, perfectly cooked slivers of steak served with a dish of mint coriander salsa to dunk it in. The steak was served alongside some fat chips which must have been triple cooked because they were soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. They were served with dollop of black lemon mayo. We were ecstatic to discover that the Beef Burger also came with a side of these heavenly fries. The burger itself was piled high with delicious tit bits - carmelised shallots, cheddar cheese, tomato, baby gem lettuce, and a special tomato sauce and was a wonderful choice for anyone having a cheat day!
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FOOD REVIEW The Pomegranate Glazed Chicken was a fantastic choice as well but it was a half a chicken so not for the faint hearted. The chicken was served on a bed of arugula, herbs and lettuce to catch all the sauce that escaped the chicken. The pomegranate glaze was sweet and paired perfectly with the saltiness of the chicken - especially the skin. However, if you’re cutting down on the meat then the Harissa Baked Cauliflower is an impeccable choice. This cauliflower ‘steak’ is baked and then smothered with creamy, garlicy, hummus and peppered with crunchy fried chickpeas and raisins. Who knew vegetarian dishes could taste this good?! To end our amazing lunch experience, we indulged in some piping hot tea and coffee which is roasted in Italy. The tea is served in ornate glass tea cups so you can distil your tea exactly how you like it - which make this the perfect venue to sample some exotic tea flavours. The list of desserts was mouth-watering including Umm Ali, Strawberry Hibiscus Tart and even a Snicker Tart with dark chocolate ganache and salted caramel. We will certainly be back to sample these - perhaps during Happy Hour from 7 pm to midnight where if you buy a dessert you also get a free hot beverage! A huge thank you to the ladies who made our lunch experience so amazing! The Campagnia Caffe is open from 7 am to midnight every day in the lobby of the Marriott Executive Apartments. Get in touch with Campagnia Caffe on Whatsapp at 6676 6785 or on their Instagram (@campagniacaffe). m
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marhaba eats out...
Premier Inn Doha Education City Hotel Business Lunch at Omnia: Eat, Meet, Relax
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Author: Lalaine Sumaray Turqueza
mnia at Premier Inn Doha Education City Hotel has once again opened their buffet for business lunch, to cater to people looking for reasonable choices for a midday meal. We came to visit recently and were one of the firsts to try their reopened buffet offering. I’ve read somewhere that business deals closed over food make the strongest alliances. Conducting business over lunch may be considered practical as it allows one to eat and at the same time, close
up or transact a deal. History is filled with stories of significant and important transactions made during banquets or really, really fancy dinners. Business lunch is a more ‘subdued’ remnant of such practice. It was a business lunch in a busy hotel, with people coming and going, but Omnia is big enough for corporate groups, or friends looking to spend some time together far enough from the buzz of the city. Warmers lined up one of the walls and an electric cauldron of mushroom soup sits at the end of the line, surrounded by rolls and bread. If you plan to come for the Omnia business lunch, do not skip the soup. The flavourful mushroom soup is, if we may say, enough reason to visit. A selection of desserts was spread out on an island, with hummus and several salad options on the other end, Umm Ali invitingly heading the other front. We made a slow round-up of the buffet before choosing which dishes to try. Buffets can both be healthy and fancy, depending on choices. I opted to go for the middle ground, with fried rice and fish and a serving of vegetables, saving up space to make room for the inviting dessert treats later. Business lunch is from 12 pm to 3 pm, so there’s plenty of time to linger on the food and maybe a cup of coffee. Our host, the very active Omnia Country General Manager Rajiv Tarcar, managed to join us to talk ‘business’ in between our trips to the buffet area.
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FOOD REVIEW If you’d prefer a leisurely meal on your own, you can take one of the corner tables. Our group opted to sit in the middle, with tables set up for two but are still connected. It was a relaxing lunch overall. Omnia serves a selection of dishes that combine the preferences of the local lunch crowd - nothing too fancy and reasonably-priced. With several lunch outings on our sleeves, the question at the end of each excursion is always the same: are we coming back? Definitely. The Business Lunch Buffet at Omnia, Premier Inn Education City is available from Sunday to Thursday, 12 pm to 3 pm. QAR55 per person. Call 4007 8333 for reservations and enquiries. You can also visit their website at premierinn.qa for more information. m
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marhaba eats out...
Chef’s Garden Looking for a Healthy Dining Destination in Qatar? Try Chef’s Garden Author: Lalaine Sumaray Turqueza
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his is not just a simple garden lunch, mind you. We were back at Chef’s Garden, the organic restaurant in Education City, near the Al Shaqab facilities. The restaurant is an ideal dining destination this season - outdoor seats, fresh air, lots of greens, and a menu that provides only healthy options. First things first, book your reservation. You can check out their website, chefsgardendoha.com, and make your reservation from there. Just fill out the required information and submit. You will receive a call to confirm your booking. We came in time for lunch, opting to go for something light and fresh in keeping with the garden theme.
The dishes are priced reasonably (on average around QAR100 to QAR150 per person) with servings big enough for two people. Straightforward menu Ideally, you’d want to start with soup, salad and bread before going for the mains. The soup and salad selection is varied enough and if you’re trying the restaurant for the first time, don’t skip on anything. They have special packages, in case you want a proper three-course business lunch. Did you know that they grow their own herbs? Chef’s Garden is an actual garden growing kitchen staples like eggplants, peppers, and even cauliflower and broccoli! If the soup tastes fresh, it probably is! Our three-person group opted for soups and bread and moved directly to our choice for the main course - Grilled Chicken Pappardelle Alfredo, Seafood Paella Risotto, and Grilled Beef Tenderloin. Their menu does not really lean on a particular cuisine, although you are less likely to find Asian specialities among their offered dishes. Their offerings are incorporated with a lot of freshness and greens, and are very straightforward ‘healthy’. When in doubt about your choices, you can always ask any of their staff. Their servers are polite and attentive, and always there in case you need anything. Aside from the food, we pretty much enjoyed the view of the greeneries outside - cold weather and warm sunlight did make an ideal combination when you’re finishing a good meal with coffee. Dessert? Maybe next time we’ll have time for their healthy sweets.
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FOOD REVIEW Chef’s Garden is located in Education City, accessible via Al Shaqab Gate 6. Brunch plans? Chef’s Garden serves a Farmer’s Brunch every Friday, from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. QAR170 for adults, QAR75 for kids six to 12 years old and kids below six - free! Bring your family and friends and enjoy great outdoor dining! The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday, from 7 am until 3 pm. Call 3027 7059 or visit chefsgardendoha.com to learn more about their offers. m
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marhaba eats out...
Aleph Doha Residences – Curio Collection by Hilton Intense Latin Flavours at IKA South American
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Author: Lalaine Sumaray Turqueza
usiness lunch is always a straightforward affair - you eat a meal then go spend the rest of the day going about working. It’s not like dinner where you had to dress up and expectedly enjoy courses after courses of meticulously prepared dishes.
Our latest lunch adventure had us driving around the streets of West Bay, to Aleph Doha Residences – Curio Collection by Hilton. It was a new hotel and while the surrounding area is a bit ‘challenged’ by constructions and roadworks, we still knew that this is some lunch to look forward to. Considering its proximity to all essential places in the West Bay area, this new hotel actually makes an ideal lunch stop. IKA South American Business Lunch The business lunch they offer at IKA South American is a three-course meal - starters, mains and dessert. There are three options for starters - Arepas, Tacos and Dynamite Rolls. Of course, we had to try all three just to be sure we cover the flavours. Arepas is basically a pancake made from ground maize, a staple in many South American tables. It was thicker and sweeter than the tacos, which were served open, thin and crispy, stuffed with braised brisket and avocado sauce, and comes with three more sauce options on the side. The rolls, meanwhile, are filled with avocado, cucumber and prawns, covered in mildly spicy salsa. Similar to the starters, there are also three options for the mains - Pollo (chicken), Sabana de Lomo (beef) and Mariscos (seafood). Pollo is deliciously glazed, soft and sweet, and had us doubling on our share (ha!). Sabana de Lomo is tender and goes really well with the chimichurri. But my vote goes to Mariscos, a dish very similar to risotto but less heavy and really, really flavourful.
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The business lunch menu only has two options for desserts - Saffron Tres Leches (milk cake served with mango ice cream) and the chocolate brownie, which also comes with ice cream (vanilla) and bits of small chocolate in caramel sauce. Food and possibilities The limited business lunch option offered by IKA will probably make you think of other restaurants with a longer menu. Well, it had us thinking of possibilities, actually. What other flavours are we expecting if say, we try their weekend brunch? And what about an à la carte dinner? Such good-tasting food can only come from an excellent kitchen. Executive Chef Edgar Hurtado, the one responsible for all the good food at IKA, is sure to draw a lot of attention from foodies in Doha. The brief introduction on their website says IKA blends intense Latin flavours with a vibrant atmosphere. Well, vibrant is everywhere in Doha, especially now with everything happening all at the same time. But intense Latin flavours? Not as easy to find. Good thing we know how to find our way to IKA South American. The Business Lunch at IKA South American is available Sunday to Thursday, from 12 pm to 3 pm, QAR77 with one soft beverage and QAR99 with one house beverage. Call 3359 3043 to book your table or visit ikadoha. com for more information. m
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Four Seasons Hotel Doha
Hybrid Lunch at Elements Author: Terry Sutcliffe
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f you’re in the West Bay area and you want a really delicious lunch, especially if your family and friends have diverse tastes, then this is the place for you. There are Middle Eastern dishes, Japanese, International, Italian, Thai, Indian and some fresh fish favourites from right here, with the Catch of the Day, so there is sure to be a dish that really appeals to you. You can sample the best of modern Arabic, Asian and Western cuisine served in Elements, the vibrant and versatile signature restaurant of Four Seasons Hotel Doha. Like cosmopolitan Qatar with FIFA World Cup 2022, Elements is happy to be catering to guests from all over the world.
Four Seasons is a great and classy hotel; it’s a terrific location, too, at the start of the Corniche; with the cooler weather this is the season to enjoy Four Seasons; why not experience the Hybrid Lunch al fresco and let the sea breeze stimulate your appetite. Elements is elegant – it is Four Seasons signature restaurant – and I like the interaction with the chefs in the live, open kitchen setting. But some may prefer to be outdoors on the garden patio with its dramatic fire table and views of the pool, gardens and Arabian Gulf. A hybrid lunch with both buffet and à la carte options with international favourites and extraordinary flavours is perfect for a timely business lunch but, with an abundant selection of appetisers and desserts, also the ideal destination for a special leisurely lunch. The diverse international buffet includes appetisers and a salad bar, as well as hot and cold mezze, while the main course is prepared fresh from an exotic à la carte menu. But beware… with an indulgent dessert buffet, your business lunch may well give way to unbridled pleasure. Atmosphere is elegant, but Elements also gives satisfaction. You will love your lunch here: first, help yourself to the wide selection of appetisers, a deluxe Arabic mezze selection, some exotic Asian treats like the salted duck eggs, dim sum and really tasty kimchi and seaweed with crispy treats like popadoms, and international standards.
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Now choose your main delight from the menu; If you’re thinking of becoming a ‘veggie’, stop now: the Charcoal Mixed Grill, with shish tawook, lamb kofta and lamb kebab will keep you a voracious carnivore for ever. You can’t resist tucking into these dishes with such enthusiastic fervour. Four Seasons chefs make everything extra nice: even humble hummus looks desirable, their crème brulée is extra tempting and their Pizza Bianco with its mozzarella, porcini mushroom, truffle, beef bresaola, and arugula is the most colourful charismatic pizza I’ve ever seen… Shish Barak has nothing to do with American politics, but everything to do with one of the great Middle eastern dishes: lamb dumplings in yogurt sauce – healthy, tasty, satisfying and refreshing at the same time. And, by the way, the vermicelli rice was a revelation in how light and tasty a rice can be. Exquisite, well-crafted yet delicate and dainty, the enjoyment like the variety of Elements desserts was possibly unending. In fact it would have been but we had to leave; the business lunch was over, with a vow to cancel appointments and make it a leisure afternoon repast next time. About Hybrid Lunch: Lunch is served Sunday – Thursday, 12:30 pm – 3 pm Brunch is offered on Fridays, 1 pm – 4:30 pm BBQ Brunch is offered on Saturdays, 1 pm – 4:30 pm For reservations, call 4494 8888 m
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The Torch Doha Lunch Out on a Flying Carpet!
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Author: Lalaine Turqueza
t felt almost unreal to be invited to a Flying Carpet lunch. I mean, how high can you actually go to stay focused on the food, maintain your balance and be amazed just enough to be able to write a review? No, we did not go flying on a magic carpet. But we did have an amazing lunch out at one of Doha’s popular themed restaurants. The place had carpets of different sizes hanging above the dining room, it was fascinating and distracting at the same time! Flying Carpet Flying Carpet is one of The Torch Doha’s all-day dining restaurants serving a selection of classic Arabic
dishes. Almost all tables are window tables, as the restaurant faces a glass panel wall that overlooks the surrounding area. They have live stations - you can watch the staff prepare your salad or grill your kebab - but everything is ordered from the menu. They used to serve food buffet-style but has since switched to à la carte because of the pandemic. This is not a place for anything light, believe me. The food came in, served one after the other and you can’t help but be game enough to try everything! Marhaba tip: bring your family! The servings are reasonably sized, and with more people, you can try more of their dishes! For starters, we had the hummus with soujouk, a plate of the Flying Carpet salad and the flavourful signature falafel platter. Soujouk is a Middle East version of meat sausage, fermented and mildly spicy. We weren’t even halfway through when more dishes came: a chicken shawarma pizza and an oriental burger served with chips and coleslaw on the side. For the mains, we had the seafood sayadia - a classic rice dish that is very similar to the Italian risotto; and the braised lamb shank served with oriental rice. The sayadia is moist and carries the subtle flavours of spices that is unmistakably Middle Eastern. The lamb shank, meanwhile, is tender. This I think, should be the standard for lamb shanks. Very tender and with meat falling off the bones. Eating and enjoying these dishes for lunch, we can almost taste
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the hours spent by the staff preparing, cooking and serving them. We were lucky and very grateful. But of course, the desserts are almost as grand as the mains - Um Ali, rice pudding, ice cream, and the heavenly milk cake. Do not miss the milk cake! It definitely is the perfect ending to a Flying Carpet lunch. The Flying Carpet is located on Mezzanine 2 of The Torch Doha. Lunch is served from 12:30 pm to 4 pm, daily. For restaurant reservations, call 4446 5600 or 4446 7464. m
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Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel India’s 9 States Theory at Jamavar Doha Author: Lalaine Turqueza
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ine dining Indian restaurant Jamavar Doha at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, is showcasing Indian cuisine differently, highlighting instead the country’s coastal offering and serving, for a limited time, seafood, matched with the usual spices and flavours of India’s culinary tradition.
9 States Theory Regal Menu The generous coastal set menu, aptly called the ‘9 States Theory’ has fresh seafood flavoured with spices from India’s coastal states. Expect tiger prawns, lobster meat and fresh fish meats served grilled and sitting on flavourful sauces. Sides are also generous, with rice and various kinds of Indian bread. How different are regular Indian dishes from the coastal set? Except for the fresh seafood, which is the highlight of the new offering, the flavours of the new menu is not very different from other Indian dishes. What surprises us though is how the flavours, the usual Indian flavours that we are so used to here in Qatar, took in the freshness of the seafood. Have you ever tried carom-soaked prawns? What about scallops wrapped in banana leaves? These dishes are not usual and in a plate highlights the rich spice tradition of the Indian regions. The meal is served as a spread and includes an assortment of mildly spiced Indian crackers with chutneys and dips. The drinks are also served in quite an interesting manner. One came in a daiquiri glass with a delicate bubble ready to pop, which did pop and released a soft smoke. The lunch had us thinking of sleepy afternoons, an indulgent hour to simply drink tea or coffee or anything warm. Rich food can actually do that to anyone. Jamavar food had us lulled into an almost dreamy state, full and pampered like a Maharajah.
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Indian desserts The regal set will give you three options for dessert: the saffron jalebi, the malai-berry kulfi (India’s version of ice cream) and the mango ras malai, their signature dessert. Malai is actually Hindi for cream, which means that all three are creamy and sweet, a perfect complement to the flavourful dishes served early on. Call 4485 3000 to book your table at Jamavar. m
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Mandarin Oriental, Doha No Fuss Business Lunch? Go to Mosaic!
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Author: Lalaine Turqueza ow about a business lunch at Mandarin Oriental, Doha’s Mosaic restaurant?
Popular for its diverse collection of dishes, Mosaic will give you the chance to try their delectable offering for as low as QAR90! The new business lunch offers almost everything in their regular menu plus a selection of Asian noodle dishes, ‘inspired by the flavours and spices across the regions of the Silk Route’. The servings are much more ‘manageable’ compared to their regular offering. Lunch is no fuss, efficient yet friendly. We had our pickings each of a salad,
soup and some sushi rolls for starters, followed by noodles - you can choose from their Italian or Asian list. Dessert is of course sweet enough to kick your brain back to work mode. If you’re having a busy day and would welcome an hour and a half of some stylish mid-day meal in fashionable surroundings, this is the right place for you. The place is not as busy and you can choose to sit at a corner table overlooking the busy Corniche street. The business lunch dishes are on a separate menu, together with the Asian noodles. Choosing is easier, especially if you are familiar with Mosaic. Our suggestion is to choose your mains first. If you’re having noodles or pasta, you can opt-out of the soup and choose instead the sushi rolls or the salad. If you’d rather go for the heavier option, you can stick with their Arabic and/or Indian selection, and an Umm Ali dessert. Our operative word is ‘light’, a meal to bridge us through a busy afternoon. The business lunch at Mosaic is available in twocourse or three-course meals, for QAR90 and QAR120, respectively. The restaurant is open from 11 am. Call 4008 8888 or email modoh-reservations@mohg.com to book your table. m
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Hilton Doha
Pizza or sushi? They have a sliced ‘pizza’ sushi - nori tempura topped with a generous portion of tuna tartare, avocado, edamame and fried Kani. It was a bit challenging to eat, and the first bite had us speechless - it was, after all, difficult to talk when you have a mouthful of tuna tartare in the way.
Author: Lalaine Turqueza
Next came a bowl of Salmon Crispy Marine Salad. Not your regular salad, mind you, as it had more salmon than greens. This dish alone can satisfy all your raw salmon cravings and pair well with their colourful mocktails.
ushi On at Hilton Doha hotel definitely lives up to its name. Their sushi offering comes in different sizes (they have a sushi burrito!) - fresh and raw, and very much filling - forget about regular meals and go sushi instead!
Sashimi, anyone? Their pretty sashimi plate - Hamachi Marinated with Truffle Lime Ponzu - came with a bowl of Kani salad. There was a bit of hesitation for the seeming ‘rawness’ of the white fish, and we took our time with the salad. But two pieces after - we know for sure that this pretty fish tasted cooked - tangy, flavorful and spiced enough to keep us anticipating for more.
Sushi On
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Did you know that sushi was traditionally eaten with fingers, not chopsticks? Sushi shops in Japan were said to hang noren or fabric dividers visible to passersby. Customers would wipe their hands on these on the way out, so a dirty noren was an indication that the shop had many customers, and therefore, serving good sushi. These days, a good sushi place is rated based on the freshness of seafood served, variety, and of course, authenticity. A dirty fabric is definitely not a good sign for a sushi place!
Raw, cooked and crunchy A sushi lunch doesn’t necessarily mean ‘raw’ sushi lunch. Sushi On offers both raw and cooked selections - some crunch even - with fresh tuna, salmon, shrimp, crab meat and even scallops - served in sets of eight or 24 pieces. You can opt to order by the piece (if you want to try anything else that is not included in their Moriawase or assorted set) and mix and match some interesting varieties. We had a 24-piece Moriawase, which is quite enough to satisfy our sushi cravings.
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To finish off the meal, we had their black sesame coconut ice cream - creamy, textured and mildly sweet - the taste of toasted sesame lingering almost as an afterthought. If these are the old days and worries about safety precautions is non-existent, we would happily wipe our hands on a noren at Sushi On to show that we did enjoy our sushi lunch. For now, we’d be glad to bow our heads and say, oishikatta desu (it was delicious)! Sushi On is open daily from 1 pm until 10 pm, on the first floor of the Hilton Doha Hotel. For reservations, call 4423 3222 or email doha.restaurants@hilton.com. m
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Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel Inside the Glass House Author: Lalaine Turqueza
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he ‘Glass House’ is tucked inside the victorian structure of the Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel, overlooking the verdant Aspire Park. The restaurant is very picturesque with its ‘greeneries’. Walls, ceilings, everywhere is filled with ‘green’. It was a glasshouse, literally, with the structure made of glass panels, like a huge glass-cased garden in the middle of a park. Definitely an Instagram place! The place offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, but you can go anytime in-between, even for just a cup of coffee or tea. Their menu offering is surprisingly extensive - they have pasta, sushi and steaks, Asian noodles and Arabic Mezze - and everything is priced
reasonably. If you’d rather go for a ‘combo deal’, they have a business lunch deal that includes a three-course menu, served from 12:30 pm until 3:30 pm. We were expecting to have a simple, straight-up lunch menu, something light and not at all a feast. But the very friendly Glass House staff would have none of it, and instead served us several selections of their sushi, a big plate of green salad and pasta, a medium-sized Margherita pizza, a delicious serving of their salmon and steak plus of course two of their popular dessert. It was a heavy lunch. Well, how do we find the food? Their sushi selection covers the usual favourites and of course, more. Each of the dishes they serve was to prepare your taste buds for something that’s a bit more exciting and interesting than the last plate. Even their salad bowl tasted different - sweet, fresh, more delicious. Their pizza could give any Italian speciality restaurant a run for their money. The sauce and the herbs were not overpowering and the crust provides just the right crunch. Moving on from the mains - the salmon and the steak - is not as easy. Their flavours could haunt you probably until dinner, taking over your thoughts until you resolve to go back. Meaty, juicy and cooked just right, their taste stays with you. Both were flavourful on their own, and much more flavourful with everything else.
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FOOD REVIEW We were a bit relieved that we were served a simple dessert, something that sits on dry ice but with relatively less drama, ha! We had a simple Dates Toffee Pudding and a Ferrero Caramel Dome. The pudding is not sugary sweet and is a perfect ‘date’ with black coffee. The dome, however, is something else. We had to tap it just a bit to break the dome and partake of the delicious chocolatey caramel goodness inside, an appropriate ending to a memorable lunch! Marhaba’s food adventure has brought us to a lot of interesting places - near, far, early, late - each leaving us with good impressions. This Glass House lunch definitely will stay with us longer, until maybe we go back for another feast. Glass House is located on the first floor of the Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel, open from 6:30 am until 10:30 pm. While walk-ins are accepted, calling and booking your table is encouraged. Please note that only vaccinated guests are allowed to dine inside the restaurant. Call 4445 5555 or 4445 5535 or send an email to glasshouse@alaziziyahboutique.com to reserve. m
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The Ritz Carlton, Doha C’est Magnifique! Author: Terry Sutcliffe
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Malcolm immediately set us at ease and quickly brought out a premenu offering of Sourdough Rye bread with some signature Sel & Miel dressings. While just a kind of amuse-bouche, the brown bread was warm and wholesome, especially with the dressings: honey and truffles, black olives with anchovies, and sea salt. Trust Sel & Miel to show its class even with these simple dressings. For the Starter or Hors-d’Oeuvres, we went for the Classic French Onion Soup and the Burgundy Snails/ Escargots de Bourgogne. Created to sustain the workers in the market of Paris, the soup is made up of a marvellous selection of shallots, brown and red onion, brioche and two layers of cheese, the one on top beautifully browned. Individually basic but very enjoyable.
el & Miel, nestled cosily on the ground floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, is a classy, authentic and top quality French-style brasserie, i.e. a cosy and less formal restaurant.
The Burgundy snails on their green bed of mixed parsley, coriander, and garlic herbs are iconic in taste and texture. This is why French cuisine at Sel & Miel is deservedly famous, transforming humble ingredients into heavenly dishes of delight.
Here you are always guaranteed authentic French cuisine with recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation and you’ll immediately feel at home in the stylish and less formal atmosphere.
If you like a glass of vin blanc or such you’ll be happy to know Sel & Miel have one of the best wine lists in Doha and, yes, even their soft drinks are outstanding …
The man in the middle explaining all the details of each and every dish with his encyclopaedic knowledge of everything connected to ‘French’ and ‘cuisine’ is Malcolm who, in addition to unlocking the secrets of the kitchen, is really friendly and patient with all such questions.
Now for Les Plats, the Main Dishes. Here I must mention that there are a dozen dishes to choose from – meat, fish and vegetarian – but we only sampled two. But the level of perfection achieved by these dedicated kitchen staff makes it crystal clear that marshalled by Malcolm, they deliver on every dish.
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FOOD REVIEW Leaving for another day the Bouillabaisse, recently voted by a colleague and fellow devotee as the best dish ever, and the undoubtedly succulent Halibut and Seabass, the Salmon was reaffirmed as scrumptious in the extreme. And, another Sel & Miel knocking it out of the park, with something basic: how about french fries? Indeed. Well, add some magic and some truffles and now you’ve got the finest fries in town. My choice of Duck Leg Confit was also connected to water but more important, as the word ‘confit’ means, is that the leg was slowly cooked in its own fat; that means no waste and less fat for you to digest. It was absolutely delightful, soft and tender, falling off the bone, melting-in-your-mouth mouthwatering succulent – and that’s without mentioning the succulent selection of colourful vegetables, the orange glaze and the very nice and palatable purée tinged with celeriac. Oh my gosh, you could visit this brasserie a dozen times and have a completely different but equally delicious meal every time. Not such a wide selection of desserts but both lemon and apple tarts, while traditional, truly justify their status (and I love the name Tarte Tatin!) But the Mousse au Chocolat doesn’t justify anything. It could be the source of the expression ‘sinful pleasure’ and may lead you to a life of hedonism and selfgratification. With that one caveat, I’m definitely going to Sel & Miel again … Siel & Miel is open daily, from 12 pm to 11 pm. Call 5576 4278 to reserve. For more information, visit their website at selmieldoha.com. m
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The Ritz Carlton, Doha Out for Lunch? Try the New Menu at STK Doha Author: Lalaine Turqueza
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he new menu at STK Doha, that chic place at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, features dishes that are simple yet stylish enough to keep you holding your camera for another Instagram post. Of course, we had to hold it in a bit as we are having a proper lunch, and just over two hours to sample their new offerings. Milan, the friendly staff who assisted our recent food adventure, served us a combination of STK’s old and new dishes to start with - crab cakes, burrata and their signature STK garden salad with passion fruit dressing.
Milan ‘dressed’ the burrata with the gazpacho dressing right on the table, adding a bit of pepper to taste. We love the crunch of the vegetables and the hint of passion fruit in the salad, a nice complement to the meaty texture of the crab cakes. Very refreshing! Next came the braised prime short rib and the rib-eye steak paired with their ‘homemade’ gnocchi. Gnocchi is considered the ‘dumpling’ of Italian cuisine, although certain quarters would rather call it a special ‘pasta’. Either way, the homemade version at STK is pretty straightforward, not just your usual ‘side’. Come to think of it, none of these mains is ‘usual’. The short rib and the grilled steak were much more tender than expected. I had to take a second helping just to be sure it was indeed beef meat - it was. Having tasted some of the best steaks around Doha, STK steaks remain one of the best, so far, in my opinion. No need to tell them if you need them rare, medium-rare or well-done. Just by looking at their guests, they can tell exactly how you want your steak. Want a bit of drama for dessert? Go for the Junk Chalice. This is not a new item on the menu but a classic favourite that will have you ooh-ing and clicking away for at least ten minutes. Served on a double glass bowl with cool smoke (dry ice) under and a huge ball of cotton candy on top, it made up for all the toned-down mood of the other dishes. And the treasures beneath combine all your happy food in - ice cream, popcorn and marshmallow - we’d like another one of this, please and soon!
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If you are looking for a leisurely place to dine, STK Doha offers the perfect ambience and just the right dishes - for lunch, dinner or anything in between. STK is located on the 23rd floor of The RitzCarlton, Doha. For reservations, call 4484 8588 or send an email to reservations@stk-doha.com. m
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JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha
An Elegant Afternoon Tea Experience at La Maison Martinez
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Author: Charlotte Wright
he JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha has utterly transformed its lobby lounge in to a lavish, European-inspired café! So, of course, we had to take a look and experience it for ourselves! This wonderful space was once an ordinary lobby lounge, but has since been elevated to La Maison Martinez - a European and French inspired eatery serving sweet treat and delicious tea and coffee.
The first thing you notice is the fabulous new décor. The walls are plastered floor to ceiling in an intricate blue wallpaper that gives new life to the space. The floors have also been completely transfigured with elegant new carpets, and even the curtains are new! The old lounge chairs have been replaced with colourful, baroque chaise lounges, ottomans and refined chairs. This new social hub emits a timeless design reminiscent of historic Europe where guests can immerse themselves in an authentic European culinary experience. A selection of curated dining experiences offered includes an Afternoon Tea crafted with a French flairinfused with a regional twist, designer cakes, pastries and a wonderful selection of beverages. To begin our afternoon tea experience, we were brought a small crystal glass of distilled water infused with lemon, mint and strawberry. Quickly afterwards, the tier of delicacies appeared at our table. The waitress told us that each afternoon tea serving is prepared fresh that day so pre-booking is essential if you want to be sure to have all these tantalising sweets available to you. Tier 1 - Savouries: With so many bites sized delicacies on show, the only way to decide what to try first was to start from the bottom and work your way up! The most intriguing concoction on the savoury menu was the Green Apple & Chicken sandwich with Granny Smith apples, frisee, and Dijonnaise, served on cereal bread. Another that caught my eye was the Smoked Salmon Crepe which was tightly rolled to reveal a pink spiral. The other
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FOOD REVIEW savouries included Pan Bagnat with tuna, a quail egg, olives, and scallions, the Cecine & Manchego sandwich with a herb ricotta, and finally the Truffle Egg Brioche with creamy scrambled egg with black truffle oil and chives. Tier 2 - Sweet treats! On the tray above were more intricately designed cakes. Small details like the white chocolate feathers and the honey comb with bees elevate this afternoon tea above the rest. The Gateau aux Abeilles or layered honey cake with sour cream frosting was crunchy and sweet, while the Pomme au caramel which was apple tatin, salty butter caramel, and milk chocolate mousse was soft and tart. For chocolate lovers like me the Choux Surprise is sure to be your favourite. With dark chocolate choux, milk chocolate cream, and a puff rice crunch this dessert has outstanding flavour. Finally, the Tarte Citron was wonderfully tangy with grapefruit and orange, in a crème patissiere. Tier 3 - The creme de la creme: On this final tray perched three different morsels; the first was a Meringue Framboise with raspberry cremeux, almond sable, and burnt meringue. The second was a Le Petit Antoine which was an almond & hazelnut dacquoise, with chocolate cremeux, croquantine, and chocolate chantilly. The third was a Fraise Pistache which was a bed of pistachio biscuit, with a dollop of strawberry gel and compressed fresh strawberry on top. There was oodles of sugar and flavour in every bite - bring your friends with a sweet tooth! Baked Scones: No afternoon tea is complete without buttery, freshly baked scones to wash down with a piping hot cup of tea. And this afternoon tea did not disappoint. The scones were crumbly and soft and they were served with the traditional clotted cream, strawberry jam and orange marmalade. This afternoon tea is a really showstopper. It’s the perfect place to take a few friends, sit and drink tea, nibble on some sweet and savoury bites and chat. Of course, the new décor and atmosphere provide the perfect setting, and the intricately designed cake and sweet are perfect to glamourise your Instagram story! The afternoon tea at La Maison Martinez in the JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha is available for QAR240 for two people. La Maison Martinez is open every day from 8 am to 10 pm. Please call 4429 5295 for more information or to book your reservation. m
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Steigenberger Hotel Doha Looking for a Tea Date Venue? Why Not Try the New Avenue Café
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Author: Lalaine Sumaray Turqueza
he Avenue Café at the new Steigenberger Hotel Doha looks like your usual typical lobby café. They have comfortable chairs and you’ll be greeted by the smell of baked pastries and waffles just as soon as you step in. But don’t be fooled by appearances. This café is definitely more than meets the eye. How different is High Tea at Avenue Café? Well, the ‘not-so-usual’ High Tea at Avenue Café offers a selection of brews and a delectable spread of sweet
treats and savoury bite-sized sandwiches served ‘buffet-style’ every Wednesday. On other days, these treats come on a rolling tray. A smaller tea tray will be served on your table with a dainty see-through teapot set. They exclusively serve the Tchaba tea brand. We chose three flavours of their tea offering following the recommendations of their friendly staff - the soothing Ginger Zest, the minty Moroccan Nights and the fruity Happy Forest. All three came with honey on the side plus two biscuits. A waffle maker is also on standby and you can choose your toppings - Nutella and maple syrup plus a selection of berries and nuts. Nothing enhances the soothing effect of warm tea than these sweet treats and savouries. We helped ourselves to a few and say, they definitely spoil my appetite for dinner! If you are more of a coffee person and only take tea on occasion, going to Avenue Café will probably convince you to drink tea more. Beyond the tea though, the new venue is ideal for catching up with friends. And with restrictions easing up, nothing beats an in-person tea date. Why not have it on Avenue Café? High Tea at Avenue Café is available daily, from 4 pm to 6 pm. Call 4020 1666 or visit steigenberger.com more information. m
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Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel Pink High Tea at Glass House
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Author: Ola Diab s part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we indulged in Pink High Tea at Glass House at Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel.
Glass House is an upscale all-day dining venue offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and even afternoon tea. Vibrant interior design and a spacious outdoor terrace, with spectacular views of Aspire Park’s greenery, set the tone for an extraordinary dining experience. Pretty pink savoury treats and delicate sweets paired with an electrifying strawberry lime mojito welcome drink, and a pink latter or another hot beverage for only QAR150 for two.
The elegant three-shelf tray comes with all-pink canapés, sandwiches and homemade sweets topped with a pink ribbon and Breast Cancer Awareness Month welcome note. The first shelf includes homemade sweets with one of each: a strawberry macaroon, red velvet cake, strawberry tart, and red fruits pavlova. On the second shelf, there is a mix of sweet and savoury delicacies with two of each: a pair of pink panna cotta, beetroot-flavoured hummus tarts, and chicken sandwiches on beetroot soft buns. On the last shelf, there is another mix of sweet and savoury treats with two of each: brie cheese and apricot jam baskets, mini Greek baskets, avocado and strawberry on beetroot toast, potato cheese croquettes, and scones with jam and cream cheese. Our favourites were the beetroot-flavoured hummus tarts, the chicken sandwiches on the beetroot soft buns, and the brie cheese and apricot jam baskets. Delicious! An exceptional High Tea with beautiful views at great value. Now that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is over, High Tea will be available at Glass House every Monday. High Tea Monday, 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm QAR150 For more information, call 4445 5555/35 or email glasshouse@alaziziyahboutique.com m
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Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha Feel Elevated with Kempinski’s High Tea
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Author: Ola Diab
galore with eight delicious miniature chocolate, strawberry and white chocolate cakes. The third and last shelf consists of four freshly baked scones – two with raisins, two without – served with cream, butter and strawberry jam. Sip on a brewed cup of coffee or choose from a selection of a range of teas, and look over the seaside pool, the turquoise sea of the Arabian Gulf and the luscious tropical gardens that surround Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha. QAR290 for 2 guests, including two beverages of your choice. Daily, 2 pm – 6 pm For reservations or more information, call 4035 5011, WhatsApp 7479 0864, or email restaurants. marsamalaz@kempinski.com. m
pend a luxurious afternoon and indulge in an assortment of handcrafted delicacies by talented patissiers along with a range of tea and coffees, while overlooking the sea at Café Murano at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha. Indulge in a collection of fresh, delicate cakes and tarts, and warm baked sweets and savouries. The Kempinski High Tea comes in an elegant three-shelf black and gold marble tray, which begins with eight savoury miniatures including egg, mushroom and cheese sandwiches. The second shelf is sweets
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Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery
Afternoon Tea With Atteatude!
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Author: Charlotte Wright
he perfect ladies day out has got to be a delicious Afternoon Tea. There’s no better setting to catch up with friends, dress up and relax together. A new Afternoon Tea to rival all others is the Summer Afternoon Tea at Atteatude in the Alwadi Hotel Doha - MGallery. Nestled in the new, metropolitan area of Msheireb, the hotel oozed class and sophistication - and Atteatude is no different. The stylish café is situated at the back of the lobby and overlooks an outdoor patio so it’s bathed in natural sunlight. The café is splattered with intricately decorated cakes that would make an interesting Instagram post, and ornate jars of fancy loose-leaf teas.
Speaking of tea... a huge highlight of this afternoon tea was certainly the Iced Passion Fruit Tea. Not only was the flavour incredible, but the presentation and creation of this cool delight was impressive. Our waiter came to our table wheeling a baroque tea cart, and created our Iced Tea before our eyes. He began by mixing some freshly squeezed passion fruit in to a glass shaker, and then added a generous portion of passion fruit infused tea. He added some ice, closed the shaker and began to shake it - bartender style. The smooth rattle of the ice was so satisfying! After the tea and passion fruit were ice cold, he poured it Moroccan tea style - in to an adorable clear glass tea pot. After all - the higher the pour - the better the tea! He then decanted the iced tea in to a lovely pair of apple shaped glasses. Wonderful! Endowed with our ‘apple’ of cool iced tea, we watched as the elaborate platter of tasty goodies was brought to the table. The tray itself was fantastic - an elaborate M (for MGallery) with three tiers - each displaying an array of delicate treats. You can see the entire menu below. After snapping some shots for Instagram, which will be irresistible when you see how delicately, and elaborately each bite is decorated, we dived in to the savoury course. To begin, we tried the Cajun Prawn and Avocado Vol au Vent. The small hollow case of puff pastry encased the creamy, flavourful paste of prawn and avocado, resulting in delicious taste with a healthy crunch. Next we were drawn to the English Sandwich, which was a fresh white bread with rich cheese and turkey ham - a quintessential feature of a traditional English afternoon tea.
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FOOD REVIEW To cleanse the palate a little - ready for our next course - we tried the grilled watermelon and feta salad. It was a very unique and fresh dish, and the perfect segway in to our Pastry / Sweet course. To begin our sweet treats, we decided to try the Caramelized Banana Macaron as neither of us had tasted one before. The macaron was crunch and sticky, and the flavour was indulgently sweet definitely the perfect bite for a sweet tooth! Next, we decided to sample the Lemon Meringue Tart, which may have been the opposite of the macaron. It was far more fruity than sweet, and had a wonderfully tart aftertaste with a dollop of flambéed whip on top. Continuing along our fruity theme, we decided to taste the Strawberry Ginger Cake which was an equally fruity delight. Finally, we tried the Mocha and Dark Chocolate Loaf. Even from the name I’m sure you can imagine how rich and creamy this dessert was - the perfect end to the second course! To end our afternoon tea, what else could we do except devour our scones. The scones were served in a cute glass cloche to keep them warm, with a generous dollop of whipped, buttery clotted cream and sweet jam. The more savoury scones worked perfectly with the sweetness of the jam and the creaminess of the cream - a fabulous way to end our Summer Afternoon Tea For Two. Summer Afternoon Tea is served at Atteatude from 3 pm - 6 pm everyday. The price is QAR175 for two people including refreshing beverages. Call 4009 9666, Whatsapp 3075 8211 or email restaurants.alwadihotel@accor.com to book a reservation! m
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Park Hyatt Doha
Afternoon Tea Delights Author: Charlotte Wright
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s lockdown ends, restaurants and cafes have launched endless special deals and offers to entice the Doha crowd back out on the town. But the Afternoon Tea at Park Hyatt Doha distinguished itself from the crowd with an incredible 5 course offering from The Living Room that wowed and thrilled us. Not only was the food delicious, but every bite was so immaculately designed - it was almost too good to eat! A highlight of this experience was that not only did all of the treats on offer taste delicious - but they looked incredible as well. It was easy to see how much effort had been put in by Chef Steffan Schnetzke and his team to make the meal a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds!
To begin our afternoon tea we decided to indulge in a mocktail - after all why not! Our amusebouche arrived shortly afterwards and it’s safe to say neither of us had ever seen anything like it! It was a chocolate cotton candy tree donned with gorgeous, colourful and edible flowers. The highlight was that everything, and I do mean everything was edible! The base was made of sugar bites and mini macaroons, the tree trunk was made of dark chocolate and the canopy was made of pure white cotton candy. The next course to arrive at the table, along with some napkins for our sticky fingers, were the Savory Canapes. My eye was immediately drawn to the goat cheese and mascarpone cone with avacado salsa. Goats cheese is a particular favourite of mine and this treat did not disappoint! The explosion of the goat cheese and mascarpone flavour was paired perfectly with smooth, richness of the avacado salsa. Nestled on the same plate were the green asparagus tarts with black truffle. This quickly became another favourite of mine, with a refreshing, light texture almost like a quiche. Served alongside the goats cheese cone and the asparagus tart were the sandwiches. We were given a generous helping of both the truffled eggs and leek sandwich and the spicy, corn-fed chicken sandwich. Both were incredible but the creaminess of the chicken sandwich combined with it’s spiciness made for an intriguing combination. Finally, we sampled the bite-sized mozzarella sandwich topped with a sweet mango guacamole. This savory course was going to be hard to beat!
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FOOD REVIEW After a while nibbling at our savoury canapes and sipping our fruity mocktail, our next course arrived. What else could it be at Afternoon Tea but traditional, home-baked scones served with dollops of fluffy clotted cream and sweet strawberry jam? All we could talk about was the wonderful taste and how classy we felt and of course the age old debate - which do you spread on first: your jam or your cream? After every crumb of our scones had been hoovered up, we were served our next course: the Patisserie Francaise. This was the highlight of the meal especially for those with a sweet-tooth! The first dish to catch our eye was the strawberry shortbread tartlet which was literally smoking. Served on a bed of dry ice, this dish is one of the most Instagram-able on the menu. And not only is a treat for the eyes, it’s a delight for the taste buds as well. After our strawberry tart we dived in to the pistachio creamux. The nuttiness of the creamux worked perfectly with the sweetness of the delicate sliver of chocotate that rested on top. Afterwards we were craving a chocolate fix, so we reached for the Madagascar chocolate profiteroles. Neither of us had ever tried one before and we were very pleasantly surprised! The firm outer layer housed a gooey centre of rich, creamy chocolate that was so satisfyingly sumptuous. Although the profiteroles were outstanding, my favourite dessert of the evening had to be the mango passion fruit desire. This dish wasn’t necessarily sweet but fresh and fruity. Finally, with our sugar rush abated by a wonderful cup of tea, we were served our final course - the Gateau Roule. This was certainly the pièce de résistance of the evening. The Chantilly cake roll studded with berries, squeezes of lime, a flood of berry jam and topped with pink chocolate flakes. Wow! The whole leisurely experience was incredible - after being cooped up during lockdown - this afternoon tea felt like the ultimate freedom. We were sitting outside, enjoying a cool breeze and the sunshine, with a mocktail, expertly prepared dishes and the best part: you could showcase the entire experience on Instagram! Each dish was a not only delicious but beautiful and just begging to be Insta-famous. Afternoon Tea is available from The Living Room at the Park Hyatt, Doha from 3 pm - 7 pm. The price is just QAR260 for two people. Visit their website or call 4009 1234 to book your reservation now! Don’t forget you can also book a private room to enjoy your afternoon tea with just your friends - however you will need to pre-book in advance. m
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JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha
Marhaba’s Turkish Night
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Author: Lalaine Sumaray Turqueza
he Pool Deck at JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha offers a relaxing outdoor poolside lounge, serving light snacks throughout the day. When they invited us for a ’Turkish Night’ at the Pool Deck on a Wednesday, we were a bit curious as to how they were going to pull it off. Will there be grills outside? But it’s cold and windy these days (and nights)! Well, it turned out that they’ve made the place really cosy. Patio heaters were distributed to warm every table (but if you’re going anytime this week, make
sure to put on something warm). It was a weeknight but the place was safely full (the socially-distanced tables were mostly occupied). The menu is quite generous in both portions and options. Everything that you’ll expect on a Turkish table is available (well, except for the popular Iskander, but that is another story). We started with the warm and comforting lentil soup (which by itself is a meal on its own) and the familystyle Mezzes. Meditteranean meals are not complete without these cold appetizers. Did you know that the word ‘mezze’ originated from the Persian word Mazzeh or Mazzah, meaning taste or relish? It does justice to the name really, as everything is really flavourful! And just when we thought we were done with the starters, three more really tempting hot appetizers came - the buttered shrimp (Tereyagli Sarimsakli Karides), the crispy filo pastry (Pacanga Boregi) and the Turkish Manti, which is very similar to Asian dumplings. The mains also came with three options, the Sis Tavuk (pretty much like the Lebanese Shish Tawook), the Levrek Izgara (seabass) and the Adana Kebab (lamb and beef). As part of the set meal, you have to choose just one main dish, but everything else on the menu is good for sharing. Marhaba Tip: Come as a group and try everything! Dessert also came in three - simple slices of fruits, the rice pudding (Sutlac) and the profiteroles (very French, we know) but called Beyoglu Profiterolu.
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FOOD REVIEW The rice pudding definitely won the round. The small dish was warm and comforting, and will have you craving for more! For QAR170, this Turkish Night at the Pool Deck will provide you with warm, comfort foods, prepared by people out to please. I still think of the lentil soup sometimes, and the pudding. Both made an impression that is beyond delicious. Maybe their goal is not just to serve good food but to also introduce a culture centred on food, a delicious reminder of things more important than fancy meals. Turkish Night at the Pool Deck of JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha is available every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 6 pm to 10:30 pm. Call 4429 5295 to book your table. m
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Mandarin Oriental, Doha Good Food, Good Year: Lunar New Year Wishes at Liang
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Author: Lalaine Sumaray Turqueza arhaba’s latest food adventure at Liang, Mandarin Oriental, Doha may have been the most auspicious food review we’ve done
so far.
The eight-course menu puts all possible good luck on the table - dumplings to bring in wealth, noodles for long life and happiness, beef for new beginnings, and fish for prosperity. A warm teapot also sits on the side of the table, ready to refill our little teacups with the Jasmininfused brew. Did you know that fish is considered lucky because fish in Chinese sounds like surplus? Surplus is good as it gives one something extra to start the next year. Having leftovers, especially of a fish dish as delicious as the one served in Liang may be a no-no for a nonChinese, but it could be a harmless way to show your solidarity with the Chinese people as they celebrate one of their more important traditions. Dumplings are a usual dish in many Chinese restaurants and everybody loves them! For this special New Year menu, Liang is serving a pair of their tasty dim sum, available either steamed or baked. You can opt to eat them with soy sauce and chilli oil on the side - as was the usual - or skip the dips. They are delicious either way.
The meal started with a Louhei ceremony, with all of us mixing the prosperity salad and our host voicing our wishes for the Lunar New Year like a prayer - good career, more money, good health - finishing off with a final wish for everyone to be joyful and happy.
With wealth and prosperity on your side, long life and happiness in the form of the mildly spicy noodle dish are not very far from your reach. Top that off with the Fragrant Baked Egg Tart and a couple more warm cups of the house tea and you’re more than ready for the challenges of the Year of the Tiger.
More food was served after the salad, each earning their place because of their favourable tidings.
Are you channelling your animal sign this season? Start off with a meal at Liang.
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Gong Hei Fat Choy! Guests can experience the ‘Louhei’ ceremony also known as the prosperity salad which is a sharing dish prepared only for the Spring Festival celebration in China, to share with family and friends. The celebratory set menu is available as an eight-course meal and includes a selection of traditional delights such as Siu Mai and Scallop Dumplings, Pan-Fried Tiger Prawns, Wok-Fried Wagyu Beef, Crispy Sea Bream, topped with two desserts believed to bring long-lasting happiness! To book, call 4008 8888 or you can make your reservations online m
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DoubleTree Hilton Doha – Al Sadd Celebrate the Chinese New Year at Indo-Chin
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Author: Ola Diab elebrate the Chinese New Year the authentic way at Indo-Chin at DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Al Sadd.
Indo-Chin is a hotspot to eat and drink with a delightful combination of the best Southeast Asian cuisines. Their Chinese New Year Menu is unique with delicious dishes that you can enjoy anywhere else but at Indo-Chin.
Our dinner began the starters: Yusheng, Peking Duck and Prawns with Pumpkin Soup. First came the Yusheng, a tangy and sour yet sweet salad with salmon, five spice powder, sesame oil, carrot, green papaya, dried apricot, radish, cashew nut, sesame seeds and apricot, which then gets mixed with lime lemon juice, plum sauce, honey and corn flakes. It’s a popular Chinese New Year dish. Followed by the Peking Duck, which is roasted duck served with mini soft pancakes, leeks, cucumber and delectable hoisin dipping sauce. You take the pancake then add the sliced leeks and cucumber then the shredded duck with the hoisin sauce on top then roll. Then came the Prawns with Pumpkin Soup, a creamy pumpkin soup with a few cooked shrimps at the bottom that get scooped up with every scoop. Then came the Main Course with Sweet and Sour Prawns, which are deep fried prawns with sweet and sour sauce with sliced pineapples, peppers and cabbage. Then came the soft and briny Lemon Duo Jiao Steam Fish, which was steamed black sea bass with red chili. Then came along Steamed Asian Green Vegetable and Porched Dumplings as well as steamed white rice. For a sweet ending, we had soft, chewy and sweet Rice Ball in the Red Bean Soup, which were two glutinous rice balls with a red bean filling, surrounded with a mildly sweet red bean soup. For more information about Indo-Chin, call or whatsapp 5002 6386. m
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Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park We See Seafood at Aramede!
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Author: Sarah Palmer
ocated in the heart of Doha, Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park boasts an array of top-notch dining outlets. One of these is the all-day restaurant Aramede, which offers a splendid seafood evening every Thursday. Aramede is the perfect environment to enjoy the catch of the day, with its attractive marketplace décor and a relaxing ambience – there is a magnificent six-story atrium as well! Just right for putting the trials of the week behind you and starting the weekend in style.
Diners can circumnavigate the array of dishes on offer while deliberating their fish selection. We chose a Salad Niçoise and Caesar salad to start, along with a selection of sushi, which gave us time to muse over our options. All fresh, all delicious! Speaking of which, it was then time to peruse the fish station for the main event. The seafood night is a veritable bounty of fresh fare, including bass, bream, red snapper, mussels, shrimp, and king crab. Chef Jonathan was on hand to discuss cooking preparations and seasoning – a great help. But we were greedy and chose a number of items. The bass and red snapper were perfectly grilled – just melt in the mouth and succulent, with excellent seasoning. This being seafood night, we were not at all embarrassed about ordering seconds, this time featuring the crustaceans. We couldn’t get enough of the shrimp! To accompany these delights, we chose a piquant ratatouille and roast baby potatoes. We highly recommend the shrimp biryani as well, and the tempura vegetables. Oh, and don’t forget to sample one or two of the prawn hargow, with plump juicy pieces of prawn inside the dumpling. And you must try the Moroccan fish! Just wonderful. Seafood Night is available every Thursday from 6 pm to 10:30 pm. Prices: QAR250 per person inclusive of soft beverages and pool access + QAR100 per person for special beverage package upgrade For reservations, call 4408 7788 or visit ihg.com for more information. m
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Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel A Relaxing Dinner at Patio Café
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Author: Terry Sutcliffe
ou’ll love the fresh full-to-bursting flavours at the Live Cooking Station, nestled outdoors among the trees and gardens of Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel, in Aspire Zone, where between 3 pm and 8 pm (10 pm at weekends) you can enjoy some of your tastiest casual dining favourites, and the kids can frolic on the grass. Aspire Zone, including Aspire Park, have glorious gardens with diverse plants, flowers, shrubs, bushes
and trees, and the green gardens of Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel are similarly inviting for children to play on or just to chill out and relax while enjoying the extremely tasty dishes that are available at the Live Station in the Patio Café. Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel is one of the city’s very few urban country estates. Lush greenery and polished gardens set the scene for a most relaxing visit. The Patio Café – a scenic garden café, nestled among blossoming pergolas, offering drinks and snacks in a casual environment for memorable moments with family and friends. The menu is surprisingly long and varied, with pizzas, crepes, saj and waffles, plus English traditional fish and chips, Japanese Shrimps Tempura, lots of kinds of mouth-watering pizza, Arabic mezzah, Latino fajitas, internationally acclaimed burgers – the list goes on – and to drink, a wonderful selection of marvellously crafted oh-so-tasty mocktails. We started ordering from the helpful chefs at the Live Station and they created the tastiest shawarma and the most succulent Brisket Saj you could hope for. As they explained, the brisket is premium quality beef slow-cooked for eight hours, mixed with many spices, and served in a very thin and light bread or pastry. Yummy… For a refreshingly different tang, try the Blueberry and Avocado Bowl which is a succulent green salad made extra tasty by the addition of blueberry and avocado. Our seafood pizza was the most seafoody-tasting ever, and if you are really hungry, the Chicken
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FOOD REVIEW Tenders, the Steak Sandwich, the Burger Sliders, to pick just some from this outstanding menu, are 100% guaranteed to make sure you leave supremely satisfied. And that’s before the desserts … We could have had ice cream (many kinds of ice cream!), cheesecake, chocolate or milky cake, but we tried the crepes as a dessert which were really scrumptious, especially with their strawberry, kiwi and banana toppings; the same could be said for the waffles which were lighter than I expected but just as enjoyable as I had come to expect from the skilful, creative chefs at Patio Café and Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel. While enjoying the dinner and casual country setting, take the chance to enjoy the beautiful gardens, swimming pool and water features. Watching the setting sun in natural comfort is a view you won’t often be gifted so try it out at Patio Café while the window of opportunity is open! Opening hours: Saturday to Wednesday, 3 pm to 8 pm Thursdays and Fridays, 3 pm to 10 pm For reservations or more details, call 4445 5555. m
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Mandarin Oriental, Doha Izu: Exciting French, Mediterranean Cuisine
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Author: Terry Sutcliffe
zu Restaurant (upstairs on the first floor, above the street side cafe) has a truly great French menu, showing the quality and variety of this rightly famous cuisine, enhanced and inspired by the talent and travels of legendary Chef Ani Izu. We are lucky that he chose the Mandarin Oriental, Doha for one of his restaurants. To emphasise Izu’s dedication to quality, while we were waiting, we were treated to a vinaigrette dip using Chef Ani Izu’s own home-grown organic olive oil and balsamic wine vinegar together with three varieties of Izu’s own home-made bread.
Izu room decor was surprisingly understated, unlike literally everything else in this temple of culinary adoration. But you could say this was the blank canvas on which the Izu chefs would create their culinary masterpieces. After the astonishing lengths gone to in the sourcing and preparation of the simple but scrumptious bread and balsamic dip, we now witnessed complex (and delicious!) cocktails meticulously prepared and ceremoniously presented – yes, even with a cafetière! To start, we tried the bruschetta with truffle and the quinoa salad – both were interesting and flavourful. For the bruschetta, the chef even brought out his rare and valuable real truffles, sourced at great expense from the forêts of France, which absolutely fulfilled this satisfying hors d’oeuvre. The quinoa salad was, in contrast, lighter but still full of freshness and multiple sensory tastes and tactile satisfaction. We only tasted these two starters, but there are over a dozen cold appetisers and almost twenty if you include the hot starters. Now for surf and turf! We trusted our chef’s recommendations but awaited with some trepidation as we don’t much care for fish that tastes or smells too ‘fishy’ but this salmon was, without prevarication, the perfect poisson. It hit the sweet spot of palate pleasure without excess – and the thin strips of fennel were the ideal accompaniment.
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Lamb ribs in contrast, if soft and tender, were low risk. In fact, the lamb ribs were very well-decorated, indeed a little spicy, but absolutely melt-in-your-mouth mouthwateringly delicious, the soft meat barely hanging by a thread to the bone. Both dishes were served by the expert chefs at ideal temperatures and levels of satisfaction. Again, there is a wide choice of other fish and meat dishes, indeed almost every kind of sea and land dish imaginable, each enhanced by an exquisite sauce. To finish on a sweet note, cheesecake has a reassuring creamy solidity and when combined with passion fruit it explodes with a wonderful zesty taste. Chocolate mousse and ice cream? Guaranteed to be delectable, yes, but the mixture of warm mousse and cold ice cream, when mixed together, created an extra special taste and the added sparkle of some crunchy chocolate chunks was a great idea. In fact, every dish at Izu has a creative sparkle to it, let’s call it Izu zest, panache or initiative; this restaurant indeed has a touch of class. Marwan our chef, and Julia our waiter, both were expert sources of information and friendly too; ‘sympathique’ as the French say. Not to forget Roman, our barman, who gave us some insights on how to make a killer cocktail. Signing off with an unmistakable coffee. For reservations, call 4008 8888 or email modoh-reservations@mohg.com. m
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Radisson Blu, Doha Curry Nights: Indulge Your Cravings for Indian Food at Bombay Balti
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Author: Lalaine Turqueza ant a sure way to travel to India without having to leave Doha? Check out the Curry Nights at Bombay Balti at Radisson Blu,
Doha.
Flavorful and spicy, this new offering is a better and definitely a cheaper alternative if you’d like to go on a nostalgic walk through the streets of Mumbai and indulge your cravings for Indian food.
SPICE JOURNEY Looking up the word ‘curry’ on the internet will very likely take you on a journey back in time, back to India’s glorious history, when everything considered important was intertwined with food, flavours and spices. It can also refer to either the spice (which can be really spicy) or the dish flavoured by the spice. Generally, curry (the dish) is described as either a stew or a sauce and can have either meat or vegetables. We had helpings of various curry dishes, thanks to a preview dinner hosted by Radisson Blu, Doha. Chicken Pakora (above, left) is a favourite among the youngsters, while I personally liked the Lamb Madras and the Aloo Gobi. The offer is unlimited, so you can ask for more servings if you want more of anything included in the menu. Additional paratha is a must. Bringing the whole family is also not a bad idea, as Bombay Balti is a family-friendly venue. The Curry Nights menu is available 6 pm to 11 pm daily in vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, for only QAR99! Call 4428 1555 or send an email to fbreservations. doha@radissonblu.com to book your table. m
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FOOD REVIEW
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marhaba eats out...
Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha
Thai Kitchen Opens With A Buffet Of Thai Treats!
Say hello to Thai Kitchen at Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha! The restaurant has transformed its burgundy booths to royal blue banquettes. The décor is magnificent - contemporary, bright and full of plants. This venue screams ‘Thai’ - down to the rice fronds and the framed picture of King Rama hanging on the wall. Not only has the décor changed - the Chef has too! Chef Karthik Ravi brings his own twist to Thai food while remaining true to Thai flavours, dishes and spices. What I loved about this sampling menu was that it contained traditional Thai food that I had never tried before. As a Thai food lover, I’ve always seemed to find the same offerings in every Thai restaurant - pad thai, green curry et cetera. But this menu has enlightened my taste buds to the endless tastiness that Thai cuisine has to offer.
Author: Charlotte Wright
Premium Appetisers What Asian meal would be complete without a generous helping of prawn crackers? In Thai Kitchen, their flavour is enhanced with your choice of siracha sauce, Thai chilli jam, crushed peanuts, or crushed chilli (for those who like it spicy).
f you are a Doha resident, you are certain to have heard of Thai Kitchen Night at Caprice. This table top buffet concept was so successful that the whole restaurant has been rebranded to offer the Thai Kitchen quality every night of the week.
After we had demolished our bowl of prawn crackers, our appetisers started to arrive. Our course began with a traditional chicken satay with peanut sauce drizzled decadently over the top, and a Yum Nua which is grilled beef sirloin, seasoned with lime juice, onions and scallions, and served with mint and ground toasted rice to add some extra crunch.
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FOOD REVIEW This was followed by Som Tam which is a green papaya salad with peanuts, tomatoes, chilli and beans. This is a remarkably flavourful dish with the freshness of the vegetables, the nuttiness of the peanuts and the mild heat of the chillies. After we had eagerly finished our starters we were treated to a piping hot bowl of Tom Yum Goong soup to cleanse our palates - ready for our main course! Main Courses That Stole The Show This first dish was my absolute favourite of the evening! In fact, it might even replace Pad Thai as my favourite Thai delicacy. The Khao Soi is a northernstyle curried noodle dish with chicken and deep-fried egg noodles. The deep-fried noodles are served on top of the dish, and then when you’re ready you can stir them in and the relax and soak up all the flavour of the broth below. The next dish might be a bit of a mouthful to ask for but trust me it’ll be worth it! The Pla Muk Tord Kra Tiem Prik Thai or squid with fried garlic are fantastic bites of flavour and crunch - they weren’t at all chewy which speaks to the freshness of the squid and the skill of Chef Ravi at cooking them to perfection. Next to try was the Kaeng Massaman or lamb massaman curry which was remarkable when paired with the soft jasmine rice. We also tried the Pad Prik Nua which is stir-fried beef with homemade chilli paste, long beans and sesame seeds. To help us feel healthy, Chef Ravi also treated us to the Pad Pak Ruam Mit which was stir-fry vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, broccoli and mushrooms. Delicious Dessert While you might be tempted to go for the mango sticky rice which is the preferred dessert of many at any Thai eatery - I heartily encourage you to try the Tub Tim Grob. This dessert is a sweet, creamy concoction of water chestnuts with coconut milk served in fresh young coconut shell topped with edible flowers to make for the most Instagram-able delicacy. No eatery in West Bay quite captured our hearts like Thai Kitchen at Centara West Bay. For the incredible prices they offer - the food is of an outstanding quality. On Thursday Nights you can enjoy a table top buffet called ‘Thai Kitchen Night’ featuring delicacies like the above - for just QAR88 per person. If this venue hasn’t made its way to your list of favourites it should! To get in touch or to make a booking please call 4009 5530 or Whatsapp 3001 5360. m
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11/7/21 1:26 PM
marhaba eats out...
The Torch Doha Spinning Tastes at Three Sixty
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By Ola Diab njoy dining nearly in the sky – over 900 ft high – overlooking Doha city on Qatar’s tallest structure, The Torch Doha.
Three Sixty is a unique restaurant located on the 47th floor of The Torch Doha and the only revolving restaurant in Doha. A must-see for any visitor, Three Sixty offers Mediterranean cuisine and breathtaking panoramic views of Doha’s skyline. More than just a restaurant with a view, Three Sixty offers a succulent menu of seafood, grills, pasta and more. Our dinner began with exquisite appetisers: Shrimps & Cheese Croquette (mozzarella and shrimp balls, garlic
aioli and barbecue dip), Fritto Misto (deep fried calamari, shrimps, courgette, carrot, and aubergine with herbed salmoriglio sauce), and a luscious Yogurt Beetroot Salad (roasted beetroot, yogurt blueberry dressing, greens and candied walnuts). From the grill, we had a juicy and well marinated Chicken Cilantro (half corn-fed baby chicken, grilled asparagus, wild mushroom, glazed carrot and rosemary jus) and delicious Mushroom Risotto (Arborio rice, porcini mushroom, parmesan cheese and light creamy sauce). For a sweet ending, we had Red Velvet Cheesecake, which comes with pieces of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, and their Signature Um Ali, topped with baked kunafa dough and pistachio nuts, accompanied with additional baked kunafa dough, pistachio nuts and Arabic baklava. Although Three Sixty is very family-friendly, it is one of the most romantic restaurants in Qatar, and highly recommended for couples wishing to have a ‘Date Night’ or to mark a special occasion. It will be a night to remember with delectable food and remarkable views! Opening hours Weekdays: 6 pm – 10:30 pm Weekends (Friday and Saturday) noon – 3 pm | 7 pm – 10:30 pm For more information or to make a reservation, call 4446 5600 or email restaurant.reservations@ thetorchdoha.com. m
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FOOD REVIEW
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marhaba eats out...
Marriott Marquis City Center Doha
Meat Lovers Paradise at the New York Steakhouse
atmosphere. We were seated by the roof-to-floor windows, by the charming and attentive staff, where we could gaze out across West Bay. At night the view is rather special. To begun our carnivorous culinary journey, we were served some light starters to satiate our appetites until our meats arrived. There was: a shaved vegetable salad with mixed greens, slivers of seasonal vegetables tossed in lemon oregano dressing, a fascinating tuna ceviche dowsed in leche de tigre (tiger milk), and a creamy Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, croutons, parmesan, and anchovies. This was such a refreshing way to start a meal, and more importantly it was light, as we knew we had five courses of meat ahead of us!
he aptly named ‘Butchers Night’ at the New York Steakhouse is the literal meat lovers’ paradise in Doha. With five courses dedicated to superior cuts of your favourite meats this is the best night in town if you are serious about meat.
To start our assent to meat heaven, Canadian Chef James Warnica, wheeled over the first of five trolleys called the ‘Butchers Block’ and began to carve our first meat treat of the evening. The Omaha Tenderloin Wellington was my personal favourite of the entire evening. Golden, crispy puff pastry was wrapped delicately around a slab of beef tenderloin which was coated with a mushroom and foie gras duxelle. When drizzled with the mixed peppercorn sauce, this dish went from delicious to euphoric. This beef wellington was unreservedly the best I have ever tasted and if you try nothing else - this dish is a MUST HAVE!
On the second floor of the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, waits the New York Steakhouse. It is designed as a quintessential steakhouse should be low lights, deep comfy armchairs and a warm, relaxing
It was impossible to imagine how such an incredible dish could be followed up, but when the next Butchers Block arrived with what may have been half a cow on it, we knew we didn’t have anything to worry about.
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Author: Charlotte Wright
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FOOD REVIEW This behemoth was a whole prime rib which had been slow roasted for 24 hours. And that certainly resonated when you felt the meat practically melt in your mouth. This was served with a Cafe de Paris béarnaise sauce and some deliciously creamy gruyere mashed potatoes. After two huge doses of beef, the lamb was a surprise. A huge, steaming herb-crusted rack of lamb was carved up for us. The meat was tender and juicy, while the herbs were flavourful and aromatic. The lamb was served with a fragrant rosemary jus which was wonderful when dribbled over the succulent lamb and sautéed vegetables. The next dish to arrive to our table was a mystery. It arrived at our table encased in a hard shell of salt. But when expertly cracked open, it revealed a whole fish buried inside. The fish was a Norwegian salmon encrusted in salt - bust stuffed with lemon and herbs. The simple seasonings really allowed the flavour of the fresh salmon to shine through and tantalise our palates. Shortly afterwards, our final serving was a whole confit rougie duck served with sweet orange sauce and roasted baby potatoes. After our meat-centric mains, we were happy to see the dessert trolley rolling our way. We could not have endured another course - we were so full! But each mouthful is so exquisite it’s impossible not to clear your plate. A sweet selection of the Chef’s signature desserts were poised on a tray for us - with rich, chocolate tarts and cakes, to nutty bites, and caramel mouthfuls. We were served a beautiful, velvety cheesecake as well with a tasty strawberry coulis. This was certainly an unforgettable, meaty, all-youcan-eat experience! Indulge yourself at Butchers Night on Wednesdays from 6 pm – 11 pm at the New York Steakhouse on Level 2 of the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha. For more information or to make a reservation, please call or WhatsApp 5043 4035. m
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marhaba eats out...
wear at all times and the social distancing markers everywhere, everything is almost normal.
Banyan Tree Doha Thai Night Adventure at Saffron
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Author: Lalaine Turqueza
arhaba’s weeknight outing brought us to the beautiful Banyan Tree Doha, another one of Qatar’s up and coming venue in Msheireb. The opulence of the place is awe-inspiring. Halls, suites and even each little nook are designed to happily surprise guests. Butterflies? You can almost hear them fluttering from some corner. Julia Macario, the Marketing and Communications Manager of Banyan Tree Doha, gave us a quick tour of the new hotel and a glimpse of their spacious suites. While they are yet to officially open in October, the place is very much alive with people coming and going. Except for our face masks which we had to
Our little tour ended at Saffron, the hotel’s signature Thai restaurant. With candles, incense and soft chairs, the space spells relaxation. Well, until the food started coming and then it became Thai food haven. Our welcome drinks came in mini-glasses, seemingly floating on a tray of clouds. It was dry ice actually, but the ‘cloud’ magically spread on our table like fog. Impressive! Thai food is spicy, well, most of their dishes are. That’s a fact. And if you are not much of a spice fan, you can always ask them to tone it down. We did ask Saffron Assistant Manager Rupesh Shrestha and he kindly obliged. Before the formal starters, we were offered a surprise called Amuse Bouche, another pair of appetisers consisting of shrimp spring roll and a refreshing Miang Kam, a traditional Thai snack that has nuts, leaves and more. It literally translates to ‘one bite wrap’ and sort of prepared our palate for the food. The appetizers were quite a spread. Called Khong Wang Ruam, it has chicken satay, prawns wrapped in crispy rice noodles, a reasonable serving of pomelo salad and three dips with all the flavours of Thailand in it - sweet, sour, salty, and of course, spicy. Then came the papaya salad (Som Tum Puu Nin), served with crispy soft-shelled crab. Other countries in Asia have their version of this salad but the Thai version is probably the most popular. It looks simple
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FOOD REVIEW enough, but once you try to make one on your own, you’ll never really get there, flavour-wise. Good thing there’s Saffron. And then came the soup: Tom Yum Goong Tom Yum, like Pad Thai, is synonymous with Thailand. But Saffron’s Tom Yum Goong is way, way better, in terms of presentation and of course, flavour. Each serving comes in special bowls that are kept warm by a tea light candle. A couple of prawns are skewered and placed on top to garnish the bowl. Because we requested NOT SPICY, the soup is of course not spicy at all. After the soup, they again served us a magical glass of sorbet - Butterfly Pea Sorbet - to prepare our palate for the main course. There’s wok-fried beef tenderloin and Pad Thai Goong Sod - you can’t go wrong with noodles; there’s prawn (again) and so far, in my opinion, the most tender braised beef curry. These came with servings of four rice varieties. Are we done yet? Not quite. Going to a Thai restaurant is not complete without Mango Sticky Rice. Saffron’s version has mango slices that are sweet, with rice that is flavoured with just the right hint of coconut. It’s called Khao Niew Mamuang & I-Tim Kati and comes with a scoop of coconut ice cream. As expected the Mango Sticky Rice provided the perfect ending to a flavorful and delicious Thai night, giving us another good reason to go out on a weeknight. One interesting trivia about Saffron: they have an allfemale chef team led by Chef Porntip Eumanan! Located on the 24th floor of Banyan Tree Doha, Saffron is open daily, from 6 pm until 11 pm. For bookings and reservations, call 3992 0808 or 4410 3333. Visit banyantree.com for more information. m
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8/5/21 1:18 PM
marhaba eats out...
Alwadi Hotel MGallery The Exceptional Sofra Author: Ola Diab
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ofra at Alwadi Hotel MGallery is where you can enjoy traditional cuisine with contemporary tastes. The charming restaurant is designed to be reminiscent of Qatari culture and local traditions, with dhow boats, pearl diving and travel bags adorning the walls. Feast on the finest Levant cuisine and regional delicacies in the most unique and generous servings – tempting speciality dishes, which are available à la carte during dinner. Our dinner began with very delicious, fulfilling cold and hot mezzes with a Sofra Signature Hummus Selection, which are six of the chef’s exceptional signature hummus preparations – different flavours
such as Hummus Beiruti (hummus with parsley, lemon juice and cumin powder), Avocado Hummus (hummus with avocado puree), Chili Hummus (hummus with chili paste), Hummus with Pomegranate Molasses (hummus blended with pomegranate molasses), and Meat Hummus (hummus served with minced lamb and pine nuts). Following this immense selection of hummus, we enjoyed a richly flavoured Lebanese Fattoush with fresh cut tomato, cucumber, onion, capsicum, lettuce, mint leaves, fresh zaatar and special chef dressing, and a very tasty Tabbouleh with Pomegranate with dried pomegranate seeds and dressing. It’s Tabbouleh galore on Sofra’s menu, offering Traditional Tabbouleh, Tabbouleh with Green Apple and Tabbouleh with Pineapple. We also enjoyed Labneh with Beetroot. The menu also has Labneh with Garlic, Labneh Keshka and Labneh with Olives. Then the Hot Mezzes graced our table, including Fried Shrimp Kibbeh (homemade kibbeh stuffed with minced shrimp, fresh coriander and pine nuts). The menu also offers Grilled Kibbeh, Fried Meat Kibbeh, Fried Chicken Kibbeh, and Fried Lamb Kibbeh with Pomegranate. This was followed by the Chef Selection of Mixed Fatayer (homemade wrapped fatayer stuffed with minced lamb, fresh cheese and spinach), Fried Halloumi Cheese (breaded and fried halloumi cheese with mint sauce), Potato Harra (fried cubed potato with garlic, chili paste, lemon juice and chopped fresh coriander), and Soujok with Pomegranate Molasses (soujok sausages cooked with pomegranate molasses).
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FOOD REVIEW
Then, feeling fully appetised, we enjoyed a succulent Grilled Meat Grand Platter, which is charcoal grilled Australian lamb chops, shish tawook, lamb kebab and kofta, served with Khashkhash sauce, muhammara flat bread and steak fries, and a juicy Chicken Shawarma, served with homemade garlic sauce, cucumber pickles and fries. Now, it’s time for dessert – as if we had space, but how can you say no to their delectable menu offering? We had Oriental Chocolate, which is dark chocolate cream with nuts and dried fruits infused with jasmine tea. This delicious dinner is one we look forward to enjoying again soon. It’s the best of the Levant cuisine in a way you haven’t experienced it before. Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 7 pm – 11 pm Closed on Mondays Only vaccinated people are allowed to dine-in. Those with a Green Ehteraz status are allowed to dine at the outdoor terrace. For more information or reservations, call 4009 9999 or email reservations. alwadihotel@accor.com. m
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8/5/21 12:51 PM
marhaba eats out...
Mandarin Oriental, Doha Food with Thought Author: Terry Sutcliffe
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he new Liang Signature Menu presents a variety of Liang’s specialities and is designed for sharing with a minimum of two guests. It’s available every Friday and Saturday, from noon until 3 pm, for guests to savour the best of traditional dishes from many provinces across China. For Liang, the word ‘authentic’ is perfectly fitting and correct. From Executive Chef Lam to all the staff dealing with us, the culture and atmosphere of the Mandarin Oriental, the exquisite Chinese setting and decor of Liang restaurant, all will transport you instantly to an expectation of heavenly delights from the middle kingdom.
Like a Ming vase and examples of jade culture and cloisonné, you’ll be amazed at both the technical expertise and the devotion of the Liang restaurant staff which is obvious in the presentation of this comprehensive exhibition of the best in Chinese cuisine. A well-established meal and family tradition in China is Dim Sum and Liang presents both Steamed Dim Sum, followed by Baked Dim Sum. Different varieties are served, each with its own specially made sauce, such as vegetable, crystal shrimp and chicken consommé (that’s the one where you have to be careful not to spill!), then the drier baked samples of turnip cake, spring roll and crispy wonton. Take a refreshing sip of your smooth white tea, as here you’re only a quarter way through the menu and you have already enjoyed – as I am sure you will – six different and distinctive flavours each accompanied by their matching and enhancing dressings. We are then presented with Seafood and Sweetcorn Soup, so refreshing, so nourishing, with different textures in every sip, every spoonful; unsurprising, with a list of ingredients including shrimp, scallop, sweet corn and egg white. So scrumptious, so satisfying. We were then treated to Hot and Sour Soup, a more spicy one with a long list of ingredients including tofu slices, black fungus, chicken slices, egg white and shiitake mushrooms. Now that was tasty! Now onto that most renowned of Chinese dishes, the Peking Duck. The name seems to have resisted
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FOOD REVIEW all post-imperial revisionism and propaganda, and that’s because it’s simply delicious and, thankfully, some good things outlast the ravages of time. In addition to the delectable roasted duck itself, you will marvel at the expertise (and thorough knowledge) of your server who with deft strokes of her knife and chopsticks will surround the delicacy in a small and light steamed pancake which – with the addition of some splashes of Hoisin sauce – will have you, politely, of course, asking if she can make you more, and faster, of the same. Who else goes to this level of creation, in forethought and in execution, to bring you a taste you have probably never had before. Now for some Rib-eye but stir-fried in the Liang way with its soy sauce reduction, served with garlic chips and again distinctively delicious; with the right blend of chewiness and melt-in-your-mouth smooth satisfaction.
Chinese cuisine reflects the size and diversity of the country, its peoples (including overseas) and history. As such the diverse dishes you experience at Liang multiply rapidly and your taste buds are never allowed to rest. Until, of course, the dessert, Fresh Mango Purée, which with the infusion of pomelo and sago makes the perfect cooling digestif to reset your palate after the taste tsunami you have just experienced; or was it a taste tornado that just blew your mind…? Call 4008 8888 or email modohreservations@mohg. com to book your table. m
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marhaba eats out...
Park Hyatt Doha
Taste the Best of Arabia and the Mediterranean at Opus By Ola Diab
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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.
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
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2/18/21 2:35 PM
FOOD REVIEW
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marhaba eats out...
Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha A Bella Notte at The Italian Job By Charlotte Wright
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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.
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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
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marhaba eats out...
Mandarin Oriental, Doha Flavour Tour of Mosaic
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Author: Lalaine Turqueza
osaic sits on the 8th floor of Mandarin Oriental, Doha. Bright, friendly and boasts nine live food stations with everything you could possibly want - grills and dim sum, sushi and biryani, they even make their own paratha in ovens conveniently visible to diners. Tables surround the stations, with views of the Barahat Square on one side and the blue waters of Doha bay on the other. We settled on a corner table. Our friendly server (we’ll call him C) immediately offered a refreshing watermelon mocktail. The menu is straightforward. Salads, soups, a selection of starters, with the main courses classified accordingly plus of course a list of desserts on the last page.
We started with a basket of bread followed by a hot and sour soup matched with a plateful of Quinoa salad. The pairing was reminiscent of a sunny weekend brunch - fresh, green, hinting of sweet, with the soup spiced just enough to remind us of more good food to come. Bring it on. For starters, we sampled several tasty servings of the ‘usual’ favourites - the Japanese sushi and tempura, some Chinese dumplings, a Turkish cheese pide and some very juicy Wagyu skewers (definitely a musttry). The servings are big enough for two people, but if you’d rather not share (for safety reasons *wink *wink) each plate, definitely, is too good for leftovers. The first main event is a grilled black Angus beef ribeye that came with two sauces - creamy wild mushroom sauce and chimichurri. Chimichurri, as you know is a regular grill sauce, popular among fans of churrasco. You can choose from several sides, or follow the recommendations of the friendly staff. The second one is the Kaeng Kung, a Thai curry dish with tiger prawns, best eaten with steamed rice. Yum. Mosaic’s choices of desserts are as many and as varied. They have cakes and ice creams and sorbets. They have Umm Ali and Tiramisu and lemon tarts. They have all the tempting sweets you can only want from a proper restaurant. After all the food, we were thinking of just skipping dessert. But C was very insistent on us having at least a taste of their best sellers. We chose the chocolate brownie and their new Bourbon vanilla cheesecake. Was it a good choice? It definitely had
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FOOD REVIEW
us lounging back and contemplating on all the fun summers we had before the pandemic. Good times. Mosaic at Mandarin Oriental, Doha is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from 6:30 am until 11 pm. Please note that only fully vaccinated guests will be allowed to dine inside the restaurant. Outdoor seating available. For reservations, call 4008 8888 or send an email to modoh-reservations@mohg.com. m
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8/5/21 1:34 PM
marhaba eats out...
Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas
Living Life The Italian Way at Dante
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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.
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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.
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The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Eat Like a True Italian at Seasonal Tastes
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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.
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. You can craft many dishes using a diversity of ingredients; enjoy working in different countries and learn to cook new dishes from different culinary cultures and a variety of ingredients. 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, and fried croquettes was enhancing our fervour.
‘Eat Like An Italian’ Night is brought to life by Chef Massi - an authentic Italian, cooking authentic Italian food. We had to ask:
After diving in to our first course, and with so much food still to choose from we asked Chef for some direction:
Marhaba: Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your history of cooking.
Marhaba: What is your favorite dish on the wonderful “Eat Like An Italian” menu and why?
I am originally from Italy from a city called Vasto, which is on the seaside of Abruzzo on the Adriatic.
Definitely, that would be Pizza and Brodetto di Pesce alla Vastese!
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FOOD REVIEW 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 stew, cooked in a clay pot, using fresh seafood caught by our city’s fishermen the night before. We never missed cleaning the plate with our bread, 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 - or four cheese pizza. I decided that I had to taste the four cheese pizza and I can 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. It was the perfect balance of pizza and generous topping.
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. 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
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. I was craving pasta and to my surprise there wasn’t just a single pasta special on the menu - there was a whole dedicated ‘Make Your Own’ station and not only can you make your own pasta but your own 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! 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
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Mandarin Oriental, Doha Chinese Cuisine at Its Very Best
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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.
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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
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Park Hyatt Doha
Sora: Spectacular Food, Spectacular Views
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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.
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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
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marhaba eats out...
Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha A Real Public House with Retro Vibes Offering Great Value American Diner Menu
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Author: Brian Candy n the UK, stand-alone establishments that primarily serve drinks (food secondary) are called Public Houses, or ‘pubs’ for short.
Ever heard of the phrase ‘going down the pub’? Well, last Friday, I went down the pub, and the pub I went to is actually called the Public House — the one that can be found in Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha.
There is a separate entrance and dedicated car park for the Public House, which from here on I’m going to call the ‘Pub’. As you drive on to the hotel’s island, turn left and head for the giant horse. The entrance is right by the side and it’s very well signed. The Pub has a large spacious indoor area with plenty of comfortable seating/dining tables and a lot of large screens sprinkled around the room for everyone to see. There are games available to play at your table such as Jenga and, of course, a first-class music system. It also has a terrace for when the weather permits, and a chef from New York — all the ingredients to a fun, relaxed and most enjoyable visit. Talking of ingredients, let’s get on to the food. The menu is classic American Diner, plus a bit extra. All my favourites are there: burgers, salads, corn dogs (yum), sandwiches, etc. It’s a huge comprehensive menu of feel-good food prepared by a true New Yorker, the portions are generous and the prices are very reasonable. Also, the whole menu including breakfast is available all day long, seven days a week. I started with a Mixed Market Salad. I’m not much of a salad person, but the Mixed Market was exactly how I like a salad to be: with slices of apple, walnuts, Manchago cheese and a delicious dressing. It was super tasty and refreshing. Next I tried the Lobster & Crab Rolls. They are exactly what their name suggests; bite size rolls (well bite size for me anyway) filled with lobster and crab meat mixed into a mayo dressing with ‘Old Bay Spice’. They went very nicely with the salad.
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FOOD REVIEW One of my favourite American diner foods was next on the table: a plate of two large and perfectly prepared corn dogs dressed with honey Dijon mustard, Japanese mayo, and good old Heinz ketchup. I would come back to the Pub just for more of those. Last out was the delicious Not Just a Baked Potato, a hearty, very generous portion of baked potato filled with shredded smoked brisket, avocado, chive and sour cream. That, along with a pint of my favourite beverage after work, would be a lovely way to end a hard day. For dessert, I decided to try a slice of carrot cake, which is big enough to share (if, of course you are into sharing). It was a lovely, moist carrot cake served with frosting, walnuts, cinnamon and ice cream. I’m going to be popping down the Public House at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha again very soon, and I recommend you do the same. I may see you there. For more information, follow @publichousedoha on Facebook and Instagram. For reservations, call 4035 5011 or send a message via Whatsapp at 7449 6058, or email to reservation.marsamalaz@kempinski.com m
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Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha A relaxing brunch at The Cellar Author: Terry Sutcliffe
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or a relaxed and relaxing, indeed a lazy, Saturday brunch head over to The Cellar for tapas and wine where a great atmosphere, attentive and informative service and multiple flavours will help make your weekend one to remember. There’s nothing lazy about this menu which also offers very good value: varieties, tastes and textures are exquisitely presented by the artistic chefs who clearly love their craft and delight in their creativity, and, there’s a good choice of drinks all of excellent quality. So, settle in, chill out, relax and enjoy the surprising variety and tastes in the various dishes. The chefs are really creative and there are some delicious toppings.
One of the best things about tapas is they’re a great way to sample a range of dishes and ingredients without over-ordering. Tapas are a great tradition of the Spanish, known for a certain latin joie de vivre and love of good food. It’s a key part of eating in Spain and, of course, the same idea exists in other cultures, like mezze in the Middle East. It’s an idea being adopted and adapted around the world, too. And why not, it’s a fun way to eat! Let’s start with the various appetisers: How about octopus salad, sun-dried tomatoes, stuffed peppers, beef cecina with eggplant aioli, marinated anchovies, manchego cheese with olives, goat cheese, green salad, spanish onion and potato frittata – how’s that for choice and for taste. Worthy of mention were the hearty artichoke soup and the refreshing mixed green salad. This mention should also include the accompaniments; so far all the dishes have been visually delightful, and their taste and texture have kept that promise of delight. But The Cellar Brunch doesn’t stop here: those were just the appetisers. Now choose from a selection of main dishes which just about cover al tastes: fish, seafood, steak and chicken, plus a vegetarian paella. All the dishes look equally delicious and desirable on the plate. The lobster tail was great, cooked sous vide for a softer texture, as was the chicken, or rather confit of chicken, the process that delivers softer, more tender, melt-in-your-mouth nourishment. This seems to be the trademark of the cellar: to make a little more effort where the customer gets a lot more satisfaction.
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FOOD REVIEW And more mains: have you ever seen such substantial and succulent servings of prime beef bbq steak and supreme sea bass, both dishes served with their colourful accompaniments. Desserts with a Spanish flavour to bring the brunch to a suitably satisfactory finale. Churros are unashamedly hedonistic and indulgent, but the sorbets taste so fresh and refreshing. However, the final prize of the afternoon must go to the product of Catalunya, the Crema Catalana Clasica – similar to creme brulée but so much better! A delightful combination of crispy on top, followed by smooth, sweet, and velvety cream to savour. Saturday Brunch (or Lazy Brunch Sabado) 12:30 pm – 4 pm every Saturday. For reservations, call 4141 1234 or WhatsApp 6608 5806. m
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3/2/22 10:31 AM
marhaba eats out...
Marriott Marquis City Center Doha The New Big Apple Brunch at the New York Steakhouse!
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Author: Brian Candy
o today I find myself seated in one of the most reputed Friday Brunches in Doha. I’m in the New York Steak House within the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha. And my expectations are high. Is it going to live up to its reputation? I’m about to find out. The Brunch format is a la carte. There’s an extensive brunch menu, and you can order anything you like
from it, as many times as you like. Some dishes are for one, some to be shared. The menu was so extensive that I asked chef to make recommendations for me. And he did a great job of it. Here we go, first out was an amazing seafood platter, named the ‘Fulton St. Seafood Tower’ with Poached Canadian Lobster, Alaskan King Crab, Giant Prawns, Scallop Ceviche, Octopus Escabeche, and Tuna Ceviche. Beautifully prepared, beautifully presented, and an absolute delight to eat. As a true seafood lover, this was a fabulous start. Of special mention is the lobster and the tuna. Here in Doha, I have had plenty of lobster that didn’t make the grade for me. This knocked the ball out of the court. Delicious! Next up was the amazing slow roasted Wagyu Tomahawk rack. This comes to your table on a trolley, and they slice it right there in front of you. Served with Milk Buns and Cheddar Popovers both of which are mini breads. And dollops of mustards along with their very own freshly prepared horseradish. I tasted the breads and they were very nice, but I decided against eating them to save room for more delights to come. The Wagyu was cooked to perfection. Oh my goodness I am in beef heaven. Am I making you hungry yet? Most of the dishes on the menu are named after New York districts and next up was an assortment presented on a board. First I tried the ‘Staten Island 36 Hot Dog’ Scallop, Lobster and Black Truffle Sausage in Espellete Brioche with Fennel Relish and Caviar Mayo. Well that’s a hot dog with a difference.
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FOOD REVIEW Next was the ‘Williamsburg Standard Toast’. Avocado served on organic sourdough, with blistered tomato and Quail Egg. Very nice indeed. Next the ’East 65th Burger Junior’. A Wagyu patty served with Foie Gras and Raclette. And last on the board but one of my favourite dishes of the day so far, was the ‘Angus Sandwich’. Prime Striploin, Edam cheese and a spicy hollandaise sauce served as an open sandwich. Then came ‘Short Ribs Croquettes’. Vine braised short ribs with breadcrumbs and a spicy sauce. He shoots, he scores! Goal! These were amazing and jump to the number one position on my Croquettes top 10. And that was followed by a plate of ‘Hudson Valley Carpaccio’. And this is going to delight your palate the same as it did mine. Yum! If I wasn’t working my way through the menu, I would have repeat ordered this as well. Tastebud tastick! And then for my final mains salvo, ‘Beef Cheek’, ‘Grilled Skirt Steak’ and ‘Long Beach Seabass’. The beef cheek is served on what looks like mashed potato, but turned out to be celery root cooked in truffle oil. Served with a tasty braising jus, pecorino and a fried egg on top. A really hearty dish which if I ordered again, I would ask them to hold the fried egg. The grilled Skirt steak was a delicious piece of steak beautifully seasoned (Montreal Spiced) and served with Raclette Poutine. This I would order a lot more of. Absolutely delicious!
And finally surprise of the day was the Seabass. I have ordered Seabass in some very reputable seafood restaurants. And here I am in a Steak House eating what in all honesty is one of the best plates of Seabass I have ever had. And I had to compliment chef on an outstanding dish. And for the finale (drum roll) dessert (symbol strike). I had an individual strawberry cheesecake served with chocolate ice cream, and a chocolate fondant pudding with vanilla ice cream. Now I’m no expert (Errr…. Wait a second… yes I am) but the ice cream being freshly made right in front of me, seems to be cream and plenty of liquid nitrogen. Result… ice cream granules. And this represents the end of a wonderful afternoon spent in the most eloquent of surroundings. Did the New York Steak House live up to its reputation? Oh yes it did. For a quality brunch with the finest quality dishes, look no further than the New York Steak House, located in the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha. About The Big Apple Brunch: When: Friday, Noon – 4 pm Where: New York Steakhouse Prices: QAR495 including soft beverages or QAR595 including selected beverages To get in touch with the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, and the New York Steakhouse, please call 4419 5510 or Whatsapp 6643 6890. m
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marhaba eats out...
Aleph Doha Residences
depending on how many people there are at the table. And then everyone around your table can help themselves to all 5 dishes. So, like I say it’s a kind of private buffet. And you can order more of anything that you like. Reorders are unlimited. Then for the main there are a further 5 dishes. And a further 2 for dessert. And each course is delivered in the same way as the appetiser. All items come to your table to share with friends and family, and then you can order as much as you like of anything that really grabs you.
n absolute gem, that you may not know exists, is the IKA restaurant (pronounced eka) in Aleph Doha Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton. I certainly was unaware of it. And now I want to take this opportunity to bring it to your attention. Because this is one of those food experiences that has completely surprised me.
So let me tell you about the appetisers. Guacamole, Beef Tataki, Dragon Roll’s, Cachapas and Taco Camaron. The Guacamole was made with avocado, pomegranate and lime and served in a smoking glass dome and it had a nice smoky tint to it. Enjoyed with tortilla chips. Beef Tataki is finely sliced striploin served with yuzu gel and ponzu dressing. Cachapas is a corn pancake with sour cream and mozzarella cheese. And finally Taco tortilla, tempura prawns served on a taco along with coleslaw and smoked paprika. All of these were amazing, but be careful, don’t order too much extra of these. They are so delicious that you will be tempted to. But you will need room for the next course. I have to single out the Beef Tataki. It was exceptional! I could just sit here all day eating that over and over again. The flavours are just divine.
I’m having the Friday Brunch at the IKA. I’ll tell you more about the taste in a moment. I’m going to start by explaining the concept. It’s not a buffet as you’d expect. It’s a kind of private buffet. There are 5 items on the appetiser menu, and they will deliver all 5 to your table. Adjusting the portion size of each dish
It’s time for the mains and to the table comes a succulent Argentine rib eye steak, Seafood Trigotto (risotto to you and me), Pollo – char-grilled chicken with shiro miso and sesame, Umami Fries with truffle and rosemary seasoning, and last but not least Green Salad with tomato dressing. All fabulous and super
South American Cuisine Done Absolutely Bang On!
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Author: Brian Candy
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FOOD REVIEW tasty, but I’m going to give the seafood risotto an extra point for being an absolutely perfect risotto for me. I haven’t ordered anything extra yet, the portion sizes are very generous. But remember if there is anything you like, you can request more of it. I’m a big guy, and I only just have enough room for the desserts that are about to arrive. And here they are, Chef’s Platter – A trio of hazelnut mousse, chocolate mousse and peanut butter mousse. Along with a Princessa – A chocolate mousse with berries, choco peta and lucuma. The Princessa really rang my bell, absolutely delicious. And it had a secret ingredient that gave it an extra touch. But I’m not going to tell you what it was, you have to try it to find out for yourself what lay hidden. IKA caught me completely by surprise. I’d never heard of it and had no idea what to expect. I would however strongly recommend that you discover for yourself what a hidden gem of a place this is. The Friday brunch is a bargain at QAR249 for soft drinks, and an extra QAR100 if you would like the drinks that are not soft. I will definitely be returning, and will be telling everyone I know how good it is here. For reservations, call or WhatsApp 3359 3043. m
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2/17/22 11:35 AM
marhaba eats out...
Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel Enjoy a Traditional Italian Family Get Together Right Here in Doha Author: Brian Candy
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ring the family, bring friends, bring everyone, and enjoy each other’s company the Italian way. With great food that will bring a smile to your heart, your tummy and of course your face. Sharing has never been so much fun. The Glass House at Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel is stunning. Airy and spacious with lashings of green. You are transported miles away from the past week, and the week ahead. The setting is well designed and prepares you for the coming gastronomic feast.
The starter station is dominated by seafood, but there is something for everyone there. Fresh and bursting with flavour. And my first plate was also dominated by seafood as it’s always my preferred starter. I love scallops, and I partnered them with shrimps, muscles, cigale (a sort of mini lobster), bresaola (cured beef) and of course tomato mozzarella. But of course it’s a brunch, so you design your own starter, no need to copy mine. Round two and it had to be pizza. Today, there was pizza margherita and pizza Contadina. And into the mix I also added Bruschetta with Duxelles. All three were bang on! I especially love it when you try to take a slice of pizza and the cheese goes crazy stringy. And this cheese was way out of control stringy. Loved it. The base had the texture and taste you only get from an Italian restaurant that knows its stuff. The toppings were really tasty without the over complicated ingredients used in errr…. Shall we say American style pizza. The Bruschetta with Duxelles was made with truffle oil and it exploded with flavour. And even though I eat it at the beginning of this paragraph (yes I do write as I eat) I can still taste it vividly even now. Next, I asked Chef Nicolas Di Virgilio to recommend a pasta dish for me. And without hesitation he said he would prepare a lasagne Bolognese and a Ravioli stuffed with Veal Cheek for me. Both were the real deal. You will not experience these dishes (or similar) from any fast food brand I know of. Without requesting it, chef then appeared at my table and prepared the best linguini I have ever
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had. Ever!! He had a wheel of parmesan cheese, he placed freshly cooked tagliatelle on top (still piping hot) and he stirred it on top of the cheese while simultaneously shaving off flakes of parmesan with the spoon. And then he added oodles of truffle paste, which he stirred in before serving. Mama Mia! Divine! By the way this was not preferential treatment, he moved around the room preparing the same for every other table as well. Come and visit the Glass House and bring your camera with you, this is something you will want to tease everyone you know with. I now have a full belly. But there is an amazing cheese board and a dessert section to attack yet. And those breads look so good. What to do? I decided that I did not want to eat so much that I would become uncomfortable. And as such decided to go straight to dessert. There was a Crème Brûlée with my name on it, and I’m on my way to get it. A couple of minuets later…. That’s it… I’m done! No more room. Well maybe enough to squeeze in a Cappuccino. Crème Brûlée is my favourite dessert, and this one had a nice thick caramelised sugar crust on top that had that amazing crack when I smashed through it. Am I coming back here? Absolutely! Would I recommend it? Without a doubt, and especially to Italians. And at QAR220 for adults and QAR95 for kids ages 6 to 12 years, this is a bargain. Tell Chef Nicolas Brian sent you. For reservations and more details, call 4445 5555/35. m
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2/16/22 10:35 AM
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W Doha Hotel & Residences Time to Tuk Tuk into a Delicious Friday Brunch at Spice Market
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Author: Brian Candy ARNING! The word delicious is used on more than one occasion in this article.
The W Doha Hotel & Residences has just launched their new Friday ‘Tuk Tuk Brunch’ in their Spice Market restaurant. They have taken delicacies from seven countries; Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand and presented them beautifully on Tuk Tuk themed live stations. This is a food bloggers paradise, no need to fly anywhere, it’s all in one place. Being British, I unimaginatively
started with a roast beef dish from Hong Kong. Roasted Striploin with Hong Kong Sauce – one of the best slices of beef I’ve ever had. Pink exactly how I like it with roast vegetables. I was just tucking into that when a nice gentleman appeared and asked me if I’d like some sushi. I said that would be very nice and he disappeared and promptly reappeared with enough sushi for me to open my own restaurant. I’m not an expert on sushi and so I was super glad he brought me a selection that I didn’t have to think about. And it was all delicious. I’m not an expert on sushi, but I know good food when I have it, and this (and no I’m not kidding) was the best sushi I have ever had. Bursting with flavours that I had never come across in sushi before. And the amazing thing about it, is that this is part of a Friday brunch. I was beginning to understand why my friends always spoke so highly of the Spice Market in the W Doha. Next I visited Thailand, and foolishly asked the chap on the Tuk Tuk to cook me something. I actually said cook me anything you like, surprise me. He asked me to return to my table and said he would bring me something shortly. And true to his word, he did bring me something, and then something else, and then something else. Service was awesome, nothing was too much trouble. Staff go out of their way to please you. The dishes from Thailand were absolutely gorgeous. I erroneously forgot to ask what they all were, however I know one of them was Pad Thai. I started making my way through them enjoying every mouthful, when I realised, I still had five more countries to visit.
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Then I took a Tuk Tuk to Sri Lanka. Where I learned never to tell a Sri Lankan Chef you like it spicy. He prepared me a Koththu Parata. Boom! I say again, never tell a Sri Lankan Chef you like it spicy. Luckily I do like it spicy, and this is why Sri Lankan continues to be one of my favourite cuisines. But this may challenge some of you. Before taking another Tuk Tuk, I simply must tell you about the mocktail’s in the Spice Market. They are so good I can’t stop drinking them. Especial the Pina Colada. I think I’ve already drunk about five of them. Hong Kong, Thailand and Sri Lanka done. Next up China, and Glass Noodle Japchal. A spicy noodle salad dish. By this point I’m starting to ask for small portions because Thailand took so much of my stomach real estate early on. Another short Tuk Tuk ride, and I’m in Vietnam. I decided to go for Beef Broth with Rice Noodles. A light delicious beef broth with vegetables and noodles. This is a delightful dish that is so much more than its name infers, bright with tangy flavours. This would have been my appetiser if I had known about it. Taxi! I mean Tuk Tuk! Malaysia please driver. And on arrival I order a Nasi Lemak and a Pomelo Salad. Nasi Lemak is a rice dish with beans and fried boiled egg. The boiled egg, fried, was something a little different for me. Quite nice actually. And Nasi Lemak a salad with a slight bitterness in its flavour. And last but not least Indonesia for some Mixed Seafood Skewers and Beef Satay. Phew!! I’ve made it. Seven countries, seven Tuk Tuk Live Stations and a massive portion of sushi. I’m done! Oh no… wait a minute, there is an eighth station… Desserts. I can’t leave without a dessert. And they had just the thing for me. Teppanyaki rolled ice cream, prepared right in front of me. They literally pour coffee and cream onto a cold plate, spread it thin until it freezes and then scrape it into rolls. A perfect dessert to finish my culinary journey around Asia. Tuk Tuk Brunch is available every Friday, noon – 4 pm. At just QAR350 for soft drinks, QAR450 for special sips and QAR550 for sparkling you get an afternoon packed with more variety than you could possibly handle. For reservations or more information, call 4453 5135 or WhatsApp 7794 3975. m
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W Doha Hotel & Residences
The First Brunch at COYA Doha Is One Of A Kind!
the fresh elements of a traditional Peruvian guacamole, which were all quickly mashed up by our wonderful server. The result was a truly fresh, creamy guacamole. For our first course, we were treated to a fabulous selection of Maki Rolls - Maki Roll de Aguacate and Maki Roll de Salmon. The first was a mouthful of shiitake, avocado, quinoa, sesame seeds and aji limo. The second platter were rolls of salmon sushi with spicy mayo, soy, daikon and orange tobiko. In addition to these flavourful treats, we also had Croquettas de Lubina with chilean sea bass croquettes sprinkled with red chilli and Papa y Pollo Taco. These balls of grilled chicken, bell pepper, and huayro potato were packed with flavour!
This restaurant is well known for its exquisite Peruvian dishes, fabulous and intricate design and spectacular location - at the W Doha Hotel & Residences. And now they have added a brunch to their resume - and not your standard brunch either - a five course brunch!
This second course features the classic Peruvian dish that COYA Doha is known for - ceviche! I’ve never had better ceviche than at COYA Doha and this course displays all of their various flavours and styles. There was Lubina Clasica with sea bass, Salmon Nikkei, Atun Chifa with yellowfin tuna, Pez Limon with yellowtail, and Atun Nikkei with yellowfin tuna and pickled cucumber. There were loads of other treats as well like Tuna Tacos, Octopus Causa and Picante de Pepino. My two favourite dishes were the Hongos which was wild mushrooms, choclo, shallots, and crispy enoki which had this fab umami flavour. The other favourite of mine was the Tataki de Res Wagyu which is Wagyu beef tataki with cashew nut puree.
First to arrive at our table was just a small sampling of what’s to come - a selection of Oysters, Peruvian Bean Dip and, of course, a guacamole! A huge stone mortar and pestle was brought to our table contain all
This next course may have been my favourite! The prime short rib served in mantou baos with aji amarillo or ‘Baos con Res’ was utterly divine - the meat was so soft it just fell apart in your mouth. In
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Author: Charlotte Wright
t Marhaba, we are lucky enough to have some pretty spectacular invites - but to attend the very first brunch at the renowned COYA Doha was truly a thrill!
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FOOD REVIEW addition to the Baos we were served a tray of various skewers on a bed of charcoal. There were three different skewers - the Res Anticucho which was a beef fillet, with aji panca and coriander, the Pollo Anticucho which was chicken with aji amarillo and garlic, and then the Setas Anticucho which was forest mushroom cubes tossed in aji amarillo and garlic. For course number four, COYA Doha has switched things up and you select a larger course of your choice. We decided to try the Costillas de Res and the Pollo a la Parrilla. The costillas were beef ribs cooked with miso and aji limo. The pollo was a succulent corn fed chicken, roasted with aji panca and coriander. In addition to your main courses, you can choose some delicious side dishes like patatas bravas, arroz con choclo, and brocoli. Finally, we were treated to an excellent platter of various sweet treats - all served on a bed of fresh popcorn. There was ice cream, churros with orange chocolate sauce, passionfruit ice cream, berry sorbet with a surprising cinnamon flourish. There really is something for everyone! About the Brunch at COYA Doha: When: Friday, noon - 3:45 pm Price: QAR350 - Non-alcoholic package QAR450 - House beverage package QAR550 - Premium beverage package - includes bubbles and pisco sour and infusion of the day To get in touch with COYA Doha, please call 4453 5416 or email wdoha.coya. reservations@whotels.com m
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1/16/22 11:53 AM
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Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park
Saturday Brunch Meat Up at Rodizio
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Author: Charlotte Wright
rowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park is fast becoming the venue to ‘Brunch It Up!’. With three different brunch offerings: The AllRounder at Aramede, The Social Druncher at Stock Burger Co., and finally... The Meat Lover at Rodizio. Being meat lovers ourselves, we had to sample Saturday brunch at Rodizio - the notorious Brazilian Churrascaria restaurant on the ground floor of the Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park.
We were the first guests to arrive at this absolutely gorgeous restaurant. The highlight of the design is the kitchen with ‘seethrough’ walls at the centre of the dining room. You can see your main courses spinning on skewers as they slowly cook beside upright grills. Don’t get me started on the aromas that were wafting through the place - they has us salivating before we even sat down! For the price of QAR249 per person the amount of food on offer is astounding. With five courses, this brunch is not for the faint-hearted. Brazilian Appetisers: To begin our meat feast we were brought a platter with a small bite of Brazilian delights. Like Pao de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), Plantian Fritto (fried bananas with cinnamon), Crispy Fried Cassava Balls with parsley and garlic, Coxinha with cheese and sundried tomato (chicken croquettes), and crunchy beef empanada. Our favourites were the Brazilian cheese bread - which seemed to be more cheese than bread - and the chicken croquettes which were out of this world! Asian Appetisers: Next, we were served plate after plate of delicious appetisers. We a selection of seafood treats: a plate of Smoked Salmon Rolls with teriyaki sauce, another dish with Shrimp Tempura with wasabi mayonnaise, a plate of Tuna Tataki with ponzu dressing and a platter of Sushi with maki and nigiri. Each offering was a fantastically seasoned, and cooked to perfection.
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FOOD REVIEW If you haven’t tried any of the seafood sensations before this is the perfect occasion to try anything for the first time - because its guaranteed to be some of the best! Salads: To keep our guilt to a minimum, we were served two health bombs: a tuna ceviche salad, and a classic Caesar Salad. The Caesar salad was fresh, crunchy and drizzled with a tangy, creamy, cheesy dressing with great chunks of grilled chicken. While the tuna ceviche salad was raw, and tangy with tiny cubes of tuna and veggies tossed together and left to marinate. Each was different but delicious. Mains: Now the moment we’ve all been waiting for... where you turn your coaster to ‘Give Me More Meats!’. The parade of freshly cooked, prime cuts of meat begins. There was skewer after skewer of perfectly flavoured and cooked meats - of all kinds too. There was Australian lamb, chicken drumsticks, chicken thighs, beef tri-tip, sirloin, ribeye, duck, AND prawns. My only advice is to pace yourself!
with scoops of ice cream. (The creme brulee was so good, we actually ordered two...) Another fabulous choice was the coconut tres leches which was soggy cake doused in coconut milk, red fruit, and passion fruit ice cream. After this incredible staging of Brazilian Churrascaria and Asian delights, we were more that satisfied. This venue is certainly worth the trip for the Saturday brunch! About Saturday Brunch at Rodizio: When: Saturdays, 12:30 pm - 3 pm Price: QAR249 per person with unlimited cuts QAR120 extra for unlimited house beverages for 2 hours Reserve your table via Whatsapp on 5038 2628 or call 4408 7777 / 4031 3333. m
The chicken thighs with chipotle was an instant favourite of mine, the flavouring was epic. But all of the beef samplings were incredible as well - each cooked to perfection, and dripping with flavour. Desserts: When you have finally had your fill of meat, meat and more meat and you reluctantly turn your coaster over to signal your defeat; dessert will be waiting. An wonderful array of sweet treats were brought to our table including a classic Creme Brulee, Alfajores, Coconut Tres Leches and a tall, martini glass filled
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JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha
Swimming in Flavour and Fun at Koi Brunch in Shanghai Club! Author: Charlotte Wright
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erched on the top of West Bay, on the 43rd floor of JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, is Shanghai Club. This haven of Pan-Asian cuisine has views that will give you goose bumps, and food that is sure to delight you. Their new Koi Brunch is the perfect opportunity to sample all the best that Shanghai Club has to offer.
Under the feet of the huge dragon that towers over the restaurant, lies what the Doha community have been craving.... Live entertainment! This electric jazz band ignited the atmosphere at Shanghai Club creating the perfect bouncing brunch vibe. In addition to the band, there was a huge coconut collection where you could sample exquisitely fresh coconut water to hydrate before your foray into Friday brunch. In addition to the fresh coconuts, there was an array of fancy mocktails, cocktails, wines, beers and bubbly on offer. And the drinks menu was a revelation - literally. At the centre of the table were two Chinese fans; if you open them up, inscribed on the fabric between the blades are all the luscious sips on offer. After you have drank your fill, you can initiate the march of delicious food that is sure to come your way. The first treat to arrive was a piping hot bowl of sour and spicy Tom Yum soup. It was the perfect palette cleanser to began our parade of Pan-Asian delicacies. When our bowls were licked clean, our appetisers arrived. Every dish was presented immaculately but the Assorted Sushi platter stole the show. With shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, lobster rolls crispy phili, shrimp nigiri and sashimi, and salmon nigiri and sashimi this assortment is truly paradise for sushi lovers. Continuing with our seafood theme, we were served a Soft Shell Bao - which looks very intimidating at first - but once you dive in, you won’t regret it! The Kani Salad paired wonderfully with the seafood as well, the yuzu juice and ginger garlic really paired well with the seafood palate.
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FOOD REVIEW Buried in ice, was the tuna tartar. Served ice cold this dish is a wonder for tuna lovers - and if you’ve never tried it before - this would be the venue to do it. You won’t find better anywhere I imagine! In addition to the classic chicken satay with lashings of peanut sauce, and mango salad, we were treated to corn tempura - which I had never tried before. The corn obviously sweetened the dish, but the tempura style of frying in batter added a salty flavour that was incredibly tasty. In addition to the mocktails, cocktails and sparkling vino there was also a roaming cocktail cart shaking up a secret signature cocktail served with a delicate rose petal. For our main course, as if we hadn’t been treated enough, we were served another fantastic array of delicious dishes. Including, Malaysian BBQ Mamak Chicken, and Steamed Seabass served and cooked inside a banana leaf, served beside Phad Thai Noodles, Wok Flashed Vegetables and steamed rice. Despite the deliciousness of the dishes above, my two recommendations would have to be: the Peking Duck and the Short Ribs. The slivers of perfectly cooked Peking duck were served with thin pancakes, shredded leek and cucumber and oodles of Hoisin sauce to make your own mouth-watering bites of sweet and savoury flavour. The Short Ribs had been cooked for 48 hours so you can imagine how the meat simply fell apart in your mouth.
Time for the sweet tooth’s to rejoice - it’s time for dessert! In addition to great savoury dishes, Shanghai Club also offers an array of sweet treats. These are actually some of my favourite desserts in Doha; not too sweet, full of fresh, fruity flavours. We enjoyed the passion fruit cheesecake (Giggly Cheesecake) - which is my personal favourite - a raspberry Sans Rival, a Matcha Espuma and of course the classic: Mango Sticky Rice. A (Squid) Game: Inspired by the hit Netflix show, Squid Game, Shanghai Club have created their own game to end your fabulous brunch experience. If you can break your heart away from the rest of your Dalgona Candy - without cheating! - you win a cute selection of signature shots! A wonderful, fun task to laugh about with your friends and family. The Koi Brunch at the Shanghai Club in the JW Marriott Marquis is a MUST TRY! With spectacular views, incredible dishes, and a fabulous atmosphere this brunch is perfect for everyone. And the best news of all - it is one of the best priced brunches I have seen here in Doha - especially when you consider what is included. About Koi Brunch: When: Friday, noon - 3 pm Price: QAR240 for soft beverages, QAR360 for enhanced beverages package Call 4419 5510 or Whatsapp 6643 6890 to book your reservation m
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12/2/21 1:20 PM
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Marriott Marquis City Center Doha A Casa Della Nonna Brunch at Cucina
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Author: Matthew Wright
or lovers of authentic Italian food look no further than Cucina! This haven of Italian cuisine is located at the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, offering both à la carte and a brunch option there truly is something for everyone. We were fortunate enough to be invited for a delicious brunch at Cucina and upon entering the restaurant we were greeted by the friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful staff. They directed us through the beautiful, rustic yet refined interior and past the display of
incredible looking desserts to our table. It was here we could truly appreciate the atmosphere created by the exposed brick walls and archways, hanging lights and varnished wood furnishings, immediately it felt like being transported to Italy for a wonderful candle light dinner. As we took in the warmly lit interior the excitement for what would surely be an amazing Italian dining experience with authentic Italian food grew. Masterminding the menu available at Cucina is the Sicilian-born Head Chef Claudio Trovato. His craftsmanship and understanding of Italian flavours brings unique dishes to Cucina that nonetheless feel authentically Italian. Chef Claudio believes that to get the best from Italian cuisine local and seasonal ingredients should be used, to ensure you are enjoying fresh ingredients at the height of their flavours. Beyond just crafting the delicious menu, Chef Claudio brings warm Italian hospitality to Cucina, the notion of guests being part of La Famiglia (The Family) certainly shows through in his dedication to make amazing food for all his guests. Perhaps the best example of the family welcome you will receive comes from the name of the brunch itself. ‘A Casa Della Nonna’ brunch isn’t just any brunch as its meaning in English is brunch at grandmother’s house. As for our dining experience at Cucina, we were first brought the chef’s selection of appetizers; these delicious treats were mostly a collection of different vegetables cooked in an Italian style. The caramelised onions were particularly delicious. A big stand out of the brunch was brought shortly after the
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FOOD REVIEW appetizers, this being the fried calamari and the mac and cheese croquette. The batter for the calamari was crunchy and the tartar sauce brought alongside it offered a fantastic crunch with a pop of zesty flavour, making for a truly fantastic experience. The mac and cheese perfectly walked the line between being dry and moist, creating a centre of deliciously melted, stringy cheese and soft macaroni, truly it should be a must have for any fans of savoury foods. Following next was probably the highlight of our Cucina experience; a truffle pizza! This piping hot, fresh-from-the-oven pizza was brought to our table on a classically Italian pizza peel. As the pizza slices were split a wave of delicious aromas were released, the combination of the earthy truffles and melted mozzarella was incredibly inviting. Biting into this pizza was like taking a bite from a work of art and we couldn’t help but feel slightly sad when we had finished. Part of the reason this dish was so great is the care Cucina takes when making their dough, this process takes 72 hours and it is definitely worth it. Their method involves using traditional techniques to ensure that the dough for each pizza ends up perfect, allowing for the ideal rise on the crust. Along with the pizza we were brought a seafood risotto and bucatini pasta in richly flavoured tomato sauce. The seafood risotto was truly fantastic, and for a dish with such reputation for being difficult to master, Cucina made it look easy. The bucatini pasta in tomato sauce was perhaps the most anticipated of all the dishes, owing to it being so synonymous
with Italian cuisine and it truly did not disappoint. The pasta was cooked to a perfect degree but the real stand out was the tomato sauce, richly seasoned with Italian herbs it was mouth-wateringly delicious. Believe it or not, because we certainly didn’t, we were still to have our main course. We were given multiple options but ultimately we settled on the seafood salad, swordfish, mozzarella in carroza and a ‘squashed meatball’. The seafood salad seemed to contain as many types of seafood as the sea itself, making this salad fitting for any lover of seafood. The ‘squashed meatball’ was incredible; the meat practically melts in your mouth. This was covered in a rich tomato sauce that had been made to better pair with the meatball, showing the dedication of the chefs to give the best possible experience. The fried mozzarella in carroza had a fantastic crunch from its breadcrumb coating and the inside was filled with molten mozzarella that practically oozed deliciousness as we cut it apart. If you are looking for a reasonably priced Friday brunch to spend with your family or friends, this Casa Della Nonna brunch is perfect for you! Cucina is a homey, beautiful restaurant which is brought alive by Chef Claudio and his passion for cooking! A Casa Della Nonna costs QAR145 or QAR265 with selected beverages. Reservations are required, to make a reservation or for more information please call 4419 5510 or WhatsApp 6643 6890. m
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Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park Friday Brunch at Aramede, the Wonderful International All-Day Dining Restaurant
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Author: Terry Sutcliffe
hat a spread! There’s an amazing array of dishes on display; I’ve never seen such quantity and variety and it’s all laid out in gorgeous colour in the spacious, light and airy Aramede Restaurant on the ground floor of Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park. This is going to be good, so Bon Appétit to everyone!
I was going dizzy taking in all the displays: from cold cuts, to pizza, to cold and hot Arabic mezze, cold and roasted vegetables, and of course soup. Lentil, of course. Good for you. And then to the sea: Red Mullet and Snapper, Seabass, Seabream, and Salmon which the friendly and professional staff will grill you one right now; takes about 10 minutes. Can’t wait. So good, and good for you. Plus oysters, lobster tails poached shrimps, mussels, squid and octopus, take your pick. On the outside of the circle was the carvery, showcasing the most tempting-looking joint of beef and roasted leg of lamb for which I can personally vouch for the veracity of the qualifiers ‘mouthwatering’ and ’melt-in-your-mouth’. Don’t look now but there’s an enormous section with desserts and sweets and cakes and, goodness me, are they good for me? We’ll come back later. There’s a waffle station; well, it is brunch and some people do absolutely love waffles for their breakfast. And to involve as many continents as possible, but only discovered by the incongruous sign of a red lantern, you could treat yourself to a colourful and beautiful selection of Sushi and Sashimi. After I have eaten starters, Arabic and marine, I turn away from the centre circle towards another outside station with all my favourite cheeses therein. And one which I didn’t know of but which has now entered my favourites chart very high in the rankings; it’s Italian, called Taleggio, and it gives my lovely brie, emmenthal, edam, cheddar and blue a run for their money.
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FOOD REVIEW Exec Chef Jonathan recommended it while we were enjoying the brunch and since then I have bought a nice piece of the same from my favourite French supermarket to prolong the pleasure. But look, to add another taste to your tasty cheese, what about adding a little truffled honey and/or some fig chutney, not to mention some soft and dried apricots and nuts. Dishes that we chose and enjoyed: the cold starter with beef bresaola… but wait, add roast figs, truffled honey and blue cheese and it’s transformed. Wonderful, especially with chicken liver and pistachio terrine and a slice of their freshly baked bread. Try, like us, a plate of seafood starters, mussels, shrimps and squid, and most delicious the tail of lobster. Arabic cold mezze is very common in Doha, but come to Crowne Plaza and the common becomes sublime. I haven’t shaken off the temptation of the dessert station and thank goodness there were no giant cakes… actually, there were three, well not giant, but still very impressive, very artistic cakes: one with the word strawberry in it, one with coconut and one with chocolate. One of our party died for the chocolate, one went for the Charlotte because he knew a girl called Charlotte, and I just love coconuts, the most natural food and indeed drink. What can go wrong?! The staff are great. Friendly, professional, informative, and all seem willing to go the extra yard to bring some special sauce or intelligently explain away some culinary misconceptions I may have had. But leaving the Arabic desserts smouldering in their attractiveness, I really liked the cute presentations of coconut mango panna cotta in a cocktail glass. It’s cruel, and unfair, to choose only one, but it was time to go, it was the end of the affair – an exquisite finale. Cheers! For reservations, call or WhatsApp +974 6641 5504. m
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marhaba eats out...
Sheraton Grand Doha
Let’s ‘Chaat’ About Brunch: Friday Brunch at Jamavar Restaurant
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Author: Terry Sutcliffe
amavar is a highly respected name in culinary circles, with five branches around India and one in London, which already has a Michelin star! Now its doors are open at the Sheraton Grand Doha and it was with great anticipation when we were able to check it out. Jamavar restaurant at the Sheraton has a delightful décor, engaging and informative staff, all dressed for the part – I half expected a Sikh dagger to be suddenly unsheathed to chop up my chicken. Just sayin’…
The furnishings, the décor and the atmosphere would be appreciated by a Maharajah, as would the ongoing dramatic parade unveiling dishes and delicacies from the menu that we were to enjoy. Although the menu was entitled ‘Khau Galli’, which means ’street food’, you could not feel further away from the street when you are luxuriating in Jamavar. This is the genius of the chefs masterminding the menus and cuisine at Jamavar, transforming common ingredients into delectable dishes of delight. While there are hints of historical royal dynasties in the north, Jamavar includes ingredients and recipes from all classes and regions of India and demonstrably upholds, to the highest degree, and extends to a wider world, the values of traditional Indian cooking techniques. Jamavar, by the way, is a fabric from Kashmir, one of the most beautiful and exquisitely designed textiles in all India. Originally it was used to make shawls which protected against the harsh cold of Kashmir in the chilly winter months, and production flourished in the years of Mughal rule. Nowadays, however, it is used to make a wide variety of garments including sarees, shalwar kameez, kurtas, kurtis and lehenga cholis. After choosing our refreshing mocktail drink from a cute board, the presentation of the actual drinks could be a delight in itself. Our tingling mint drink had an exquisite bottle but when you do visit Jamavar at the Sheraton, please do ask for the berry aperitif, sit back and enjoy the show, accompanied by clouds of mist, mystical origins and ornate paraphernalia.
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FOOD REVIEW
There are more than 20 items or dishes on the menu, each with three of four ingredients. The range of tastes is stimulating; these are the appetisers, nibbles, or amuse-bouche, before starting the menu: lentil fritters, masala cashew savoury, Rajasthani chilli pickles enhanced with your choice of mint chutney, tomato and bell pepper sauce, papaya relish and rose yoghurt. Now eager to dive into the menu, we were regaled with kid goat, lamb mince, smoked lobster and chicken minced and spiced, plus a couple of vegetarian options, soya kebabs and stuffed chilis. Food was never like this on our street! Then chef came out personally to present his signature dish which became a wonderful – and intricate – ritual adding relishes and sauces to exquisitely formed hollow spheres of pani puri, which you delicately fill with chaat to make a lovely savoury snack. One felt like a decadent aristocrat with spare time to spend on delicate digestions. We now prepare for ‘Mains & Biryani’, wondering what wizardry will be employed here. But now, no drama, only impressive wholesome fare: melt-in-your-mouth Australian lamb biryani (of course with spices, yoghurt and mint just to increase the gratification); classic tandoor roasted chicken (with fresh cream, fresh tomato gravy and fenugreek); simmered black lentils, rendered super delicious with fresh cream, butter, tomato and Kashmiri chilli; and a vegetarian melange of potato, asafoetida (hing), turmeric and cumin. The combinations are well-chosen, succulent and very satisfying. Some, many even, of the herbs used in Jamavar dishes have impressive health benefits but, even if they didn’t, you’d still love them for their taste and colour. Desserts ended our meal on a high note. Whether made from mango, carrot and some form of milk, berries, fruit and nuts, the different samples were all sweet and satisfying. And I’ll never forget the ‘stick’ ice cream, a combination of lollipop and cornet with a creamy, chocolatey taste and texture. Scrumptiously, lusciously, kulfi-ously succulent. Unforgettable. Aristo or common, palace or street, Jamavar brings out the best in all of them. fantastic flavours, and what a show! Call 4485 3000 for reservations or you can book via Instagram, @jamavardoha. m
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marhaba eats out...
DoubleTree by Hilton Doha Al Sadd Happy Friday Brunch at Indo-Chin! Author: Lalaine Turqueza
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sian food fanatics would be happy to learn that the Indo-Chin restaurant at DoubleTree by Hilton Doha - Al Sadd has once again opened its doors to the brunch crowd on Fridays, serving everyone’s Asian comfort food favourites. The restaurant recently launched a new menu and everyone online and offline who is into food were there, getting stuffed with Asian dishes and enjoying the table games set out on every table.
The restaurant was very festive when we came, with friendly faces greeting everyone passing through the entry. We had a shot of welcome drinks at the door, a sweet, fruity concoction enough to set your expectations on track. Food came in round bamboo trays and serve almost non-stop in cute, colourful bowls. You need to come in hungry and willing to try anything passing through you. Some dishes are spicy, but not too spicy that you’d want to stop. Well, we actually stopped for a while to play Jenga, found the hidden blocks marked with the Indo-Chin logo, redeemed our prize, and again waited for the bamboo trays. Bamboo trays There were lots of bamboo trays going around, filled with dishes in single servings. Our first bamboo tray covered most of Asia already - two soup options - hot and sour soup and sweet corn soup, papaya salad, a pair of chicken and beef satay, and spring rolls. On the side, they also served shrimp dynamite in cute coconut shells, fish crackers and edamame. Another tray soon made its way to our table carrying a stir-fry beef dish, sweet-and-sour fish, and steamed vegetables. The rice and noodles tray followed after. The last tray and probably the most anticipated was the dessert tray. It has shallow bowls of treats that looked and taste as sweet as expected! It was generally a fun experience for the guests, as servers came and went with the food, and guests had the option to pass or take and have as much as they
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FOOD REVIEW want. We salute the servers for never showing signs of exasperation or grumpiness amidst an endless flow of requests for drinks and rice and whatever else was offered on the menu. If you’re looking for peace and quiet on a Friday, IndoChin is not the place for you. The place is much too happy with its own buzz, the kind you look forward to on a weekend when every member of your family is spending time together, eating Asian comfort dishes and being happy regardless. The Indo-Chin Brunch is open from 1 pm to 4 pm on Fridays, QAR149 per person (with unlimited soft beverages) and QAR245 (with unlimited enhanced beverages). Kids under six years old eat for free! Book via their WhatsApp number, 5002 6386. m
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marhaba eats out...
Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha
¡Hola! It’s time for the Andalusia Brunch, shukran!
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Author: Sarah Palmer
e recently visited El Faro restaurant for the new and improved Friday Andalusia Brunch – seeing as it was already a huge hit, we were intrigued to see how they could improve on perfection! The Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha hotel has a number of top-notch dining experiences, including the much-lauded Andalusia brunch that takes place in two of the hotel’s most popular restaurants.
On our way to our table, we walked through the exquisite Sufra restaurant and along the extensive terrace before entering El Faro – there was a lot to whet our appetite on the way, not least the incredibly tempting aroma of food! We were given a great table, overlooking the terrace while still being able to soak up the Spanish atmosphere indoors. The restaurant and bar area in El Faro are beautifully decorated in a contemporary style, with lots of murals and ambient lighting to get you in the mood. The sangria, cocktails and mocktails available further enhance this congenial atmosphere, to be enjoyed while listening to the excellent (and not at all intrusive) live music from the house band. It sets the scene for a long, leisurely meal chatting with friends. Just like the Spanish and the Arabs do! The Andalusia Brunch is based on the diverse Andalusian cuisine from southern Spain. It is here the Arabic and Spanish culinary styles join together, becoming a vivid and tantalising fusion of flavours. There is a simply huge selection of tapas served to the table, where ‘East meets West’ in a most pleasing manner, and includes everyone’s favourite bites from the two cuisines. For a taste of Arabia, we received an abundance of mezze items: hummus, moutable, fatayer and sambousek, all freshly made and melt-in-the-mouth deliciousness. This was equalled by the taste of Spain, with gazpacho, a splendid charcuterie and
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FOOD REVIEW cheese platter, tortilla de patatas, croquetas and huevos rotos. And salads galore … thank goodness this brunch is on until 4 pm! You can keep it all on your table, should you desire, so you can continue munching, and if you have a favourite, order some more! You are also invited to browse the live cooking stations on the terrace, so of course that’s what we did. We choose a selection of grills from the barbecue – chicken, beef and shrimp – and roasted lamb leg. Naturally, this being a Spanish-influenced brunch, we made a beeline straight to the paella – watch the chef as he makes the rice dish, which in not very much time at all, you can be savouring. All perfectly cooked, all ‘muy bien’! The dessert platter was a fun and enjoyable way to end the meal. As it was Hallowe’en weekend, our sweet treats included some ‘fangtastic’ cakes ‘witch’ really hit the spot, alongside Arabic favourites halawat el jibn and muhalabieh. So next time you’re looking for a fantastic brunch, but can’t decide on cuisine, head straight to El Faro for the brilliant El Faro Andalusia Brunch – it’s the best of both worlds! Details: Every Friday, 12:30 pm – 4 pm Price: QAR295 including soft beverages; QAR395 including enhanced beverages Contact: 4035 5011, WhatsApp 7479 0864, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, visit https://www.kempinski.com/en/doha/marsa-malaz-kempinski-the-pearl-doha/ m
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marhaba eats out...
Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Friday Garden and Family Brunch is Back at La Veranda, It’s Al Fresco and It’s Magnifico!
In spite of the dozens of new towers built in Al Dafna, Lusail and all around Doha, the Sheraton Grand remains probably the most distinctive and instantly recognisable structure in the whole of Doha. Many walkers and joggers have enjoyed the 7.5 km Corniche for a breath of fresh sea air and exercise with their destination the iconic pyramid which is surrounded by the green gardens of Al Dafna Park and Hotel Park and by the shimmering azure waters of the Gulf. La Veranda seems to have provided literally everything to make your Friday a satisfying success. There are toys and face-painting for the kids, there’s live music and games to play or you can simply gaze over the calm waters of the Gulf and see the latest landmarks along the Corniche, or pad around in the lush green grass of the beautiful gardens.
Author: Terry Sutcliffe
Even if you’re childless, or tone-deaf, you should still come here for the absolutely amazing spread on offer. La Veranda is second-to-none when it comes to Italian food – it’s authentic and delizioso. Choose from a wide variety of appetizers, salads, seafood and cold cuts, bread, cheese, plus fruits and desserts.
he Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, to give it its full name, has a variety of restaurants, cafés and lounges but here we are talking about one of Doha’s long-standing traditions, the Friday Family Brunch in the Sheraton’s beautiful gardens and right on the seashore. And yes, with cooler temperatures and refreshing breezes now with us, La Veranda’s al fresco Friday brunch is back.
Seafood lovers will love the appetisers with so many options – scallops, lobsters, fish, shrimps, crabs, calamari, oysters, and more. Or you can choose from salads and appetizers with various cuts of beef, veal, chicken and lamb plus every vegetable you can think of and every kind of bread, pasta, potatoes and rice. And slices from the biggest hamour and the freshest, tenderest beef Wellington you’ve seen. The best of surf and turf!
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FOOD REVIEW There are creative and delicious-looking dishes like chicken scallopini, seafood lasagne, south Italian veal with mushrooms, eggplant Parmigiana and Osso Bucco; these Sheraton chefs are incredible! Not to forget the kids and their idea of good food – there’s a special station with simply the best fish fingers, chicken nuggets and mini burgers. That was indoors. Come outside where the chefs at live stations will conjure up your own fresh and tasty unique pizza or La Veranda’s signature pizza, pasta, piadina and creamy risotto; if you’re not yet bubbly enough, next door is the beverage station and nearby is the live band ready to play your favourite tune. Hopefully, you can still enjoy some sweets. The dessert bar is a kaleidoscope of colour and textures. Here you can dream, sweet lover! From Italian specialities like tiramisu and gelato to other world favourites there’s a fantastic choice for all tastes, including the most colourful Chantilly tarte to die for… There’s greenery, the fresh air, the panoramic views, the friendly family fun, live music and literally magic moments combined with La Veranda delizioso Italian food, their creative chefs and attentive and helpful waiters. Next Friday say ‘Ciao’ to perfection. About Brunch at La Veranda, Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel When: Friday, 12:30 pm – 4 pm Prices: QAR350 per person inclusive of soft beverages. 50% discount for children under 12 years and kids below six years dine for free. For more information please call 4485 3000 or email F&Breservations.doha@sheratonhotels.com m
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11/7/21 1:45 PM
marhaba eats out...
Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha
Friday Carvery Brunch @ Radisson Blu is Back!
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Author: Terry Sutcliffe
rom 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm at Hyde Park, you can enjoy, savour and indeed relish the exceptional array of traditional carvery, pies, crêpes, bakes, with Middle Eastern and international appetiser starters, fresh salads and other international delights plus a huge assortment/variety of tempting desserts. There are two standout features I want to stress here, that I feel people should really know about: First is the absolute quality of the mouth-wateringly melt-in-your-mouth slices of beef (whether brisket, striploin or Wellington), roast lamb, chicken tandoori, and even that local favourite meat from the sea,
baked whole hammour. Sourced from the best farms and slowly cooked by the most practised and patient practitioners of the art of cuisine you can see the freshness and almost feel the texture in your mouth as it is carefully placed on your plate. And second is the diverse and almost unlimited choice available which will appeal to all age groups and individual tastes: those favourite starters from the Mediterranean like hummus and moutabel; tempura from Japan; calamari, crab, mussels, shrimps and salmon (and Scandinavian salmon gravlax) from the deep; and scrumptious soup. You’ll discover delectable crêpes (pancakes from France) but here filled with yummy wild mushrooms; cauliflower au gratin and potatoes au gratin, spinach pie; buttered green beans and peas pulao; pizza from Italy; lamb chops, veal meatloaf; cookies and macarons for the sweet seekers, cheeses and fruits, desserts to die for… It’s frankly incredible; the goodness of our world, the skill of our people, the sociability of Radisson Blu, all come together to give you the best possible social and dining experience – on a Friday when you can unwind, be casual, take your time, and enjoy to the utmost. And that’s not all, no way! The standard brunch, with unlimited juices and soft drinks, costs a very reasonable QAR210. 50% off for children six to 12 years. Complimentary for children under six years.
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FOOD REVIEW
For just an extra QAR150 the Brunch Soft package gives you additional local and house beverages. And the ‘Bubbly’ package costs only QAR410 which gives you all the sparkles and bubbles you may need to celebrate an amazing brunch. There’s still more…! When you enjoy the Friday Carvery Brunch, all brunch ticket holders can enjoy complimentary use of the swimming and splash pools from 9 am to 3 pm. And we’re not done yet! To round off your best day ever, brunch ticket holders can enjoy a 20% discount on drinks ordered at the famous Inginuity restaurant and bar after 3 pm. Last note! If you are really loving your experience at the Radisson Blu, why not spend the night? For QAR500 you can book a room. Just imagine: the ideal Friday for the whole family. Get some early sun and exercise at the pool and the kids splash pool. Enjoy the lovely Radisson Blu green gardens. Get showered and changed for a long-to-beremembered brunch. Then finish off your evening with special prices at the quiet and cosy Inginuity bistro. Cool! x2 It seems to be an offer you can’t refuse. Just give in, and call 4428 1645. m
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marhaba eats out...
Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Samba Along At The Rio Carnival Brunch At Ipanema!
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Author: Charlotte Wright
razilian Churrascarria is an incredible treat for any meat lover and the best place to enjoy it is at Ipanema in the Marriott Marquis City Center
Doha!
This lively Brazilian Churrascaria showcases 12 cuts of meat and Rodizio-style service, set to the soundtrack of live music. Sadly, live entertainment isn’t allowed yet - but watch this space! With the
recent relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions, there may be even more to enjoy at this decadent brunch spot! While the Brazilian Churrascaria is the highlight of this brunch, you don’t want to make the mistake of ignoring the incredible South American treats on offer or the extensive buffet of appetisers, salads, roast vegetables, ceviche and so, so much more. If you haven’t been to Ipanema in a while you might not recognise the place. Don’t worry - the funky art wall hasn’t disappeared - it’s just been enhanced but walls of hanging plants and new chic wicker baskets, and even more plants. The abundant sunlight, the art wall and the plants give Ipanema a warm glow where you feel happy to enjoy a languorous brunch with your friends. Speaking of friends, what struck me about this brunch at Ipanema was how wonderful the gauchos (and gauchas?) like Rey were. Adorned in Brazilian themed dresses (on the ‘gauchas’ obviously) and a party attitude, they were a huge embellishment to our experience. We were taken care of by Izabel who brought us our drinks in not ones, not twos but threes! What more could you ask for? Speaking of drinks, as soon as we entered we were treated to a loco coconut cocktail. A cart filled with fresh coconuts await - and if you are celebrating with the alcohol package - they’ll add a kick of something extra. In addition to the Coco Loco you have to try the different Caipirinha and Caipiroska flavours: classic, mandarin, and strawberry. According to Izabel, if you visit Brazil and you neglect to try Caipirinha rum
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FOOD REVIEW - “you need to go back and try again!” The same sentiment certainly applies at Ipanema. You can also try the notorious Pisco Sour which comes in classic, mandarin, and strawberry flavours and is made with Peruvian Pisco - which is similar to grapa from Italy or cha cha from Georgia. And now to the food! As you walk in to Ipanema, there is a huge cart of fresh empandas. There are many different flavours, like Cheese and Truffle, Wild Mushroom, Short Ribs, Lobster, Shrimp and lemon, and Potato Siracha. Regardless of the flavour, each empanda was tasty and cooked perfectly with a light but crunchy casing. In addition to the empanda station, there was a table decorated with corn on the cob and huge pots of tamales. The slivers of corn was grilled and coated in a sweet marinade which was absolutely scrumptious. Towards the back of the restaurant, there is an extensive buffet of South American and Brazilian delicacies including ceviche, roasted vegetables, salmon, salads, cheese and burrata, and crochettes - to mention a few! In addition to this extensive buffet, there is a ‘design your own taco’ stand run by Richard, who is happy to make any flavour taco you would like. You can choose between beef, shrimp and chicken and an array of fillings and sauces. After you have sampled the appetiser and salad buffet to your hearts content, it’s time to flip your coaster from ‘Red’ to ‘Green’. That begins a carousel of gauchos bringing you 12 different types of meat. The signature meat of Ipanema is the Picanha
which has a large ‘cap’ of fat which make the meat incredibly tender and flavourful. In addition to the Picanha, there are six other types beef on the menu like smoked topside of wagyu beef, rump steak and flank steak. Each are expertly prepared and oozing with flavour. In addition to beef, Ipanema offers other meats like marinated lamb chops with herbs and grilled prawns. There really is something for everyone! If you still have room for dessert there is certainly plenty available. There is a dessert buffet which contains plenty of sugary delights - brownies, chocolate bark, cakes, churros, meringues, macarons and so, so much more. This brunch is an incredible option for anyone who wants to really celebrate their Friday. It’s incredibly priced for the array of delicious food and drinks on offer. Ipanema is a wonderful eatery to dine in - it’s got a fabulous party atmosphere which is certainly infectious so you don’t only revel in the food and cocktails or mocktails but the atmosphere as well! About the Rio Carnival Brunch Friday, 12 noon - 4 pm Rodizio Buffet & Limited Soft Beverage Package QAR325 Rodizio Buffet & Soft Beverage & Selected Alcoholic Beverage Package - QAR435 To get in touch or to make a booking please call 4419 5000 m
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marhaba eats out...
Alwadi Hotel Doha - MGallery Sofra’s Exceptional Levantine Brunch
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Author: Ola Diab
ofra at Alwadi Hotel Doha - MGallery has become a Marhaba favourite, and has now launched a must-try Levantine Brunch on Fridays. Feast on the finest Levantine cuisine and regional delicacies in the most unique way, with generous servings and several food stands to satisfy all palates. The brunch began with a buffet, with enticing cold and hot appetisers of favourites from the Levant region, which includes cold salads such as beetroot, fattoush, tabouleh, warak enab, and more. A highlight of the cold appetisers is Sofra’s Signature Hummus Selection, which are the chef’s exceptional signature hummus preparations – different flavours such as Hummus Beiruti (hummus with parsley, lemon juice
and cumin powder), Avocado Hummus (hummus with avocado puree), Hummus with Pomegranate Molasses (hummus blended with pomegranate molasses) and Chili Hummus (hummus with chili paste). From the hot appetisers, choose from a selection of falafel, keebeh, vegetable rolls, and cheese sambousa platters. There are also cheese, zaatar, meat and pizza pastries at another stand. For the seafood lovers, there’s a seafood stand, which is like a mini-fish market where you can choose from a selection of shrimp, mussels, calamari, lobster and more to be cooked or prepared to your liking. Nearby, meat and rice lovers can opt to grab from a huge platter of richly spiced and well-cooked lamb, accompanied by richly flavoured rice with nuts and vegetables. Add more nuts, onions and tomato sauce that are placed to the side if you’d like more flavour. A little further down is the much-anticipated cheese stand where you can find various types of cheese from all over the world, surrounded by freshly baked breads and pastries. Grab some nuts, prunes, cranberries or honey that are placed on the side. Not full yet? Scan the barcode on your table to choose from a versatile à la carte menu for a main dish. We enjoyed an ‘eggcellent’ Shakshouka with Chunky Tomato Sauce and Arabic Flatbread, and sweet yet savoury Southern Fried Chicken and Red Velvet Waffles. You can choose from 10 other mains, including Shaved Turkey Reuben, Pan Seared Salmon, Breakfast Taco Bowl, Wagyu Beef Brisket, Grilled Lamb Burger, Chicken Fajitas, Dutch Baby Pancake and more.
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FOOD REVIEW The brunch continues with sweet endings, a lavish assortment of desserts from fruits to cakes to chocolates to ice cream, to even popcorn and cotton candy (to entice the little ones). Endless choices of delicious sweet delicacies! This is a delectable brunch destination for all – couples, families, friends or even colleagues! Sofra at Alwadi HotelDoha - Mgallery is where you can enjoy traditional cuisine with contemporary tastes. The charming restaurant is designed to be reminiscent of Qatari culture and local traditions, with dhow boats, pearl diving and travel bags adorning the walls. Levantine Brunch: Friday, noon – 4 pm QAR275 per person, inclusive of soft beverages QAR350 per person, inclusive of free flow selected red/white grape beverages/house spirits/brews/ anise sips For more information or reservations, call 4009 9999 or email reservations.alwadihotel@accor.com. m
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11/1/21 8:51 AM
marhaba eats out...
Hilton Doha
Mai Tai-pe of Brunch at Trader Vic’s
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Author: Sarah Palmer ou don’t need to leave Qatar to enjoy the best of island life – let the Hilton Doha bring it to you!
Did you know that Trader Vic’s Doha opened all the way back in 2012? Did you also know that since the Original Mai Tai® was created in 1944, there are now more than 200 signature cocktails?! Also known as Paradise In A Glass®, you know there is something for everyone to enjoy, especially when sitting down for brunch – at the Hilton Doha, they particularly recommend Middle East special the Tiki Puka Puka! Trader Vic’s is just perfect for a leisurely Friday or Saturday foray into the wonderful world of French Polynesian food and drinks, with fab views across the bay. We were so glad to be invited along to join in the fun!
The huge restaurant has been carefully decorated to immediately invoke the feeling of stepping in to a tropical paradise, with gorgeous light fixtures and colourful rattan furniture. And a lei (flower garland) on every chair, so you can truly embrace the island vibe! All set against some catchy Polynesian beats to get completely in the mood. The seated brunch has a good choice of dishes, with Chef Marli explaining that the menu allows diners to experience some of the restaurant’s most popular items (if you have any concerns or allergies, just let them know in advance, they will happily adapt the menu for you). We put ourselves in the hands of our server Maycel, and we just about had time to put on our leis and sip our cocktails before we were served our starters. Excellent! Now a gentle word of caution here: it would be super easy to fill up on the starters, so take your time, savour every mouthful, and be mindful that there will be more to come. We enjoyed the house special, Trader Vic’s Salad with a mix of greens, palm hearts, artichokes and their Javanese dressing, the West Bay Calamari Salad with crunchy quinoa and a white miso dressing, Beef Gyoza with a delectable spicy coriander dip, and Sriracha Prawns with Thai mango salsa. While tucking into these, we saw a trolley draw up to the table: hurrah, it’s Vic’s Original Tuna Poke! Succulent yellow fin raw tuna, served with tuna poke dressing, crispy nori chips and red radish. One of the best we’ve had, with faultless seasoning. Where has that trolley gone ..!
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FOOD REVIEW After a brief pause in proceedings to enjoy the ambience, the main courses made an appearance. We all have a favourite dish on the Trader Vic’s menu – thankfully, you don’t need to choose which one you want at brunch, as you will be getting them all. The Miso Salmon was a plate of perfectly cooked medallions with garlic seaweed rice and stir-fried bok choy, and keeping with the fishy theme, the Red Thai Prawn Curry was simply amazing – we could have eaten several bowlfuls. However, we needed to save room for the Kung Pao Chicken in Vic’s signature sauce, and the USDA Black Angus Striploin with truffle scented mashed potato, asparagus and chimichurri. We also had two delightful vegetarian options: roasted cauliflower steak with chimichurri, and spicy wokfried tofu. Great additions to the menu, so ensure you ask the chef to make these for you. And as it’s the weekend and food at brunch has no calories, carb lovers will rejoice with the Malaysian style Mee Goreng – egg noodles, beansprouts, onion, bok choy, carrot … divine. Talking of divine, wait until you taste the Coconut Custard Tart, served with Trader Vic’s dark rum glazed pineapple compote and vanilla coconut ice cream! Oh, and also the Rum and Raisin Ice Cream with compote and crumble! These desserts, along with the Tropical Fruit Platter, are worth the cost of brunch on their own. Do not leave without having sampled these sweet treats – the perfect end to the perfect island brunch! The Brunch Set Menu to share is available every Friday and Saturday, 1pm – 4pm. Price per person: Non-alcoholic QAR225, special beverages QAR295. For more information, call 4423 3222, visit the website. On a related note, why not also try the new Tahitian Village, located to the left of the main Trader Vic’s restaurant, which offers a comfortable, relaxed environment to sample more of the famous food and drinks. Price per person: QAR295, minimum of 2 persons. m
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marhaba eats out...
Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha Light Up Your Palates at El Faro
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Author: Ola Diab
l Faro, which means ‘the lighthouse’ in Spanish, is contemporary Spain inside Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha. As you walk into El Faro, it’s as if you’re walking on the streets of Spain with its graffiti walls, contemporary artwork and more – resembling a Spanish mercado or marketplace with its theme and various Spanish sourced products on display. The restaurant offers a taste of authentic Spain, featuring the ‘tapas and pinxtos bar’, using traditional
recipes from culinary hotspots across the Iberian Peninsula in a contemporary interpretation. In addition, their tantalising menu features innovative tapas and paella. El Faro’s Saturday ‘Brunch and Siesta’ offers three different authentic paellas of your choice, with tapas and traditional mocktails for only QAR175. The Brunch and Siesta begins with cold Pintxos A La Mesa (Pintxos On The Table) with Gazpacho del dia (traditional gazpacho with garnish), which is a delicious cold tomato and vegetable soup with olive oil, Tabla de icoteo (assorted Spanish delicatessen), an unique and exquisite Ensalada verde con mini verduras asdas y reduccion de vinagre de jerez (green salad with baby vegetables and sherry vinegar reduction) and Salpicon de marisco (Spanish seafood salad). Many of the cheeses and oils, as well as their Spanish mini-bread sticks or picos,come straight from Spain. Then came the hot and delicious Pintxos A La Mesa (Pintxos On The Table), including Tortilla de Patatas con pimiento del pardon (Spanish omelette with pardon peppers), Croquetas del dia(croqueta flavour of the day), Bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and aioli), and Toasta de Solomillo con Mahon y salsa de Piquillo (beef tenderloin open sandwich with mahon cheese and piquillo sauce). It’s now time for a paella – and paella to share! You can choose from five paellas – Pollo (chicken), Marisco (seafood), Mixta (seafood and chicken), Arroz Negro can alioli y calamares (black squid ink rice
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FOOD REVIEW calamari and alioli), and Vegetariana (vegetarian). We had a succulent, richly flavoured and colourful chicken paella with peppers, tomatoes and lemons. If you still have room for more, the Brunch and Siesta concludes with Postre or Desserts, which include a delicious Natillas de chocolate blanco (Spanish white chocolate custard) and Churros con chocolate (Spanish churros with chocolate dip). El Faro’s Brunch and Siesta is a light yet fulfilling brunch that couples, friends, co-workers or even families can enjoy together for QAR175 for food and soft drinks. Upgrade to an enhanced package for QAR100 for two hours. Saturdays, 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm For more information or reservations, call 4035 5011 or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com. m
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JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha A Brunch Above The Rest at Shanghai Club Author: Charlotte Wright
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eetering on the top of Doha, on the 43rd floor of JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, lies The Shanghai Club. With views of downtown West Bay to rival all others, and incredible Pan-Asian cuisine, this restaurant makes an amazing brunch hot-spot. With crowds of work friends and ladies gettogethers the atmosphere at The Shanghai Brunch is humming. An excellent, attentive and friendly team of staff led by Daniele were keen to get us seated and serve us an awesome welcome mocktail. With green tea and
ginger beer, this drink was ultrarefreshing and a perfect way to start our brunch adventure. We decided to opt for the alcohol package, where you can choose red or white sips, sparkling vino, beer, but the mocktail menu was rather enticing if you would prefer to be alcohol free. To enhance our brunch experience we decided to let the Chef choose our appetizers and main course and he did a marvellous job. If you have no dietary or allergy restrictions, I would highly recommend this option to get the very best culinary treats available at Shanghai Club. To begin our brunch, we were served a sushi platter to rival Nobu itself! With tuna and salmon sashimi, spicy tuna maki, shrimp tempura rolls, California rolls, lobster maki, and ebi nigiri. While California rolls are a favourite of mine and these were some of the best that I had tried, the sashimi was the highlight of the platter. Each strip of tuna and salmon was so fresh and the meat was absolutely perfect - soft and flavorful. As someone who is always wary of overly fishy dishes, I will be forever grateful to Shanghai Club for turning me on to excellent sashimi. I’ve been missing out! The next dish to arrive at the table was an assortment of dim sum. With a separate basket for every person at the table there is plenty to go around. Dim sum is an excellent dish for capturing multiple different flavours like chicken, duck and prawns. We had a classic har gow, a chicken and prawn sui mai and even roasted duck with foie gras!
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FOOD REVIEW There were also some lighter bites on the table like the Papaya salad which added a remarkable freshness and flavour. The papaya salad was fantastic and not at all spicy which is great if you are sharing with friends who aren’t a huge fan of spicy food. To double up on the health veggies, there was also a generous helping of Asian vegetables on the table. An Asian classic is chicken satay skewers served with a glorious, chunky peanut sauce and what Asian brunch would be complete without them. The grilled chicken skewers were flavour filled on their own, but when paired with the peanut sauce - perfection! Another classic, I’m certain you’ve tried before, is shrimp tempura with spicy chili sauce. But trust me - you’ve never tried shrimp tempura this good before. With a crunchy, battered shell encasing a soft, perfectly cooked shrimp and a sweet chili sauce that is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. After all that food, we needed a break! But it was the perfect time to chat, sip sparkling vino, and admire the view of West Bay. The showcase of the main course was the Peking Duck. While Peking duck has an amazing flavour by itself, the best way to enhance it is to create your own duck pancake roll. Light rice pancakes are piled in a basket – similar to a dim sum basket – and served with a tray of thinly sliced leek and onion, slivers of roast Peking duck and dollops of sweet barbeque sauce. Each bite is absolutely heavenly. After our Peking duck we were served a robust Malaysian barbeque Marmak Chicken with aromatic barbeque baby chicken, charred green beans, pickled red onion, bean sprouts, and coriander leaves. The dish reminded me of a Thai green curry - especially
the sauce - but this had some hidden extra flavours that made it unique. The last of our main courses was the grilled, boneless sea bass cooked in a banana leaf. The banana leaf trapped all the moisture and flavour, essentially steaming the fish to cook it. The result was a delicate fish, that practically fell apart in your mouth, oozing with lemon and herb flavour. For you sweet tooth’s out there - you do not want to miss dessert at The Shanghai Brunch. Every dessert we tried was better than the one before it. We dived in to the Sans Rival which is a cashew nut cake, with fresh raspberries and a sweet, tangy lemon buttercream. The Giggly cheesecake was an easy favourite of mine: a fluffy light cotton cheesecake with a sweet, creamy passion fruit drizzle. However, the most unique and intricate dessert of the day was the matcha espuma with ceremonial-grade matcha cream, an exquisite sesame crumble, green tea ice cream, and topped with a crunchy matcha meringue. While this might seem like a disproportionately vast amount of food - and we certainly left feeling full - we didn’t feel weighed down or tired. We largely attributed that to the Chef for thinking though his menu and pairing more dense and filling dishes with lighter bites, and to the staff for making us comfortable and not rushing us through each course. To us that was the height of luxury, to not only enjoy five star dishes and five star service, but to luxuriate and spend the entire afternoon in bliss - and that is certainly what we found at The Shanghai Brunch. Reserve your spot at brunch and enjoy unique PanAsian cuisine every Friday from 12 pm to 3 pm at Shanghai Club in the JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha. Call 4429 5295 now! m
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Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha Orion: Elegant Surroundings, Exquisite Tastes and Enjoyable Entertainment
So, here we are, not exactly in the heavens but up there, on the ninth floor of the east wing, and the impression when you enter is really awesome: very chic, wonderful lighting (not too bright!), plenty of space and very comfortable. As always at the Radisson, the staff are super helpful with the sole goal of making your stay as enjoyable as possible. Beyond the comfortable ‘lounge’ there’s a long curved bar and plenty of seats with a saloon-type ambience. Every night, the atmosphere becomes more vibrant when the curtains open and the live band and DJ are revealed: the band and DJ are smart people, great performers and produce great sounds.
Author: Terry Sutcliffe
Now to tackle that hunger and that thirst. The menu has lots of choices in both food and drink. From olives with feta cheese, or with green salad, to a fresh fruit salad, to those perennial veggie favourites, like spring rolls with a sweet chili sauce and samosa with its special chutney. Then there’s chicken in both tikka and satay forms, the first with its mouthwatering mint chutney and the second with that most palatable peanut sauce. Yummy!
rion, in the east wing of Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha, is now welcoming guests every evening with a menu of reasonably priced snacks and drinks of all kinds – guaranteed to suit all tastes.
Last, but not least, on the food menu are the fingerlicking and lip-smackingly luscious Orion Dusted Wings; a dozen chicken wings served with either BBQ or hot sauce. Hungry no more!
Who’s that guy at the entrance, you ask. He is Orion, a ‘star’ of Greek mythology who was in legend the tallest and most handsome of men. After a rather chequered career, he was finally raised to the heavens where he is now the most splendid and brightest of our constellations in the night sky.
Those delectable food offerings are well accompanied by a diverse selection of ales and lagers, stout and cider. Wines are available, of course, but the brightest stars of the drinks menu are undoubtedly the cocktails, mocktails and the wide selection of spirits. The names alone can raise your pulse, like the Long
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FOOD REVIEW Island Ice Tea (that contains no tea) to the exotic-sounding tropical heat inducing expert concoctions that could highlight your evening. Orion is indeed a heady, but heavenly, blend to engage all your senses. Open Friday to Wednesday, from 4 pm – 1 am Open Thursday, from 4 pm – 2 am Band schedule: Monday – Wednesday: 8:30 pm – 9:15 pm, 9:45 pm – 10:30 pm and 11 pm – 11:45 pm Every Thursday: 8 pm – 8:45 pm, 9:15 pm – 10 pm, 10:30 pm – 11:15 pm and 11:45 pm – 12:30 am Contact the Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha at 4428 1428 m
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Four Seasons Hotel Doha Enjoy a Classy Hour or Two at Arabica
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Author: Terry Sutcliffe or just a couple of hours – while you have this chance – let Four Seasons show you how to relax.
As the weather remains cool, but still feels bright and fresh, it’s a great time time to enjoy a warm convivial atmosphere, good views and the great outdoors. Four Seasons Hotel Doha invites visitors to unwind at its restaurant terraces, the perfect escape from busy city life, enabling guests to enjoy the stunning open-air settings and breath-taking views of the Arabian Gulf. Life has never felt more refreshing at Arabica with its newly renovated terrace where visitors can enjoy a signatures afternoon tea featuring premium tea,
scones and mini sandwiches, surrounded by rich greenery and overlooking the Gulf. Arabica – a cosy, casually elegant spot to meet friends or relax on your own – is also Doha’s newest destination for bespoke coffee, specialising in single-origin beans, sourced for sustainability and roasted for rich flavour. Sit inside in cool, airy comfort, or outdoors on comfy chairs and sofas in the restful beachside garden. Currently, between 5 and 7 pm every day, you can enjoy G&T Time: a unique promotion of unlimited Gin & Tonic for QAR195 per person with a choice of complimentary bites which include crispy shrimps with chilis mayo on the side, vegetable spring rolls with sweet chili sauce on the side and duo sliders with french fries on the side. All the famous Gin names are there: Gordons, Beefeaters, Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray and each Gin has its unique mixers, one being absolutely loaded with fruity berries, making each glass worthy of close attention and intense tasting… The complimentary bites were delicious and quite filling, but if anyone is inexplicably still peckish, there are plenty of hot and cold sandwiches, soups, salads, salmon, spaghetti, beef and mixed grill available on the menu, all of which are served in the stylish and sophisticated manner that you expect – and always get – at Four Seasons. Equally possible, if one of your party doesn’t care for gin, there’s a wonderful choice of alternative spirits and wines from all corners of the globe on an similarly well-planned drinks menu.
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For that most symbolic of Qatari and indeed Middle Eastern leisure activities, nothing can compete with the Shisha especially with the most-fruity-offruit selections, and the impeccable hygiene of the superior Four Seasons shisha. Service is constant and attentive, but not intrusive; it’s knowledgeable and always with a smile. That starts with the welcome to Arabica, the qualities of the various gins, the accompanying food and available options, any odd thing that might crop up and even the humble shisha comes with full after service. Happy Hour is available daily from 5 pm to 7 pm. Call 4494 8600 or email res.doha@fourseasons.com for more details. m
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The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa
Oktoberfest at The Westin Doha: Brews, Pub Grub and Faraway Martin
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Author: Lalaine Turqueza
he tradition of Oktoberfest is something that every expat in Qatar looks forward to. This is the month to have fun and be merry, to eat, drink and celebrate if only for a few nights in October. Needless to say, this is one of Marhaba’s favourite festivals, what with our best-loved pub grubs and brew in abundant supply.
Our first Oktoberfest stop this year is at The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa’s Mix Bar. Mix Bar is located on the hotel’s first floor and extends to a wide openair patio. They have a stage for the live band and the socially distanced tables are covered in blue-andwhite-checkered tops, a common festival signature from previous years. The weather is of course perfect for a bottle of cold beer. A cool breeze would, once in a while, blow in our direction to freshen us up. We had plates of their Oktoberfest dishes, and the packages - a combo of food platters and brews - make it easier for guests to go straight to the merrymaking part and skip the choosing part. The live band - featuring the three-man group Faraway Martin - had us singing along and staying longer than usual - good thing it’s Thursday. Beers, pub grub and Faraway Martin Of course, you’d want to know the brands of beer served. Mix Bar had four of the usual Oktoberfest beers available to festival fanatics, especially for October. The Hoegaarden, the Franziskaner, the red Chimay Trappistes, and the Pauline Munchen beer. All are full-bodied and have a sweet aftertaste, a perfect complement to the food that is also themed for the occasion. Not a beer drinker? No problem. Their Oktoberfest food selection is more than enough to get you into a festive mood. They have fresh German pretzels and
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sausage, sauerkraut, chicken wings and a selection of hors’ d’oeuvres to nourish your fun night all the way. And then there’s the band, Faraway Martin, who definitely matched the energy of the crowd with their mix of old, not-so-old and new covers. You still need to be cautious, of course, but we were happy to dine, drink and just listen to something live and singing after months of well, COVID-19 silence. Definitely worth a big, loud and happy Prost! The Oktoberfest promotion at Mix Bar, Westin Doha Hotel and Spa, is available throughout the whole month of October, 4 pm to 11 pm. For reservations and more information, call or send a WhatsApp message to 3359 8514. m
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Marriott Marquis City Center Doha All You Need For A Stylish Ladies Night: Pearls. Bubbles. Heels.
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Author: Charlotte Wright
re you looking to enjoy a sophisticated ladies night out on the town? Perhaps somewhere to wear that amazing new dress or those fancy heels and catch up with your girlfriends? Hosted at the wonderful New York Steakhouse in the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, this ladies night is made exclusively for those who enjoy spoiling themselves... and eating oysters. Every Thursday night, The New York Steakhouse features a ladies night for QAR149 with unlimited,
free-flowing oysters and two complimentary sips of sparkling wine. Everything you need to know is in the title: PEARLS - BUBBLES - HEELS. PEARLS Feel free to bust out your favourite string of pearls, but in this instance, the pearls are the unlimited platters of oysters that are on offer. You can enjoy two hours of as many oysters as you can handle! Each portion of oysters is served on a bed of ice with a wedge of lemon to ensure that each oyster is as fresh as possible. Every platter has three oysters each with a unique dressing to highlight their natural, creamy, salty flavour. For oyster lovers this offer is heaven - especially when the oysters have been prepared by Chef James Warnica. Chef James hails from Canada where some of the best oysters in the world originate so he certainly knows what he’s doing! BUBBLES In addition to unlimited oysters, the lucky ladies also get two free glasses of sparkling wine. That means two hours of luxuriating in the New York Steakhouse’s regal red chairs sipping bubbly wine and sampling delicious oysters. Can you think of a snazzier way to spend your Thursday evening? HEELS The New York Steakhouse is an unparalleled venue to sit, relax and bask in gorgeous views of downtown West Bay which comes alive with lights at night time. This eatery is wonderfully comfortable and classy so feel free to dress up in your finest clothes (and heels).
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FOOD REVIEW If you are still hungry for more, you can order some more of Chef James’s specialties. We decided on an indulgent Filet Mignon steak and an assortment of side dishes. The Filet Mignon was unfathomably good; as it has been on every trip to the New York Steakhouse. You can read our review of Butcher’s Night here. The sides we chose were the Truffle fries, the Mac and Cheese and the Broccolini. The truffle fries were delicious, crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The broccolini was cooked al dente and lightly dusted with parmesan cheese. Finally, the mac and cheese is a well-known classic American dish and it certainly didn’t disappoint. This upscale dish was creamy, cheesy and perfect! All in all, this ladies night is an excellent way to catch up with your gal pals at the end of the week or if you’re looking to start your weekend in style. These oysters are made unique with Chef Warnica’s distinctive dressings and toppings and are perfectly paired with a sparkling glass of vino. Ladies - check it out! For more information and reservations, please call 4419 5510 or WhatsApp 6643 6890. m
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JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha
Wednesdays Are For The Ladies At Shanghai Club
On Sparkling Wednesday, ladies can enjoy two hours of unlimited sparkling wine for just QAR99! Between the two of us we each decided to try a glass of each sparkling wine on offer - the rose and the white. With tables of girlfriends giggling and chatting and some lively tunes, the atmosphere was bubbly and full of energy. We were happy to discover that Shanghai Club’s bubbly offer wasn’t the only special deal available that evening... the appetisers were buy one, get one free. It’s not like we needed an excuse to overindulge in the Pan-Asian delicacies that were on offer but it was nice to have one anyway!
o you find that your weekend is just too short and before you know it - it’s Sunday again? Well at Shanghai Club, ladies can live it up on a Wednesday night and extend the weekend by a night in glorious sparkling fashion!
Something that was a favourite of mine from the Shang High Brunch on Friday, were the Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Rock Shrimp Tempura and the Chicken Satay so of course we ordered those. Neither of us had tried the Summer Roll though so we decided to surprise ourselves. The spring rolls and the shrimp tempura were flavourful, golden and crispy - especially when dipped in the sticky sweet chili sauce. As I remembered, the chicken satay was delicious and drizzled in creamy peanut sauce. The summer rolls were refreshing and tasty - with salmon, avocado, mint and coriander wrapped in glass noodles and dipped (generously) in a siracha emulsion.
To enjoy Ladies Night at Shanghai Club, take a quick ride to the 43rd floor of the JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha and indulge in some of the most breathtaking views of West Bay.
Although the appetisers were incredible, how could we visit Shanghai Club without sampling their signature dish: Peking duck pancakes! If you have never tried this they are absolutely worth the trip -
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Author: Charlotte Wright
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they would be worth the trip if you had to climb the stairs to the 43rd floor to try them. Delicate slivers of crispy duck, thinly sliced leeks and spring onions, and lashings of hoisin sauce all wrapped in a intricate pancake make these the perfect bite-sized morsels to lose yourself in! Sparkling Wednesdays: Every Wednesday, 6 pm Midnight Price: QAR99 for two hours of unlimited sips and fun! To learn more about Ladies Night at Shanghai Club call 5506 2798 and ask about Sparkling Wednesday. m
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But first, let us tell you about the resort.
Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas
An Evening of Pub Grub and Drinks at The League
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Author: Lalaine Turqueza
he League sports bar and restaurant at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas has a homey vibe, with plenty of rooms to do your own thing billiards, foosball - or you can choose to watch any of the ongoing matches on one of the big screens, which you can find everywhere in the restaurant. We came before sunset and the place was happily preparing to open for guests. Assistant Restaurant Manager Tebo Kabelo Ngidi welcomed us warmly with cold drinks and stories, before serving us some of The League’s special offerings.
Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas is approximately an hour and 15 minutes from Doha and sits on a long stretch of beach southwest of Qatar. It has villas and a number of good restaurants and a world-class waterpark that is ideal for a weekend outing with the family. Why would you want to go to a bar that is almost a hundred kilometres from Doha? Well, driving the long road to the resort can get you on a ‘thinking’ mode. While it is indeed a stretch to drive that far for a couple of drinks, driving on an open highway can help relax your mind and ease the tension of city living. Drink up! The drinks are served in fun glasses, garnished with generous slices of fruit. They have a wide selection of mocktails and cocktails plus a lot of other ‘fun’ drinks to choose from. If you intend to have ‘fun’ at the bar, it will be safer to book a room at the resort and stay overnight. A dip in the clear waters of the Gulf can do wonders for the spirit. Plus they just might give you a discount! Now for the food Pub grub does not raise a lot of expectations. They’re usually greasy and quite easily satisfy. But the food at The League takes the usual bar food a notch higher. Empanadas served on buckets, cordon bleu served rolled, even their salad has more colours. The pièce de résistance (or should I say pieces) was of course their burgers. Aside from their very sporty names classified as Offence and Defense in
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FOOD REVIEW reference to American football - these burgers have add-ons that are not usual in burgers. Maine lobster and foie gras? That long voyage to The League had such delicious rewards, we should go back! Their sweet treats are such treats it’s almost unbelievable you can actually order them from a bar. We have in fact, officially added their Banoffee Pie in a Jar to the list of our favourite desserts! And now we’re back to the question: why would you want to go to a bar that is almost a hundred kilometres from Doha? Well, we liked the food and the people and the long drive that seems to take forever but ends in this relaxing place very near the sea. Plus anything that gets us out of the city is a good enough excuse for us. The League certainly is more than just a good excuse. The League at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas is open daily, from 1 pm until midnight. Please note that entry is restricted to fully vaccinated individuals 21 years and older. For reservations, call 5593 8084. You can also follow them on Instagram - @theleagueqa - for updates. m
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Marhaba gave it a go with a selection of our favourites from Mondrian Doha.
Mondrian Doha
A Taste of the Exquisite Mondrian Doha at Your Home
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Author: Ola Diab ow does receiving a little bit of the best from Mondrian Doha’s kitchens at the comfort of your home sound?
Mondrian Doha has recently launched ‘Taste To Go’, an initiative that allows the people of Qatar to continue enjoying Mondrian’s exceptional culinary experience from the comfort of their homes. Offering the convenience of take-away and delivery, Mondrian Doha has started delivering some of its most popular dishes from its restaurants Hudson Tavern, Morimoto, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Walima and EllaMia.
From Walima, a Marhaba favourite, we enjoyed a beautiful and delicious spread of Cold Mezzeh, which included Hummus, Beetroot Moutable, Fattoush and Tabouleh. From Morimoto, the famous Japanese luxury dining experience, we had exquisite Maki and Sushi combo with shrimp, tuna, salmon, crab and more – fresh, unpretentious and authentic. From Hudson Tavern, which has one of the best burgers in town, we had a Cheese Burger (beef patty, American cheese, shredded iceberg, tomato, pickles, onions) and The French One (beef patty, Comtécheese, truffle garlic mushrooms, house onion relish, truffle mayo) – everything, from the bread to the patty to the condiments, was exquisite. We also enjoyed Hudson’s delicious 12 Wings, which come with hot sauce, celery, carrot and blue cheese – how wings should be served. From CUT by Wolfgang Puck, another Marhaba favourite, we had a delicious, cheesy and bready Cavatappi Pasta Mac Cheese, and an appetising Butter Lettuce Salad (marinated cherry tomatoes, Roquefort blue cheese, herb vinaigrette). Next was a spicy and tangy Hong Kong Style Norwegian Salmon (baby bok choy, sweet soy, jasmine rice), and a juicy yet tender sirloin steak (USDA Prime, Tenderloin Sirloin from ‘The Cuts’, served with a petit salad, French fries and sauce Bernaises. For a sweet ending, from EllaMia, we enjoyed delightful Coconut Macarons, Pistachio Delice
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FOOD REVIEW (pistachio sponge, ivory mousse, pistachio praline) and a creamy Passionfruit Cheese Cake. There was also a unique Cajun Chicken Salad Bowl (Cajun spiced grilled chicken, roasted butternut, wild rice, spinach, mixed peppers, avocado, pecan nuts, Feta cheese, herb vinaigrette). For some hydration, we had a few health juices. As part of Mondrian’s ‘Taste To Go’, you can also opt for an ‘Afternoon Tea To Go’, a ‘Roast Box Specials’ and much more. Delivery timings: Morimoto 3 pm - 10:30pm daily CUT by Wolfgang Puck noon - 10:30 pm daily Hudson Tavern 3 pm - 11:30 pm daily EllaMia 9 am - 10:30 pm daily Walima 4 pm - 10:30 pm daily You can make your order now by calling 4045 5999 or by WhatsApp 5050 7888. Free delivery. For more information, visit bit.ly/TasteToGo
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W Doha Hotel & Residences Eat Fit!
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Author: Sarah Palmer
f you’re feeling the need for some healthy food, but either can’t face cooking after a hard day at the office or don’t know where to start on portion control, we have just the thing for you! Those splendid chaps at the W Doha Hotel & Residences have a superb subscription meal plan that is ideal for taking the stress out of eating healthily. You can choose from three options offering different calorie values – Low Cal, Classic and Active. And breaking news: the hotel now offers a totally vegan option! I ordered this straightaway, and next day, the shiny yellow WFIT2GO box was delivered promptly to the office.
So what do you get? For my day’s meals, the box includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack. So straight to breakfast, which today was the enticingly namd Fiesta Scramble – this comprised a tofu scramble with onion, tomato and bell pepper, accompanied by two potato cakes. Delicious, and the perfect start to the day. Having waited for the appropriate time to eat lunch – the food looks too good to wait! – next up was spaghetti bolognese. Of course, this is made with no meat or other animal product; instead Beyond Meat is used, a plant-based substitute, with a sprinkling of vegan cheese. So tasty and quite filling – this will see me through the afternoon! A quick workout after work, and it was time to treat myself to a snack. The edamame kale salad was the ideal quick and easy post-gym meal – just the right portion size and a good mix of protein and carbs. Feeling tired in the evening means cooking is usually out the window, so I was over the moon to know dinner is already prepared for me. It’s one of my favourites, cauliflower ‘steak’, with red quinoa and roasted carrots, and a tasty, piquant dressing. The perfect end to the day! (Can you come tomorrow as well, W team?!) Interested in WFIT2GO Vegan? Here is all you need to know: Subscription costs: 1 Day QAR195; 2 Weeks QAR1,950; 1 Month QAR3,900
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FOOD REVIEW Daily take away or home delivery is available (delivery locations: West Bay and The Pearl-Qatar, no delivery on Fridays). Contact the W Doha Hotel & Residences, and let them take care of the rest! 3025 5262, Wdoha2go@whotels.com m
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Hilton Doha
Amazing Mezze and Much, Much More at Le Comptoir Libanais, Lebanese Deli Kitchen Author: Terry Sutcliffe
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on’t miss out if you love Lebanese food – anytime, any day – here it’s authentically fresh and flavoursome and the choice is amazing…
If you need a take-away or home delivery or Talabat, you can quickly taste the bold flavours guaranteed from the Lebanese Deli Kitchen at the Hilton Doha, anytime afternoon or evening. Lebanon is justly famous for its mezze and Le Comptoir Libanais excels here. Indeed, you’ll love the freshness and flavours and the inventive additions to the standard hummus and moutable dishes. Our
mouths were watering over the Guacamole Muhamara topped with avocado and the salads are made of the best and healthiest ingredients, like zataar, quinoa, arugula, spinach and pumpkin. Especially scrumptious were the amazing Falafel with a soft cheesy centre. Strong advice, if nothing else, treat your taste buds to one or three of these! Always interestingly tasty are the lamb or pumpkin kibbe, the chickpea falafel, and rakakat, fatayer and makali. Yes the choice is fantastic and the prices are all reasonable. There are wraps with a choice of white, bran or wholewheat brown bread – try beef or chicken shawarma, and different kebabs and kofta; more choice needed? Here’s shish taouk and beef shekaf and an awesome Lebanese Burger! If you still have an appetite or need a sweet ending, the desserts are to die for, whether it’s the international favourites kunafa and baclava, or the always appreciated date or halawa pie. If you’re not hungry, the menu makes for a great read and reminds you of the great Middle Eastern experience at your fingertips or rather on the tip of your tongue in Qatar. This awesome A La Carte menu from the Lebanese Deli Kitchen, Le Comptoir Libanais, at the Hilton Doha is available from noon – 9:30 pm every day. Available for home delivery and take-away from noon – 9:30 pm. To order call the hotel directly at 4423 3333 or on order via Talabat. m
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Park Hyatt Doha Experience Modern Luxury in the Heart of the Old City
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Author: Ola Diab f you’re looking for a truly urban and sophisticated yet culturally rich retreat in Doha, Park Hyatt Doha should be your choice.
The five-star Park Hyatt Doha is the tallest hotel in Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project. Indulge in a carefully curated treatment at their tranquil two-storey spa, and take part in an exquisite culinary journey when you dine at one of their unique restaurants. We stayed in a King City View Deluxe suite where we experienced luxury in this 50 sq m room featuring one king bed, floor to ceiling windows, marble bathroom with rain shower, and a deep soaking tub. The view is remarkable, bringing the old and new Msheireb together to your windows. The ongoing development in the area is inspiring. A warm note from Park Hyatt Doha welcomed us to our ‘home away from home’.
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Once we checked in at 3 pm and explored our room, it was time for lunch at Anis, which is an allday, healthy food eatery offering delicious, handmade, nutritionally balanced food (including gluten-free options), coffees, juices and smoothies. Boasting direct street entrance, the restaurant is a social hub for health-conscious locals, office workers and visitors to MDD. Anis additionally offers al fresco dining on Sikkat Wadi, perfect for enjoying the milder weather during Doha’s winter months with family or friends, or simply people watching in the heart of MDD. In this beautiful cool weather, we dined al fresco, looking at the picturesque MDD and the multicultural people walking around it. Our lunch at Anis began with a delicious Cajun Roasted Sweet Potato and Chicken Salad, which also had broccoli, cooked onions and yellow peppers, and pomegranate. Then we had The Boss Burger – big and tasty, served with three onion rings on the side – and Fish and Chips – the fish was white, clean, soft and crunchy with plenty of potato wedges on the side, served with lemon, rocket leaves and tartar sauce. After a delectable lunch at Anis, which instantly became a favourite, we took a stroll down MDD. Park Hyatt Doha is seconds away from Doha Design District, a minute away from Msheireb Galleria and M7, as well as Barahat Msheireb, which is the heart of MDD and piazza-style – it is the largest open-air covered square in the Middle East featuring the biggest retractable roof in the region. With our back, legs and whole bodies aching, we needed time to relax and unwind at The Spa at Park
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and stays over... Hyatt Doha, which treats each person individually, measuring treatments designed to address your needs. The Spa also offers exceptional facials, body scrubs, and wellness programmes, and as well as hair and nail treatments. We opted for a Detox Ritual, which combines a kneading and cupping massage to help dissipate toxins and drain excess water from the body. It’s not a full body treatment as it focuses on your problem areas. However, it was one of the most interesting spa treatments with the cupping massage truly feeling like toxins were dissipated. Most importantly, the massage bed can be moved to keep your head or upper body higher and your legs lower, and they’re also able to heat your body as you sit back and relax. We also chose The De-Stress Body Massage, which is a signature relaxing massage treatment and a time-out for the body, leaving you feeling relaxed and de-stressed. Thanks to Agnes and Sonum for exceptional and memorable treatments. We were truly ready for bed for deep uninterrupted sleep, but it was time for dinner. On the 21st level is the sophisticated, rooftop Japanese restaurant and lounge, Sora, which has quite a speculator panoramic view of downtown Doha – the Doha Palace, Green Mosque, Souq Waqif, Corniche and West Bay skylines. With a balance of small sharing dishes, sushi, sashimi and the unique culinary art of Robata (meat grilled over charcoal), Sora is easily one of the finest Japanese restaurants in Qatar with one of the most charming outdoor dining terraces. Our Japanese dinner was of Wagyu M5 Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Chicken Crown, and SORA Maki – all dishes to be looked at first, admired and taken pictures of before indulging in them. The SORA Maki is unique – deep fried maki rolls with caviar, truffle, salmon, tuna, crab meat, onion and egg. The SORA Maki rolls came covered with a flat circular squid ink cracker decorated with different colourful sauces and edible flowers. The Roasted Chicken Crown was three pieces of the softest chicken I’ve ever eaten, each perfectly marinated, and came with teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, squid ink cracker and truffle with three sweetcorn balls. The Wagyu M5 Beef Tenderloin came in a smokefilled glass cover that was later removed to release the smoke and delectable aroma. The beautifully decorated plate of tenderloin was topped with soy sauce, chilli and sesame, surrounded by two grilled aubergines with dried bonito. For dessert, we enjoyed a chocolate taco filled with berries, with more fruits on the side and passion fruit sorbet – a very light and sweet ending to a
FOOD REVIEW
delightful dinner at Sora. For breakfast, we went to a Marhaba favourite, Opus, which is a celebration of French and Qatari cuisines, prepared in an open kitchen, served sharing-style – the way food is meant to be enjoyed. Opus features a magnificent outdoor dining terrace. Diners may otherwise retreat to the exclusivity of private dining rooms, ideal for special occasions or corporate entertaining. Opus’s breakfast buffet has everything from omelettes to waffles, fruits and salads, with a selection of breads and pastries. It’s where you can have a great start to the day with a breakfast that’s light yet filling. For those who are gluten-free, there are many options including waffles made from buckwheat. After an enjoyable breakfast at Opus, we decided to take a walk to Souq Waqif, which was only five minutes away from Park Hyatt Doha. It was a beautiful, vibrant Friday morning at Souq Waqif. People were there enjoying breakfast, taking pictures of Doha’s century old trading market, or just taking a walk. Park Hyatt Doha is also minutes away from the Gold Souq, Doha Corniche, Al Bidda Park, National Museum of Qatar, and the country’s largest station, Msheireb Metro Station. Once we returned, we sat back and relaxed, and enjoyed the room some more. The spacious marble bathroom is stunning with a rain shower that leaves you feeling soothed and rejuvenated, and a deep soaking tub with a TV. After a beautiful and warm shower and bath, we read a few interesting books offered by Park Hyatt Doha on the world’s natural treasures. We took in the view one last time before checking out at noon. As we walked out, we reminisced how we enjoyed everything, from our room to the food to the spa to the warm, friendly staff. We look forward to visiting the marvellous Park Hyatt Doha again in the near future. Anis Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 11 pm Friday 1 pm – 11 pm Sora Monday to Saturday 4 pm – 11 pm Sunday: Closed Opus Breakfast 6:30 am – 11 am Lunch 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm Dinner 7 pm – 10 pm For more information, call 4009 1234 m
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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
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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
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
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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
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The Family Suite
The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa
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Perfect for a staycation, the family suite features two bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, living and dining areas, a guest washroom, solid wood flooring and a BOSE surround system. Rooms are spacious and the furnishing world-class. It was all just beautiful, we loved the big windows which have uninterrupted views of the pool area and Doha skyline.
Awesome Family Staycation!
arhaba recently checked in at the Westin Doha Hotel & Spa for a weekend family staycation. THere are many things we loved about the stay!
Heavenly Bed True to the name, this bed is the heavenliest of all. The Heavenly® Bed is made with all the right ingredients to brew a night of restorative sleep, and wins brownie points for its plush, pillow-top construction. Our toddler, who otherwise needs a combination of reading, snuggling and lullabies, absolutely loved it and went to sleep without any effort. He even made a record by waking up at 7 am, instead of his regular 5:30 am body-clock wakeup call. A big YES! to this marvellous masterpiece of a bed.
Westin Eat Well Menu for Kids Picky eaters easily give their tantrums a go when dining out, but not with the Westin Eat Well Menu for Kids, available at Seasonal Tastes. The menu, created in association with experts at SuperChefs™, offers nutritious food prepared and presented the
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way kids love it. Comprising doctors, dentists, chefs, dieticians and other experts, SuperChefs is dedicated to educating kids on the importance – and the fun – of eating smart. The Eat Well Menu is a must try when you are dining with kids.
Waves Pool Five stars for the pool facilities at the property! The wave pool is perfect for toddlers, while the kids pool is perfect for their older siblings. And the grown-ups can soak up in the outdoor infinity pool next to the Waves Pool Cafe.
Sabai Thai There are only a few places in Doha for authentic Thai cuisine. Sabai Thai at Westin Doha makes it to the top of the list without any doubt. From the crispy prawn crackers to the Thai mango sticky rice, everything has the perfect Thai touch. Must-try dishes: Gui Chai (Steamed Chinese chive dumplings with garlic oil, chilli black vinegar sauce, vegetarian) • Ped Nam Makarm (Crispy duck with tamarind sauce and fried onions) • Laksa (Malaysian spicy coconut curry noodle soup, prawns, tofu, crispy onions) • I Tim Kati (coconut ice cream).
Hunter’s Room & Grill The highlight of a Westin Doha staycation is that you have three awesome outlets to choose from. If you are a steak lover, make sure to visit Hunter’s Room & Grill at Westin Doha. Great ambience, kid-friendly staff (yes!), a live kitchen and friendly Chef Esteban Guevara who makes sure to check your preferences
Sabai Thai garden
before the meat is placed on one of the hightemperature broilers.
Must-try dishes: Kale salad (granny smith apple with pomegranate, pumpkin seeds, mint honey mustard and smoked salmon) • Beef carpaccio (beef tenderloin with wholegrain fig mustard, enoki mushrooms, chipotle aioli, truffle oil and parmesan cheese) • Chef’s signature dishes combining Black Angus Tomahawk, a succulent 1.4 kg cut carved at the table and served with three side dishes and two sauces, alongside Chef Esteban’s 12 hour slowcooked Argentinian Malbec short ribs with palm sugar and polenta, and delicious T-Bone or Tenderloin steaks. Kid Friendly Staff For the first time in a while we actually spent three hours at a restaurant for lunch! We usually end up fleeing the place in 20 minutes with a takeaway (or not-taking-anythingaway) to save ourselves and fellow diners from toddler tantrums. The staff at all of the Westin Doha outlets – Sabai Thai, Hunter’s Room & Grill, and Seasonal Tastes – are so friendly with children that it seems they have taken special training in this. They kept our junior reviewer entertained with food, crayons, colouring books and even took him for a stroll. For room and restaurant reservations, contact The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa on 4492 1555, visit marriott.com m
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The Torch Doha offers the best packages to surprise your loved ones! Skyline dinner and in-room special setup with flowers, balloons & candle lights arrangements for the best celebration to remember. Contact our event specialists for more details 4446 5600 reservation@thetorchdoha.com
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Memorable stay Make it the most
Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel offers the best packages to surprise your loved ones! Special in-room setup with flower, balloon, candle lights and dinner arrangement with the view to make it unforgettable! Contact our event specialists for more information: +974 4445 5555 reservation@alaziziyahboutique.com Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel Al Baaya Street Aspire Zone P.O Box 23833 Tel +974 4445 5555 Fax +974 4445 5500 reservation@alaziziyahboutique.com www.alaziziyahboutique.com
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- SET MENU OR SHARING STYLE - WELCOME DRINKS - PARK SUITE ACCOMMODATION - FULL HOT A LA CARTE BREAKFAST & DINNER IN-ROOM - DELUXE PREPARATION ROOM FOR BRIDE - 50% DISCOUNT ON SPA SERVICES
ELEGANT, RESIDENTIAL-STYLE LUXURY AWAITS YOUR INTIMATE WEDDING.
+974 4009 4243
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT OUR WEDDING SPECIALISTS
+974 3158 7909
SIKKAT WA DI M SHE I R E B DOWNTOWN DO HA | I G . @PARKH YATTD OH A | T. +974 4009 1234 | PARKH YATTD OH A .COM S IKKAT WADI MSHEIR EB DOWN TOWN DOHA | @ PARKHYAT T DOHA | T. +974 4009 1234 | PA RKHYAT T DOHA .COM
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