Ramadan in Doha: My Pick of the Iftars 2016

I always look forward to Ramadan in Doha. For those that are celebrating the Holy Month, it means four long weeks of fasting during daylight hours, and for non-Muslims, out of respect, there is no eating or drinking in public during this time. However, come sunset, Qataris and expats alike pour into hotels and restaurants to break their fast together at 'Iftar'. With family, festivities and lots and lots of food on the agenda, there isn't much not to like.

Last year, I picked my very favourite Iftar, and my top two places to enjoy the nighttime / early morning meal of Sohour, but this year we have been to so many that I have found it impossible to narrow it down to just one or two. Instead, here is my pick of the Iftars for 2016, and the reasons why I think you should head along.

Best Authentically Qatari Experience 

Intercontinental Doha The City

As you enter the atmospheric Al Jawhara Pavilion, the sumptuous fabrics, rich colours and ornate decorations make you feel as though you are walking into a Sheikh's palace. The Arabic-inspired food at each of the stations which line the corridor outside are perfectly executed and authentic. The waiting staff give you a warm and typically Arab welcome, thoughtfully accommodating any requests you may have, and they help to give this Iftar the family-friendly feel which put us at ease from the moment we stepped in the door. Finally, with live entertainment, Shisha and Henna painting on offer, this Iftar adds much more into the mix than just good food.

Favourite Dish: the Chicken Mulukhiya or any of the Arabic Sweets
Iftar Buffet: QAR195
Sohour a la Carte: starting from QAR180

Tip: For an extra-special occasion, book a private Majilis for QAR 500 per person, or a social Majilis for a minimum spend of QAR 300 per person.

Best for the Whole Family

Cool de Sac

One of Medina Centrale on The Pearl's most exciting new openings, Cool de Sac is a restaurant and fun-filled entertainment centre for children of all ages. This Ramadan, Cool de Sac is offering something for the whole family, as a diverse Iftar menu is available, with different dishes for every night of the week, which can be enjoyed while your youngsters get involved in activities at any of the seven different play stations. From face painting to ball pits; computer games to lego, there really is something for every child. And for the adults, the food is surprisingly good!

Favourite Dish: the Meat Sambousek
Iftar a la Carte: QAR 150 per person

Tip: Arrive early so that the kids can take full advantage of the variety of interactive entertainment options available.

Best Variety

The Marsa Malaz Kempinski

I was delighted to discover that the food stations at the Marsa Malaz Iftar were just as varied as they were last year. This hotel's 'palatial' offering includes live sushi, wok, shawarma and pasta stations; plentiful salads and carvery meats; clay pot Arabic dishes and curries; Mezzes from Al Sufra; and a vast selection of sweets, including some of Cafe Murano's delectable specialities. Returning from the buffet at one point in the evening, my plate contained food from three different continents. The Marsa Malaz doesn't do anything by halves, and this Iftar is no exception. 

Favourite dish: Because the sushi and sashimi is assembled by the dedicated sushi chef as the night goes on, I challenge you to find a tastier and fresher offering at any other Iftar.
Iftar buffet: QAR 240
Sohour buffet: QAR 290

Tip: If you aren't fasting, skip lunch to leave enough space to try a bit of everything.

Best Deals

The Grand Hyatt Doha

The Grand Hyatt have scaled back on the decor of their Ramadanak Tent a little compared to last year, but they are still offering an extensive spread. However, the real appeal of this Iftar is the tremendous value of your meal if you take advantage of the various deals that are on offer. Not only is there a Buy One Get One Free offer in this month's deals on The Entertainer App, but if you book online you can book an Iftar or Suhour for five guests and only pay for four. However, this second offer is only valid until tomorrow so you'll have to hurry!

Favourite dish: Kadai Paneer
Iftar buffet: QAR 220
Sohour buffet: QAR 200

Tip: Order shisha following your meal; some claim it's the best in town!

Best for Cheap Eats

Remman Cafe

If you love Lebanese cuisine, but don't love paying the hefty price tags associated with some of the five star hotels' Iftars, then head to Remman Cafe to break your fast this Ramadan. Not only is there an extensive a la Carte menu featuring hot and cold mezze, soups, mixed pies, main courses and sweets, but you can eat your fill in bright and sociable surroundings without breaking the bank.

Favourite dish: All of the cold mezze. I haven't had Houmous, Mouttabal, Fattouch and Mohammara quite like that in a long time!
Iftar a la Carte: QAR 90
Sohour a la Carte: QAR 90

Tip: Save space to pop next door to Mokarabia coffee house after your meal: the art and decor is so Instagrammable, and the desserts are to die for.

Best Overall Experience

The St Regis Doha

The St Regis Ramadan Souq in the hotel's Grand Ballroom will quite literally stun you. This is not just an Iftar buffet, but a whole Ramadan experience, with food stalls and live cooking stations decked out to look like the market stalls of a traditional Souq. As you wander around these 'streets', many a delight awaits you, from local specialities to a broad range of contemporary cuisine from around the globe. World class entertainment, and a broad shisha menu brings the sights and sounds of the Souq alive, and you will find yourself wanting to linger for as long as you are able to soak up the atmosphere.

Favourite dish: Butter chicken
Iftar buffet: QAR 230
Suhour buffet: QAR 290

Tip: Want to keep up with the European Championship while you eat? Instead of enjoying your Suhour in the ballroom, head to the St Regis' other location at Al Gassar to take advantage of the plasma screens and 4K match signal.

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Please note that despite visiting numerous Iftars this Holy Month, I am yet to try all of them, and therefore the above recommendations are based only on those I have been able to try. Some notable Iftars not included below, but which have received high praise from other Doha foodies include the Marriott Marquis, the Westin, the W Hotel and the Four Seasons. 

I was a guest of the Marsa Malaz Kempinski, the Grand Hyatt, the St Regis, Cool de Sac and Remman Cafe to sample their Iftars. All opinions are my own.


I am posting this as part of the monthly Qatar Link-Up. This month, head along to guest-host Kay's blog to link up your post.

Top 6 Fine Dining Restaurants in Doha: #1 Nobu

Last year I enjoyed writing a series of posts which gave a run-down of my favourite fine dining spots in Doha. At number 6 I chose La Mer at the Ritz Carlton for its innovative food and killer views. Number 5 was Gordon Ramsay at the St Regis due to its refined food and the perfect presentation of its plates. I decided that number 4 should be a double Marsa Malaz whammy, choosing Toro Toro and Antica Pesa as joint runners up for being relative Doha newcomers that were already making waves. In at number 3 came Idam due to a location and menu which take fine dining to a whole new level. Number 2 was Hakkasan because it is my favourite date spot in Doha for all the right reasons.

And then, my series came to a rather abrupt halt before I reached number 1 for reasons I won't go into here (one for another time!). It's been playing on my mind ever since, and for that reason I'm really pleased that this month's Qatar link-up has given me a great excuse to finally get around to writing this post!

For anyone reading that is familiar with the Doha restaurant scene, it is probably unsurprising that I've chosen the iconic Nobu at the Four Seasons Hotel as the winner of my absolute favourite fine dining restaurant in Doha. But what makes this restaurant so special? Let's break it down.

Stunning architecture and interiors

From the modern tri-level shell-like building, to the contemporary interiors which utilise materials, depth and texture in clever ways, this building is as aesthetically pleasing inside as it is out.

Location location location

On its own private piece of land which branches out from the grounds of the luxurious Four Seasons Doha, the restaurant is the perfect vantage point from which to take in the panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf in one direction and the bright lights of West Bay in the other.

Food that's a little bit special

It's difficult to stand out in a city of world class restaurants, but stand out Nobu certainly does. Some favourite dishes of ours include the world renowned black cod, steeped in the most deliciously sweet and heady miso, the crisp Rock Shrimp Tempura with the creamiest Ponzu sauce, the succulent wagyu gyoza, the delicious (but disappointingly tiny) lobster wasabi tacos and the Chilean Seabass with Dashi Ponzu. But let's face it, every single dish on that menu is perfectly crafted and delicious.

NB. I am referring to the old menu. Since my last visit, Nobu has released a brand new menu. Please refer to their website for details.

Night life and romance 

Of course, Nobu is much more than just a restaurant. On the top floor is the mother of all rooftop bars; the perfect place for an apéritif before a romantic date, or a cheap option for happy hour with friends - both of which can be enjoyed while taking in that killer view.

Celebrity prowess which is taking the world by storm

Spear-headed by the famous Chef Nobuyaku ('Nobu') Matsuhisa and co-owned by none other than Hollywood's Robert De Niro, Nobu is taking over the culinary world. From London to Malibu; Hong Kong to the Bahamas, the restaurant is popping up in every city to see and be seen.

The details:

Four Seasons Hotel, 
The Corniche, P.O. Box 24665 
Doha, Qatar 

+974 4494 8500 

Pin for later:

 

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An InLinkz Link-up

Qatar Link-Up: My Top Tourist Spot in Doha

A year ago, I was honoured to be given the opportunity to write a guest post for one of my favourite travel bloggers, Big World Small Me on why I think Qatar is the perfect holiday destination. From the architecture and landscapes, to the facilities and sunshine, I waxed lyrical about why I think my little adopted country is the perfect place for any intrepid tourist to visit.

However, there is one place which I briefly touch on in this post which I think is deserving of a post all of its own: The Museum of Islamic Art Park.

Sitting parallel to the iconic Museum of Islamic Art, this park is a green haven on the edge of our city, and the perfect place to take in some of the most beautiful sights that Doha has to offer. Shaped in a curve, which gradually tapers out into the Arabian Gulf, it gives you the opportunity to view an important feature in Qatar's history as the sea-edge path takes you past a number of traditional Dhow boats moored in the shallows.

The park is arguably the most family-friendly space in the city. Children's playground areas and trampolines provide a fun and safe space to play, and numerous events are held in the park on a regular basis, including the MIA Park Bazaar, which runs every Saturday during the comfortable Spring and Autumn months, and showcases around 150 stalls; a modern take on the Qatari Souq tradition.

My favourite part of the park however, comes into view only when you reach the very end of your walk. Just as the curved park begins to come to a point at the end and you think there is nothing more to see, a jaw-dropping sight spreads out before you. Across the waters of the Corniche sits the skyline of the city of Doha.

The park cafe provides comfortable seating at the water's edge, and a comforting Shawarma, Turkish Pizza or Crépe will help you to replenish the energy you expelled on your walk as you take in the view in front of you.

This little tucked away spot is my favourite place in the whole of Doha. It's the perfect place for a tourist to capture some sneaky shots of the city's skyscrapers, and to watch the sun go down as Qatar residents from all cultures and backgrounds mingle together, united in mutual enjoyment of the space, sights and sounds of this magical place at the edge of the city.

As my friend Rosalyn (Dream Days Blog), who is currently visiting from Valencia aptly put it, "I need to go there this week; it's the best place in Doha to get the perfect Instagram!"

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An InLinkz Link-up

Our First Qatar Bloggers Link-Up: My Doha

You can't pick up a newspaper or switch on the news without hearing someone's opinion about what's going on in Doha and Qatar at the moment. But indulge me a little by clearing your mind of all that you have heard for just a moment, and allow me to tell you about what this city is really about to me; let me tell you about 'my Doha'.

Family and tradition

Because Doha is still so young, it is a city which remains deeply rooted in history and tradition. It only really started to develop when it was officially declared the country's capital as the country gained independence in 1971 and the booming oil trade pumped money into the city. Prior to this time, Qatar was a tribal nation, with an economy based on pearl diving, and culture and values based on strong family ties and religious belief, and much of this tradition can still be seen in and around Doha today.

I love the fact that despite being an economic centre which is growing in importance on the world stage, Doha hasn't completely given into modernisation. Retaining the country's unique culture and tradition is incredibly important to most Qataris.

Beauty and architecture

There is no doubt about it, the skyline of Doha is a spectacle to behold. I will never forget that first taxi ride I took from the airport into the city back in September 2013 - I practically had my nose pressed against the window as we rounded a bend in the Corniche and the sea and city came into view.

There are some truly spectacular pieces of architecture in the city, including my favourites: the Museum of Islamic Art, designed by famous architect I. M. Pei.

And the beautiful blue-tiled mosque in Katara Cultural Village.

New beginnings and opportunity

For the thousands of people that arrive at Hamad International Airport every day seeking a new job and new life, Doha represents hope, change and development. The make-up of Qatar is changing by the day, as the country diversifies its economy to supplement the oil trade, and people flock from all around the world to take advantage of new opportunities.

I was no different. Doha presented me with a new and incredibly exciting job as a CSR Senior Communications Specialist with the team that's delivering the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and along with the job came some incredible opportunities which I could only have dreamed about before.

At the same time, Doha was the place where my blog started to gain a following, and suddenly the invitations and media opportunities came flooding in, giving me the chance to experience new concepts, explore new places, make new friends and consume some of the best food I've ever eaten in my life.

Did you know? Doha was voted as a New7Wonders city precisely because of the new opportunities it is presenting to the world.

 

Friendship 

In a city which is overwhelmingly composed of expats, there are plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people from similar cultures and backgrounds. Likewise, because of the diversity of Doha's demographic make-up, it is also very easy to build friendships with people that originate from countries that are very different from your own. Whatever you look for in your friends, one thing is for sure: the people that you live near, work with and spend your time with will rapidly become your expat family and support network out here, and you will lean on them like you've never leaned on friends before.

I am incredibly lucky to have met some of the most amazing and inspirational people in my two and a half years in Qatar, and forged some unbreakable bonds. I have a lot of love for my adopted Doha family!

Love

Most importantly for me, Doha will always be the place where my relationship was cemented.

It was where Mr Sunshine proposed to me one night in a cabana on the beach at Sharq Village and Spa.

It was where we moved into our first home together.

It was where I became pregnant, and where we will shortly have a family of our very own.

In short, Doha for me is love, and Doha for now is home.

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Over to you Qatar bloggers! What does Doha mean to you? Is it the place that serves up all of your favourite foods? The city that inspires your passion for fashion? Your long-term family home? Or simply a temporary living arrangement? Feel free to write about anything your heart desires.

How To Join In:

1. Write a post and add it to the widget below which you can find here or on PinayFlyingHigh. The link-up will be open from the 15th until 21st of February.

2. Read, comment and share at least three posts in the link-up. Link parties only work if you share the love in the blog community, that's why they're so great!

3. You can use the hashtag #QatarLinkUp for any of your social media shares.

We will be running this link-up with a new theme on the 15th of each month from now on, and are asking as many of you Qatar-based bloggers as possible to participate by linking up your posts and getting the word out on social media. We are hoping it will be a great way to meet some new Qatar-based bloggers and share some blogging love in Qatar!

We're super excited to read your posts.

FYS & PFH X

An InLinkz Link-up