CHIC Eats

The wonderful staff bring us an array of mezze – familiar dishes that have been given the star treatment by the chef. The Warak Enab Bil Zaite –traditional, stuffed vine leaves – are wonderfully lemony and bursting with flavour. The hummus is splendid, the moutabel beyond fresh and the baba ghanoush incredibly moreish. The muhammara – an unctuous blend of breadcrumbs, walnuts, olive oil, molasses and sesame seeds – is a stunning shade of burnt ochre and a glistening swirl of perfection, scattered with jewel-like pomegranate seeds that deliver tiny bursts of flavour. The taste is out of this world.

Next, we feast upon a selection of dishes from the charcoal grill. There are succulent lamb chops, shish taouk – chicken marinated in garlic and lemon – and probably the best kebab kafta I’ve ever eaten, especially when paired with the exceptional harissa sauce. The slices of Lebanese pizza also deserve special mention. These delicate flatbreads are piled with fresh, mouth-watering vegetables that need to be tasted to be believed.

We can’t really fit in a dessert, but thank goodness we do. The muhalabieh is a multi-layered concoction of some considerable genius. A layer of zingy passion fruit is topped with smooth, creamy rice pudding that’s topped with crunchy pistachios. Mmm, just, mmm.

Finally – really, this time – we sip the restaurant’s digestif. An aromatic blend of warm water and rose water, it’s a delightful final curtain to a dazzling culinary display.

For guests staying at the hotel, it doesn’t have to end here. The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum – home to an eclectic collection of classic cars, boats, aeroplanes, jewellery and so much more – is just walking distance away. So is Al Samriya Equestrian Centre and its beautiful Arabian horses; guests can ride around the farm or even take a riding lesson or two. We peek inside one of the suites – it’s gorgeous – and agree that Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection is the perfect getaway for those looking for a break that’s a little out of the ordinary. And it’s not even a plane ride away.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call Zoufa at Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection on 4430 9777.

@zoufarestaurant

@alsamriyahotel