Right – I’m going to keep this month’s Doha dining hit list short. Why? Because looming very soon, halfway through May, is Ramadan. Given that’s an entirely different dining genre (and another post…), I’m going to focus on the next couple of weeks and where you should be spending those precious pre-Ramadan dining days and nights. And what a selection there is. Doha’s restaurants, you’ve done us proud:
This gem of a place is a cafe located inside the Holiday Villa complex and honestly I am kicking myself for not trying sooner. Every Friday and Saturday they serve a range of Malaysian breakfast favorites including Nasi Lemak. It opens from 6am and prices start from QR10. You heard me. QR10! Be warned, this place is popular – so get there early or you can even takeaway.
Must order: Nasi Lemak or the Mee Kare (coconut seafood noodle soup) washed down with iced tea.
2. Foie Gras Menu at Four Seasons Library Bar
I usually steer clear of foie gras, probably because I’ve experienced some very average renditions of this love/hate ingredient. But the foie gras menu in the Library Bar will please both skeptics and hard core lovers of foie gras. With some innovative dishes like a creamy and crispy mille feuille, it really is a decadent way to spend a weeknight.
Must order: The woody and earthy mushroom and foie gras tart.
3. Monday Mussels at Trader Vics
I love me some bivalve action and this is the perfect chance to indulge. every Monday night Trader Vics offers a ginormous, steaming mussel pot (choose from three sauces – Thai, Traditional or Spicy Tomato) for QR99 which includes crusty bread, crispy fries, a dipping sauce and a drink (wine, beer or soft drinks). You’re making money on that deal. the mussels are plump and juicy and made-to-order which means they are fresh and hot on arrival. The vibe is fun (the band comes on at 830pm) and service attentive.
Must order: The spicy tomato mussels pack a punch.
4. Grill and Chill at Cut (Mondrian Doha)
Saturday nights usually see me hibernating in preparation for the looking work week onslaught. But this has shaken me from my stupor. Centered around their canal-side terrace, they fire up the BBQ and serve up some American-influenced food. It’s a la carte but you are brought everything from the menu and can choose to order more of what you fancy. Starters include spicy chicken satays and hush puppies as well as cheddar japaeno biscuits. The grills include local prawns with Old Bay seasoning and szechuan chicken sausages as well as lamb chops. At QR195 with soft drinks and QR345 with alcohol, this is the perfect Saturday hang.
Must order: The slow cooked beef brisket – seriously.
Meat sweats. Pure and simple. I love Market and consider it my “my local” – because it has a great buzzy atmosphere, brilliant staff and you are usually likely to run into someone you know there. The W and this restaurant especially seem to know how to tap into what people want. This is one of the best dining deals in town – for those who love their meat. The star attraction is a 1.4kg tomahawk steak (between two people – but this behemoth is made to share with more). Add in selection of side dishes (fries, mac and cheese, the works), three types of sauces plus to further whet your appetite, an appetizer and dessert and you won’t need to eat for a few days. Combine with their nightly gin and tonic happy hour for best effect. It’s QR790 including a bottle of Argentinian wine or
QR 650 including selected soft drinks.
Must order: Ummmmm…the steak.
I said this would be short and sweet. I guess I was underselling it. There are so many great offers at the moment – get out there and enjoy!
