Doha Hit List January 2023: Hot, new and just reviewed restaurants, bars and offers

Hello? 2023? Is that really you? All shiny, bright and full of promise! To kick the year off in the right way, here is your Doha Hit List January 2023: Hot, new and just reviewed restaurants, bars and offers to check out NOW:

Hanok Korean/Japanese Restaurant

If you haven’t wandered around the area behind the National Museum of Qatar, do yourself a favor and go. So many new eateries and cafes have popped up, including Hanok. Their menu includes Seiromushi, the Japanese method of steam cooking in which food is steamed on bamboo trays table side.

Anyone familiar with K Dramas will have seen this technique. We ordered the set for two which comes with sliced beef and veggies in the first steamer tray cooked over a hot plate built into the table.  A timer is set on the steamer after which your first course is unveiled! The beef is great quality and a generous portion for two (it comes as a set for QR220).

When you finish, the top layer is removed and a bowl of rice, kimchi and veggies appears. This is cooked like “fried” rice – mixed together on the skillet formed by the bottom layer of the basket. Well priced and fun.

Must order: The Seiromushi obviously but the Korean Fried Chicken was juicy goodness

Kai’s Songbird

Arguably the prettiest restaurant in Doha, the menu features Nanyan cuisine from South Eastern china. This part of China greatly benefitted from sea trade so you will see flashes of Malaysian, Singaporean and Thai in the dishes. 

We loved the paper thin and lacquered honey and soy glazed beef but a take on a pomelo salad had texture but lacked punch.

The star of the menu for us was a deliciously and gently spiced chilli lobster with scallops and crab meat, served with bao buns. Props also to a sweet and sour cauliflower did what it says on the tin

This restaurant is licensed and it’s lovely to have a glass of wine with the view. But, this means prices reflect that, so expect to pay for the experience. 

Must order: We loved the wafer thin honey and soy glazed beef

Tuk Tuk Saigon

The two lovey ladies who are the brains behind this fab new Bin Mahmoud eatery know what we want – great Vietnamese and South East Asian food that is well priced.

The kitchen is staffed by chefs for those three countries and your taste buds are in for a treat.

Check out the freshly made Vietnamese rolls and tender chicken skewers for starters. Soups include the iconic Vietnamese Bo Bun Hue – beef lemongrass soup as well as pho and of course tom yum. 

Spice levels for all dishes can be adjusted according to your tastes but I suggest going as spicy as you can. Mains are equally exciting with a Vietnamese noodle bowl laden with a riot of flavors and textures. The surprise packet is Burmese spaghetti served with house made pickles (you may want to take some home). For the soft launch no dish is priced over QR50 and interiors are stylish and comfy, perfect for groups. 

The flavors are fresh and the servings are generous. Eagerly waiting for their extended menu and delivery!

Must order: the Vietnamese spring rolls, Burmese spaghetti and the coffee!

Cecconis at The Ned

Expect to hear a lot about The Ned in 2023. I dined at their American Italian restaurant Cecconis recently and was impressed by the attention to detail on the menu as well as the execution of the dishes. Not only do they have a Negroni menu (yes with Sabagliato, with Prosecco) but as a concept it feels, adult…meaning fully formed.

There was even a jazz trio playing in the hotel lobby, the perfect sound track to the meal.

And it should feel fully formed, the restaurant is part of an international chain and this polish shows from the dishes through to the attentive and knowledgable service team. The pasta is cooked al dente (yesss!) and the beef carpaccio is finished at your table. Prices are five star territory but you get seamless experience with a side of great food.

Must order: the simple pasta in tomato sauce with burrata was al dente amazing but the arancini balls a real surprise. Each bite revealed a tiny hint of truffle.

Sarabeth’s

Don’t worry, I also missed the opening of The Plaza Doha, home to Sarabeth’s. It slid quietly onto the hotel scene during the 2022 fanfare. Sarabeth’s is a Manhattan legend, serving all day brunch and could well be your new favorite breaky spot.

Well executed breakfast dishes like eggs benedict, pancakes sit alongside lunch dinner offerings like sandwiches, salads and burgers. Open from 7am to 7pm right now they do plan to open later.

I loved their non-dairy milk selection as well as the friendly and cheerful service. Prices, again five star but worth the visit.

Must order: the breakfast eggs and pancakes are the stars

While you are here…

So that’s it! Your Doha Hit List January 2023: hot, new and just reviewed restaurants, bars and offers to set you up for the new year.

What an incredible and challenging year 2022 was for me. I don’t want to get soppy, but thank you all for keeping the faith and reading this blog and following me on other platforms. It means so much and I especially love interacting with you all through DMs, emails and in person.

Thank you and have a delicious 2023.

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• Loving the cooler weather? Check out this list of al fresco bars in Doha.
• We love a food trend and the NYT has the top ones to watch in 2023.