I was a big fan of Riyasat at the St Regis Doha and was curious what had changed since its recent “rebrand” as Rivaaj. With the dissolution of Al Fardan Hospitality, this was one of the high-profile changes. Rivaaj has now moved under the umbrella of their landlords St Regis. The other notable change has been neighboring BIBO moving to we presume, Marsa Malaz Kempinski where sister restaurant Lobito De Mar is located. As a side note – I have lauded what was done in the complex that once housed a moribund ballroom at the Al Gassar Resort. The addition of interesting and popular venues and a gallery was a…
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Best Restaurant Dishes in Qatar for 2022
It’s been the best of times… it was…actually it was a pretty incredible year. And the food scene in Qatar was as vibrant as ever – dozens of new openings, new hotels, new cuisines. So selecting my best restaurant dishes in Qatar for 2022 was actually tougher than I expected. But needs must….here is my list of best Qatar restaurant dishes of 2022 in no particular order… Malaysian butter chicken at Mama Rozie This dish started as a one-off and grew to be a phenomenon. More creamy than the usual butter chicken we know, it’s the perfect comfort food. The chicken is fried before adding to the sauce. You can…
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Your Essential Guide to Eating and Drinking in Doha in November 2021
November is here and if you get up very early the temperature is in the early 20s! Just kidding! We are at the business end of the year in Qatar – when the weather is glorious and the eating and drinking options in Doha plentiful. Finally dining outdoors doesn’t require a personal AC. And we have some huge events – Arab Cup and the Formula 1 Ooredoo 2021 Grand Prix to name just two. So here is my essential guide to eating and drinking in Doha this November: Riyasat I’ve written about this place a few times, but it’s worth a visit or a revisit. Approachable yet beautifully executed Indian…
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The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Doha in August 2021
We're almost over the hump of a long and sweaty Summer and this list of best places to eat and drink in Doha in August 2021 will help you get past it. Plus a little look the best and worst of the dining scene in 2021 so far...
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Your December 2020 Doha Dining Hit List – Where to Eat and Drink this Month
We made it to December. Really. We did! Who would have known this year would have all the twists and turns that it did? But after a short break I’m back with your December Doha Dining hit list – where to eat and drink this month. From beautifully presented Indian cuisine to elevated comfort food, I have it all here: 1. CUT by Wolfgang Puck at Mondrian Doha This restaurant has really come into its own since it reopened after the lockdown. The menu has ditched its steakhouse pretensions allowing chef Justin Yu to broaden its appeal and serve thoughtful, well executed American comfort food. Steaks and seafood are still…
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Your March Doha Dining Hit List – Where to Eat and Drink this Month
Whoaaa! I just blinked and suddenly it’s March – how did that happen? Talk about March Madness! Luckily Doha is awash with new places and new offers to make this March memorable – from steak and sushi to new breakfast spots and more. Here is your March dining hit list – where to eat and drink in Doha this month: Steak and Sushi at Morimoto I’m still trying to wrap my head around this Sunday night deal at Morimoto. Five courses including a huge sushi platter (with a selection of maki rolls and sashimi) and a buttery wagyu fillet (with umami bomb wasabi fries) as well as a big bowl…
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Your March Hit List – Where You Should be Eating and Drinking in Doha this Month
March is here and thank God. Wasn’t February the longest short month ever? But March, it holds so much promise. Winter is over, we are well and truly in the midst of the actual year. And restaurants in Doha are finally hitting their straps – serving up new and interesting menus, dishes and even a new opening or two (finally). So here is where I am putting my dining riyal in Doha this month. And let me just say, it’s probably the most interesting line-up (old and new) for a few months: The Melting Pot You had me at cheese. All of the cheese. So much cheese. This is proof…
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Trucking Good – Food Trucks Roll Into Qatar’s Food Scene
It has been a long time coming…but the food truck movement has finally started rolling in Qatar. OK so they may not the the mobile trucks we are used to seeing on the streets of the US, UK and Australia, but they are a step in the right direction. While Burgeri (owned by Katara Hospitality) has been roving the country selling serviceable burgers, hotdogs and fries for a few years, the slow road started back in 2016 when the Ministry for Economy and Commerce indicated it would issue licences for mobile food vendors, giving a boost to the private sector. This came after a successful “Food Truck” section at the…
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Five Reasons Why India Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List
I have a confession. It wasn’t until I moved to the Middle East that I even considered India as a travel destination. I’d always considered it to be a little too confronting. Too big. Too crazy. Too dirty. Then around five years ago, I finally made a decision. I took a deep breath and booked a trip to Delhi. It was a revelation. Organized chaos and a riot of colors and smells, yet also somehow addictive. So if you are on the fence about India and in honor of their amazing festival Diwali, here’s five reasons why you should take the plunge. THE FOOD: This goes without saying but the…
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Five Reasons Why You Need to Put Kerala on Your Travel Bucket List ASAP
It’s no secret that I have a real affection for India. But it took 16 trips to this amazing country for me to finally visit the state of Kerala. To the delight of many friends, I decided to change up my planned Eid travel schedule and spend it in Kerala. I based myself in Kochi for practical and personal reasons. The city (known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea) is central, boasts great hotels and is also the hometown of several good friends of mine. With more than 300 languages spoken and a religiously diverse population (Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Jain…), a rich food culture and history everywhere you…
