I had fully approached my return to this restaurant with a high degree of cynicism. Of the belief that the borderline cultish proclamations about Kai’s Songbird were a result of them being mesmerized by the location and the concept. For months, since my first visit, I had demurred – “it’s good….but….”. And you can see why I held this view. On arrival, it’s easy to be dazzled by Kai’s Songbird. It’s harborside location, soaring atrium interiors and almost over-designed plush furnishings are unlike anything in Doha. And, of course, there is the novelty of drinking alcohol. Not in a hotel! At The Pearl! With that view! OMG! Swoon! The rest,…
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The 7 Best Game Day Eats in Qatar During FIFA World Cup 2022
So, you’ve got your tickets sorted, your Hayya Card is fired up – what are the best game day eats in Doha During FIFA World Cup 2022? I’ve tried to give fans and foodies a range of options across the city and also placed them in their proximity to the nearest stadium… A few words of advice! Be sure to book ahead, reservations for bars and restaurants at hotels are essential at the moment and bring your ID. Also, try to get out and about to enjoy Qatar’s lively food scene. Enjoy! The burgers at The Score This spacious and well appointed West Bay sports bar at the Pullman is…
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Where to Find Specialty and Unique Food Shops in Doha
Need to find that unique ingredient? Or maybe something that reminds you of home or that trip to Italy (when we still could travel!)? There was a time when you had to wait to travel or ask a friend bring in that special vinegar or sauce. Not any more. In some cases you can thank COVID-19 – some suppliers opened their doors to the public during the lockdown. In other cases, specialty food shops across Doha are popping up all over the city offering a range of items and in many cases, home delivery or through Whatsapp. Here’s my a few from my little black book of great food and…
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Korean BBQ, Dynamite Shrimp and Saturday Brunch – the Top Doha Dining Trends of 2019 Revealed
In Doha we love a food trend – both starting them and following them (sometimes a bit later than expected). Some a good. Some are bad. Some are downright infuriating. From Korean BBQ to Dynamite Shrimp and Saturday brunches here my takes on what I think a re are the top Doha dining trends of 2019: Korean Food The popularity of this cuisine, with its mix of salty, sweet and spicy, just keeps growing in Doha. Independent restaurant Maru, with its excellent Korean BBQ has set foodie pulses racing in recent months and is fast attaining cult status. And now, from the people who brought us the beloved Yee Hwa,…
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Shake Up Your Dining Routine – How to Eat Outside Your Comfort Zone in Doha
From Nepalese momos to Ethiopian food - shake up your dining routine. Here's your guide to how to eat outside of your comfort zone in Doha
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Doha Dining Scene’s Mid Year Report Card 2019
We’re halfway through this year so it’s a good time to take stock of what’s happening – think of it like the Doha dining scene’s mid year report card 2019. After a year or two of stagnation, the restaurant scene really kicked into gear in late 2018 and early 2019 with a raft of new openings and a real buzz. There’s a lot to like but also a lot to be skeptical about. Here’s a look at what we’re loving, what’s leaving us cold and what we are looking forward to: What I’m Loving New restaurants! This year continues to see an exciting new upswing in the number of new…
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Three Places to Enjoy Iftar this Ramadan that Aren’t a Buffet
It’s halfway through Ramadan and if you are anything like me, you have “buffet fatigue”. Which is why I’m excited that these three great Doha places are offering iftar menus other than a buffet this Ramadan. Don’t get me wrong, I love me a buffet, but sometimes you just need something low key and different to break the fast.Here are top three picks for iftar this Ramadan in Doha that are outside the buffet bubble. Nobu Doha When I heard that Nobu Doha was staying open this Ramadan it was like music to my jaded ears. To entice new diners and rusted on addicts like myself, they are offering a…
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Qatar Food Trends 2018 – the Good, the Bad and the…please just stop
There is no doubt about it….Qatar loves a food trend. Remember when elaborate cupcakes popped up like wildflowers? Then cookies filled with all manner of sweet fillings…2018 is no different. Here’s my tongue-in-cheek look at the best and the…worst food trends of 2018. Peruvian Food: Yep, with the opening of La Mar and Manko, this intriguing and addictive cuisine that is a mix of Japanese, Spanish, Chinese and South American – has Qatar’s foodies talking – and it’s all good. The Intercontinental Doha has taken the “go hard or go home” approach, putting serious cash behind it with a custom built venue, celebrity chef endorsement and frankly it has paid…
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Nine Food Trends Set to Rock Doha in 2017
We may look to our friends in the seemingly ever changing Dubai for what’s currently hip and cool, but here in Qatar, our dining ecosystem has a life of its own. As we head into February (how did THAT happen?) I thought it would be a good time to take the pulse of the city and see what we can expect from restaurants, hotels and others in 2017: MORE CHAIN RESTAURANTS: The opening of the Cheesecake Factory at the mammoth Mall of Qatar was more anticipated in some circles than the much discussed ABBA reunion. It’s just another in a long list of chains that see Doha as a rich market for their…
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Four Simple Steps for Stylish (and Pocket Friendly) Festive Entertaining
It’s been a long year and frankly I have been caught a little off guard by the speed and ferocity of the approach of the festive season. We’re staying in Doha this year, and on the weekend I had a mild panic about who, what, when, where and how. I managed to find the tree in the back of the wardrobe, dust off the ornaments and tinsel and put the whole thing together with a minimum of curse words. Presents have been ordered online and are being delivered at breakneck speed. After that I needed a lie down and a Netflix Gilmore Girls marathon (but basically that threw up more questions than…
