Let’s be honest. First impressions were not great – a questionable table and a server with an attitude as chilly as Doha in late February. Our Zuma Baikingu Friday brunch experience was off to a rocky start. We’d already had internal monologue/whatsapp group chat about the QR500 price tag and the “sceney” vibe.
But my lack of a Zuma visit was, I confess, a gap in my food writing resume. A generous table move, the injection of Pocket Rocket server called Camilla and a decent Bellini soon had us purring.
Let’s be clear – Zuma Doha is a SCENE. So much so that we had a mix of wannabe main character energy types alongside a real one (Kevin Hart – low key, very kind to everyone as was his team). But there were also families and groups just enjoying the afternoon and the offering.
Zuma Doha – The Space
You can book one of two spaces for brunch – the outside terrace or the main dining room. The terrace is lovely and works in theory, but the Doha end of winter winds highlights it’s quite exposed and some seats can suffer as the sun dips. But, I’m there for the food. On paper it’s giving Nobu vibes – snacks to share, a sushi, hot starter and dessert buffets, a main each off a set menu. The starter snacks include tiny bowls of crispy prawns and calamari plus edamame – just a taster.
But the two buffets themselves, could easily satisfy even the most demanding food writer. I lost count of the sushi, sashimi, raw bar dishes. There must be at least 30, including shucked oysters; different types of maki rolls with a decent selection of vegetarian options. Chefs seemed to be in perpetual motion topping up, adjusting, adding, chatting to diners.
Zuma Doha Brunch – The Food
I would give you the names of them all but here’s where there is a problem because nothing is labeled. Instead there is a charming team member to explain each dish, which is nice when it’s just you, but this idea falters when there is a rush on the buffet. But plaudits for the slivers of marinated octopus, an umami laden green salad with crab and sesame dressing and the plump oysters.
The hot buffet was a bit easier to identify but also an absolute delight – miso soup ladeled from the urn; Robata grilled skewers of tender beef; chicken meatballs doused in a Japanese BBQ sauce; fried gyoza stuffed with vegetables. I could have lingered here all afternoon, but the mains beckoned.
The dishes on the mains selection are again… Nobu-esqe and just generous enough. A facsimilie version of black cod, which was less sweet and more tangy than its namesake. A silky ribeye with garlic chips with a tangy rice vinegar infused dressing was tender and a jumbo prawn, cooked just enough with the citrus hit of yuzu.
Zuma Doha – The Service
Service, after the shaky start, was stellar. Camilla from Ecuador is a true star in the making herself: wine glasses topped up, questions answered and sassy jokes made. She even expertly handled a conversation with a guy at the next table who seemed to think vaping inside was OK.
The vibe was low key and chilled thanks to an off piste retro selection by the DJ. I haven’t heard Buffalo Stance by the awesome Neneh Cherry since it was released in 1988 and frankly, it was awesome.
Zuma Doha – the Verdict
Pricing is very much in treat territory QR400/QR500/QR600 with kids at QR200. Yes, expensive. The timing is also good – 12.30pm to 4.30pm. But, for QR500 in this market, you expect cocktails. a “welcome drink” Bellini doesn’t cut it sadly.
Scanning the main menu, which has equally punchy pricing, the brunch appears to be a collation of some of the signature and popular dishes. So this brunch could be a great chance to try Zuma without the full extent of the sticker shock.
The verdict? Less pretentious than expected, great food and definitely one for a repeat visit on payday
(*we paid for ourselves)
The Details
Zuma Doha Friday Brunch
Al Maha
$$$$
Must order: the hot buffet was stellar
Good to know: Disappointingly there are no cocktails in the main alcohol package which even for Doha is pricey; the terrace is lovely but windy and the sun may be an issue.
While you are here…
Thanks for reading my new review: ZUMA Doha has Hype and Celebrities but Does it Deliver A Great Brunch?
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Please note:
While I pay for a large portion of my experiences that I write about, I am sometimes provided meals and other experiences free of charge or at a reduced rate. However, I make it clear that I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
