Ahhhh sweet September. My favorite month for so many reasons. And also the month that – post Summer – Doha’s food and drink scene starts to crank into gear. Lots to get excited about this September – some new openings and new offers to keep you fed and watered. Here’s my list of must eats in Doha for September.
The Frying Scotsman
I love it when hotels push the boat out (see what I did there?). The Radisson Blu Doha has a dozen food and beverage outlets – the biggest offering in the city. It also has a loyal fan base. They have now turned their moribund seafood restaurant into a dedicated fish and chip joint, and the result is glorious. the menu does what it says on the tin – fish and chips – done well. The batter is light and crunchy and the chips, well the British say they are not yet “proper”, but I enjoyed them. All fish and chops come with mushy peas and tartare sauce. Other menu items include British meat pies. the pastry is perfect and the fillings spot on.
Try the lamb-based Scotch pie for a real taste of the UK. Check out the tartan-inspired interiors as well as the replica of the Flying Scotsman running on the model train tracks around the restaurant. This place is perhaps my favorite find of the Summer.
Must order: The hefty cod and chips.
L’Apero Francais at La Parisienne
The French have this “doing life” thing nailed. Wine and cheese before dinner? God yes. The apéritif, or apéro as it’s known in France, is a French evening ritual that combines drinks, food and friends. La Parisienne has brought the ritual to Doha, offering a plate of meats and cheeses plus unlimited wine and French drinks for QR190. There are four different boards to choose from all with different combinations and flavors and the wine is free flowing between 6pm and 8pm nightly. While not quite a happy hour – it’s definitely a great place to catch up with friends or just have a quiet tipple. Oh la la!
Must order: I loved the board with pate en croute and duck rillette – with freshly baked baguette and creamy butter, this was a real winner.
Maru
Doha’s love affair with Korean food has been taken up a notch. Located inside a fairly nondescript residential tower in West Bay, Maru is a surprising hit. Their focus is Korean style BBQ – with different packages available or a la carte. The QR250 option comes with marinated chicken and three cuts of beef, plus side dishes and you can also select one stew (we tried the kimchi one which was spicy and a lovely hit of sour).
Who doesn’t love the theater of the BBQ – you can do it yourself and ask for help from the friendly waiters. The BBQ was spot on in terms of flavor but we found the additional dishes like tempura prawns underwhelming. Expensive? Yes, but this could be the best Korean BBQ in town.
Must order: The Korean BBQ – worth the trip
Friday Brunch at Coral
This brunch at the Intercontinental Doha is a little sleeper hit. Not as loud and brash as other brunches, it offers a lovely selection of fresh food in a light and airy setting. Each week they have a different theme – which gives the chefs a chance to really let their imagination run riot.
The week I visited I sampled their fare, the theme was cheese. There was a burrata station, dishes with cheese incorporated and of course, a whole cheese board. All dishes were cooked with care and the service was spot on. This is just unpretentious food done well. Great for families or big groups – it also is a great option for couples.
Must order: Each week is a different theme but you can’t go past their hot dishes. you might get lucky and chance upon their giant paella dish – stuffed full of seafood.
