March is here and thank God. Wasn’t February the longest short month ever? But March, it holds so much promise. Winter is over, we are well and truly in the midst of the actual year. And restaurants in Doha are finally hitting their straps – serving up new and interesting menus, dishes and even a new opening or two (finally). So here is where I am putting my dining riyal in Doha this month. And let me just say, it’s probably the most interesting line-up (old and new) for a few months:
You had me at cheese. All of the cheese. So much cheese. This is proof that the 1970s never died, it just got turned into fondue restaurants like this one. Just opened Al Shoumoukh Towers in Al Sadd (with a slew of restaurants seems to be revitalizing dining in this area), this joint is all about cheese in all its forms.
The star of the show is their selection of cheese and chocolate fondues – gooey goodness served hot as it comes thanks to burners embedded in the dining table.
Wear your stretchy pants because this place is about big servings and lots of lactose. They also do a breakfast menu. Hold me.
Order: Mexican Fiesta fondue, spicy shrimp roll and Parmesan truffle fries.
2. Greek Souvlaki and Gyros Restaurant
Ahh Doha, sometimes you like to surprise me. Tucked away on the ground floor of of a residential tower in West Bay is a little slice of Greece. This restaurant does exactly what it says on the tin – souvlaki (meat skewers) and gyros (shredded meat wrapped in a flatbread with salad and sauce) served up by people who are clearly passionate about their homeland. the decor is simple, if a little cramped.
The menu is limited. The service amusing. But the food is fresh and tasty. Special mention to the tangy mustard sauce on the gyro.
I did have one quibble – charging me extra for flatbread to shovel my tzaziki – come onnnnn.
Order: Chicken gyros and the fried feta cheese.
Am I the last person to find out about this place? To be fair, it is my fault, given it is actually across the (very busy) road from me. but we recently tried their biryanis and what a revelation they were. Let me be clear about this, in spite of my Indian obsession, I am no expert when it comes to this famous rice dish. But for me, the Doha Rocks rendition hits all the spots and feels, especially the spicy tomato chutney it comes with. Their combination stirfried Chinese noodles were also a surprise hit – fresh ingredients and not too oily.
Order: Egg biryani
4. Dim Sum Friday Brunch at Holiday Villa
I’ve given you my best brunch in Doha, now this is my best value. I’ve been banging on about D’Chopstix, the hidden gem, for months now and have become a regular at their Friday Japanese/Dim Sum Brunch.
While I rarely visit the lavish buffet of sushi and sashimi (plus salads, desserts and hot dishes), it’s the all you can eat dim sum part of the brunch that keeps me coming back. Freshly steamed dumplings plus tempura served at your table, all for a humble QR138 a head (including Chinese tea).
This is the closest thing to my Saturday Sydney Yum Cha tradition I could find. Just perfect.
Order: Scallop dumpling, egg tarts, prawn tempura.
