We can’t even pretend that it’s “business as usual” right now. So many words have already been written about March, 2026. “The Situation”. And there will be many, many more, because at the time this post is being published, this are still uncertain.
But what is certain is that the restaurant and food scene in Doha needs a boost right now. So here are some places I have been loving over the past couple of months and keep going back to.
*A quick note – all of the below recommendations I paid for myself. At the moment the restaurant and hospitality industry is doing it tough and I wanted to shine a light on some of the food experiences I have enjoyed recently.
Broritos
I don’t love the name, and the Asian/Mexican fusion menu at Broritos did concern me, but boy, this place in Abu Hamour packs a flavor punch. The comfort food heavy menu is tacos, burritos, rice bowls, nachos, noodles, fries and other bites. The ingredients are quality and servings very generous. Prices range from QR30 upwards, the bigger plates around QR45.
The tacos are made with chapati, the highlight and having the most diversity of flavor. I also loved their Korean bulgogi noodles – a substantial portion and beef was tender and well seasoned. And a shout out for the empanada made with flakey paratha. It works, especially the beef version.
A solid selection of drinks, including matcha and some fun branding round out an impressive offering.
Sritubtim Restaurant
I clocked this unassuming Thai spot opposite Al Bidda Park in February and marked it for a return, and was thrilled to see them on the delivery apps. I have seen zero influencer buzz – which to be fair, is a good sign in Doha at the moment. The menu is seafood heavy but there is enough to entertain all palates here. The dishes are flavorful and very unique – like sous vide eggs; crispy prawn pad Thai.
I really enjoyed the Matador Red (QR60), which is grilled beef with kicky pineapple and pomegranate salad. The beef arrived medium, a bit of pink and tender, and well seasoned. The pricing is a bit punchy (QR50 for a curry; seafood dishes from around QR50 and rice; appetizers QR40 and up). However, you do get some quality seafood and unique dishes. This is one I am adding to my delivery doomscrolling roulette but I am also keen to try dine in.
Business Lunch at Mosaic
This deal from the Mandarin Oriental Doha has one of the best business lunch offerings in town, with excellent quality dishes on the menu. Two courses for QR89 and three courses for QR99. However, unlike other offerings, the menu selection is huge – eight starters, 14 mains and seven desserts – and essentially all full sized servings.
On my visit in March, I shared both starters and mains with a friend, we dined like queens and still had to take away our leftovers. The Japanese crab salad is a mound of shredded crab sticks with a tangy sauce. Meanwhile, the local rocca and pomegranate version was fresh, sprinkled with almond flakes.
The mains include a crowd pleasing chicken tikka masala – the tender chicken pieces nicely charred and the gravy silky and moreish.
We also polished off a well executed and fresh Pad Thai with prawns – no gluggy tamanrind mess here. I love the light filled dining room and you can take a spin around the square to work off lunch. This is available daily in Mosaic from 12pm to 3pm.
Yellow River Souq Waqif
Yellow River’s second branch at Souq Waqif (next to Al Fardan Exchange), is giving foodies even more choice and a very cool location. And, as you can imagine, it’s already a (Doha) viral sensation.
The downstairs supermarket has a huge selection of Chinese and Asian ingredients – sauces, noodles, snacks, drinks and frozen items including dumplings. Here you will also find cooking pots and more. Meanwhile the Yellow River’s farm outside of Doha supplies the fresh veggies in the produce section, including a selection of Asian greens.
On level 2 is a food hall style set up much like their other branch, but the star of the show is a DIY Mala Mala (Sichuan-style hot pot broth known for its spicy and numbing flavor,) soup buffet. Load up your giant bowl with noodles, veggies and proteins including fish balls, tofu, imitation crab, and hand over to their chefs for the broth. Thankfully, you also choose the spice level you can handle.
Beware, this is Chinese spicy and Sichuan pepper heavy. Each hotpot is priced according to weight of the ingredients (before the broth), starting from QR69. They operate here with a buzzer system, you’re given a pager that vibrates and squawks when your food is ready – I’m still triggered by loud alerts!
They also have pre-made maki rolls, street food style dumplings and my favorite, Jiang Bing, a savory Chinese crepe stuffed with salad, veggies and crispy crackers. You can add chicken and there is also an egg version, which is wrapped in a paratha like flat bread.
The restaurant opens daily from 12pm and is already an instant hit – full of families sharing a spicy soup and dumplings. If I have one critique, would love to see more noodles and other options for the non-hotpot side.
Hakka Friday Brunch at Hakkasan
Nature is healing when I can take a breather and enjoy the delights of Hakkasan’s light Cantonese style menu. While their first post-Ramadan Friday brunches are regular-heavy, this is a good taster for new converts. The small eats and dim sum portion of the extensive set menu is the undeniable star – delicate and as perfectly made as ever.
Don’t miss the luxe black truffle with king crab dumpling, demonstrating the skill in the kitchen. The brunch menu gives you a chance to try the famed Peking duck – complete with the gossamer thin pancakes and fixings, ask for extra of the funky hoisin sauce.
Mains include the crowd favorite, sweet and sour chicken and a tender wok seared beef and yellow beetroot. at QR398/QR498, this is in treat territory but also a balm for the current uncertain times.
Three Peppers
The OG. Three Peppers is one everyone comes back to time and time again. And I will be honest, while we perhaps order from here at least twice a month, I haven’t dined in for years. So over Eid I headed to their sensory overload Muntazah venue (I still call this the “new” location – miss Old Airport!) for some comfort food.
My regular order? Sweet and sour chicken, spicy prawns and potato (this is the REAL spice bag in town), the garlicky morning glory and a selection of dumplings. Added in a spicy/sweet eggplant – a new one for me – and we had a feast. If you haven’t been/ordered, why not?
While you are here…
Are you getting my weekly Life on the Wedge newsletter? If not, why not? Sign up here.
And perhaps my favorite new-ish project is my Rachel Recommends Google Map – the first of its kind in Qatar, all my favorite, tried and tested spots in your phone!
We have some exciting and exclusive offers and events planned for the rest of the year! I have launched my substack which is a platform for some deeper explorations of topics around food.
You can read my other reviews here.
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.
