And so it has happened – COVID-19 has us well and truly in its feverish grip. In Doha, we have been advised to stay indoors, avoid gatherings. Restaurants and cafes have been closed for dining in but are offering delivery and takeaway – perfect for those moments when you can’t face opening another can from the pantry.
Food and beverage outlets in this city have had to move fast and adapt to the changes. Expect to see some closures (temporary) or some moving to delivery only. And times are tough for our friends in the food industry so please show them some love. a word of warning – all of these places offered delivery at the time of posting – as you know, things are changing daily and sometimes hourly. So call ahead and check.
So here are my top 12 Doha home delivery suggestions – as you know not every outlet delivers across the city so I’ve done my best to do a geographical spread. All are available on Talabat Qatar – and in many cases are are waiving their delivery fees for this period as well.
Mama Rozie
The little place that could. This joint in Mansoura has been serving up Indonesian/Malaysian/Filipino goodies for more than a year and I can’t recommend it enough. All food is made fresh on site and where possible from scratch.
Must order: the crispy spicy calamari, Mie Bakso soup and their version of bubble tea.
Diet Delights
Comfort food doesn’t need to all be unhealthy. Diet Delights comes to the rescue with version of your favorite food without the calories and fat. Portions are generous and the ingredients good quality. I also appreciate them including the calorie count and ingredients on the packaging – a much needed reminder!
Must order: Chef’s salad and the creamy, dreamy blueberry cheesecake!
Bao Doha
I was the happiest foodie in Doha when I saw Bao pop up on my Talabat. It’s a little luxe and a expensive and is deep in the “treat territory” but their fluffy bao buns will brighten anyone’s self isolation period.
Must order: Any of the bao buns (spicy chicken is a favorite followed closely by the beef short rib version) and shrimp popcorn.
The Bowl
Another one on the healthy food spectrum (who am I even?), this hole in the wall in the Pearl Qatar is serving up nutritious and delicious bowls of soul – both sweet and savory options and suitable for any meal of the day. options include a Hawaiian poke bowl, a Mexican bowl with guac, beans and rice and grass fed beef bone broth.
Must order: The Ramen Bowl with shitake mushrooms, soba noodles and bok choy as well as their bullet proof coffee.
Claw BBQ
So this is one out of the box. The dive bar favorite is keeping its kitchen open to feed the people of Doha. And frankly I am there for that. Expect comfort food favorites like burgers, quesadillas, tacos and of course, their famous seafood dishes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ytLt7gzCX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linkMust order: Buffalo chicken burger and the snow crab buket if youa re feeling frisky and cashed up
Damasca One
The place we all take visitors to Doha is offering through this period and is perfect for that Lebanese/Levant food craving.It’s a pretty limited menu of their hot and cold appetizers, soups and salads.
Must order: Fattoush and the fried kibbeh
Ric’s Kountry Kitchen
The Doha legend delivers. Known for their no frills plates of eggs, toast and all things good, they also offer burgers, sandwiches and tex mex favorites.
Must order: the Taco Plate and the breakfast burrito
La Parisienne
Oh la la – a cute french bakery inside the Intercontinental Doha the City has been offering delivery of their freshly baked baguettes, rolls and pastries for a while now. they also offer sandwiches and quiches. And it’s time for you to try!
Must order: the baguettes of course and any of the quiches.
Little Yee Hwa
The little sister of cult favorite Yee Hwa, this joint satisfies your Korean food cravings in spades. the menu has a mix of Japanese and Korean classics including sushi, kim bap, bulgogi as well as bento boxes, tempura and more.
Must order: the teriyaki salmon and the BBQ combo bowl
DAWG
This one is brand spanking new. Gourmet hotdogs made with angus beef and stuffed into brioche buns is just the start. the toppings include cashew Gruyere, home made pickles and more.
There are even options for vegans as well as one made with hamour. You also must check out their sides – sweet potato tater tots and loaded hash browns are just the start. The hotdogs themselves are generous and the fillings all high quality. They also offer a breakfast menu!
Must order: The Haute Dawg and the crunchy/soft tater tots.
Nando’s
This one is probably the only “predictable” name on the list. I’m an unabashed Fando of Nandos and we order from here maybe one or twice a month. It’s consistently great quality, well presented and arrives on time and piping hot. Great sharing options as well as single meals.
Must order: the feta and avo burger (I add pineapple because I’m Aussie like that) and the majlis platter which has everything a hungry person could need!
Patissez
Aussie outfit Patissez at Doha Festival City is offering up its menu of cafe classics for home delivery. Expect fresh food with a twist – burgers, egg dishes of all descriptions and of course their famous milkshakes.
Must order: the Aussie burger of course!
Special mention: some places are doing their own delivery. Do check out The Curry House who start their home delivery on 19 March. Same for W Doha who are offering a great selection of items from their popular outlets for takeaway or home delivery (minimum QR350 spend).
For COVID-19 updates, please check the Ministry of Public Health’s website. Also, please stay safe and look after eachother!
