Whoaaa! I just blinked and suddenly it’s March – how did that happen? Talk about March Madness! Luckily Doha is awash with new places and new offers to make this March memorable – from steak and sushi to new breakfast spots and more. Here is your March dining hit list – where to eat and drink in Doha this month:
Steak and Sushi at Morimoto
I’m still trying to wrap my head around this Sunday night deal at Morimoto. Five courses including a huge sushi platter (with a selection of maki rolls and sashimi) and a buttery wagyu fillet (with umami bomb wasabi fries) as well as a big bowl of comforting soba noodle soup with prawn tempura, desserts and other extras all for QR222 per person.
It really is an incredible deal, the fact that every dish is high quality and generous portions as ell as the attentive service makes it even more of draw card. I’m going to stop banging on about what a good deal it is and give you some advice – go.
Must Order: All the things.
Liang at Mandarin Oriental
A year in the making, the much anticipated collaboration between the Mandarin Oriental Doha and Maxims in Hong Kong has opened. Located on Baharat Msheireb, the beautifully designed restaurant is giving Doha a taste of Hong Kong style Chinese cuisine. The menu is studded with favorites as well as a few surprises. I’ve eaten there twice now (one paid and one an invite) and the Kung Pao king prawns was a star performer on both occasions. their dumplings are a delight – a xaio long bao soup dumpling filled with steaming broth. Staff are all Chinese and clearly proud of their cuisine. Prices underscore their five star hotel location but are reasonable. Be sure to order the tea, it comes with a traditional tea “performance”.
Must order: The Peking Duck and any of the dumplings
Twisted Olive
I’m not going to lie, I have a huge crush on this restaurant. With a prime location at the base of the Burj Doha, both the stylish interiors and the lush exteriors remind me of similar cafes in Sydney. The menu of cafe favorites with a twist also gives me all the feels. A recent visit saw me devour the Mexican style avocado eggs – a chunk of sour dough bread topped with crushed avo and smokey, spicy and tangy sweet corn. It was the kind of dish I didn’t want to end. Good coffee and engaged staff push this into repeat visit territory. They now offer all day breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays.
Must order: Mexican breakfast bowl and any of the baked goods.
The Curry House
What a surprise this gem of a restaurant is. Giving Doha a taste of a UK-style curry house, it’s a restaurant and bar with a real personality. The interiors and the colorful murals have launched a thousand instagram posts but it is the food that is the real star. North Indian favorites prepared with care and a dash of that personality. Their Friday brunch is great for those who want to sample their food – offering unlimited servings of a range of starters curries and kebabs for QR395 including alcohol. We loved their rich butter chicken pot pie which was bathed in a silky spiced gravy.
A version of the beloved dish of biryani with eggplant was smokey and also comforting. Throw in a lively atmosphere and generous happy hours and deals, and this is a welcome addition to Doha’s food scene.
Must order: Chicken tikka envelopes and sikandari raan.
Happy Hour at La Mar
Finally La Mar has started a happy hour and I am here for it. Offered on weekends only (Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 7pm) it’s an ideal spot for after work/after brunch/pre dinner drinks. Both bites and drinks (beer, cocktails and wine) start from QR35 and with that view and beachside location, it’s hard to find a better spot. The bites include a sneak peek at their menu and run from ceviches to perfectly formed little burgers. Book ahead to get a good table.
Must order: surf and turf sliders and the chicken spring rolls
Egg Tap
Heavy on the concept, thankfully this newly opened breakfast spot is also great on the flavor front. Located at the base of the Wyndham West Bay, this leans heavily on a similar concept from South Korea. These are not your average egg sandwiches. Served on buttery brioche toast with fillings ranging from steak to truffles and even shakshouka, they are on the small side but flavor heavy. I tried the truffle sandwich which was stuffed with mushrooms, provolone cheese and a creamy truffle sauce. The eggs were scrambled and blissfully just set enough. Another revelation was their perfectly cooked hash browns – five n a serve and beautifully fluffy inside and crispy outside. Service is still a little spotty (soft opening wrinkles) and the coffee average. But go for the sandwiches.
Must order: Steak and egg and the hash browns
There we have it – your March dining hit list – where to eat and drink in Doha this month. What else to look forward today? Well, the revamped Four Seasons Doha opens 1 March! It has a new terrace bar and some exciting new decor. also, the speculation rages whether the Qatar International Food Festival 2020 will go ahead…an interesting month awaits!
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