Flights and Flavours

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Ramadan in Qatar: Suhoors and Iftars

Ramadan in Qatar: Suhoors and Iftars

For an expat of almost 12 years, I must say I look forward to Ramadan in Qatar. It is a month of short office hours, establishments are open til late night, most hotels setup lavish Ramadan tents, a widespread of restaurant offers, activities and more.

  But what is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the most blessed month of the year in Islamic culture, it is when Muslims abstain from worldly pleasure. It is…

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The first of its kind Peruvian restaurant, La Mar Doha by Chef Gastón Acurio is located at the beachfront of InterContinental Doha. Only less than a year young, La Mar has already been awarded “Best Restaurant of the Year” at the recently held Fact Dining Awards. Well, couldn’t agree more! Let me show you why this is one of my favorite restaurants in Qatar.

The restaurant

Boasting with spectacular and elegant interiors

Along with a distinguished sea views and al fresco dining experience.

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  Recently, they introduced Tarde Chévere which offers an exclusive set lunch, off-the-menu authentic Peruvian specials and signature beverages only available every Fridays!⁣

  What they served:

First round: Cebiches

I’m not into veggies but this is by far the best roasted veggies in Doha! Perfectly cooked and the sauce is exquisite!

Everything on this plate just compliment each other. So fresh!

  Second round: Tiraditos

These empanadas are the highlight of this round. So delicious!! Crispy and the moist filling is bursting with flavors!

  Third round: The Mains

Chaufa Aeropuerto, another favorite dish of mine. Well because it’s stir-fried rice and I’m Asian. Haha!

  Last round: Homemade desserts

The Tres Leches is the winner of the these bunch. I hope they add it on their regular menu.

  Enjoy these off-the-menu specials by Chef Tomás De La Paz served on your table while loving their live entertainment. A perfect al fresco dining with family and friends just before Ramadan and summer begin.

  Price: QAR 295 per pax (includes water only)

For more details on what the restaurant offers, click: La Mar Doha menu

Location:

  Timings: Daily from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm (Lunch) and 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm (Dinner)

  Contact details: Telephone: [phone] Email: [email protected]

    *Disclaimer*

Tarde Chevere at La Mar Cebicheria Peruana Doha The first of its kind Peruvian restaurant, La Mar Doha by Chef Gastón Acurio is located at the beachfront of…

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Qatar's Festive Offerings 2018

Qatar’s Festive Offerings 2018

It’s that time of the year again, oh the days have gone by so fast! The season for the most wonderful time of the year has arrived and back with our annual list of festivities here in Doha, Qatar.  From Gingerbread house making, Christmas tree lighting to Festive lunch and dinners, explore Qatar’s Festive Offerings from hotels according to your budget to make your holidays more special.

  Click…

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I love food as much as I love travel. A culinary experience is essential to me on every trip. When planning my itinerary, food discovery is always the priority. Exploring a city or a country is incomplete if I haven’t tried any of its local dishes. The Netherlands is not internationally well-known for their cuisine. Before traveling to this country, I must admit, the ones that I know about are just herring, stroopwafels and fries. I haven’t actually tried any local dish other than the last two mentioned. Until when I returned last June, I booked a food & canal cruise tour with Eating Amsterdam. We had an amazing food tour in Rome a few years back that I decided to book with them again. Although I won’t be revealing the details of all these gems I discovered, I’ll show you the mouth-watering dishes that’s beyond stroopwafels and fries. 🙂

  1.        Appeltaart (Dutch apple pie)

This set the bar high for other apple pies out there. It was a great first apple pie experience! The traditional crumble cake-like crust, filled with cinnamon, citrus-y thin apple slices combined with their homemade whipped cream is just perfection. It’s really divine! You’ll enjoy each bite in this 1642 cosy bruine kroeg (brown pub). A great start off the tour. 

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  2.        Gouda / Boerenkaas (Gouda / Farmer’s Cheese)

Gouda is a mild flavored semi-hard yellow cheese made from cow’s milk. It is one of the most popular cheeses worldwide. We tried Gouda / Boerenkaas (Gouda/farmer’s cheese), Meshangerkaas (young soft), Komijnekaas (young ith cumin seeds) and Jumbo kaas (2 years old).

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3.        Various cold cuts (Ossenworst, Smoked sausages, Ham)

This century old family-owned business offers artisan sausages and meat products. The Ossenworst is smoked sausage, typically beef and spices in beef casing, that’s nearly raw when eaten. Kinda resembles like steak tartare, quite soft and tender on the tongue. Their smoked sausages are packed with flavors! It’s so delicious that I bought some extra to take back with me to enjoy for the rest of my stay in Holland. 🙂

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  4.        Surinamese and Indonesian food

Kroepoek (prawn crackers), similar to a Filipino snack, was served as an appetizer. Made me miss home. 🙂 We were also served Sate Ayam (Chicken satay) with peanut sauce. Most wouldn’t know, Amsterdam is known for its abundance of Indonesian and Surinamese cuisine. It’s a good introduction for those unfamiliar with these cuisines.

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5.        Haring (Brined Herring)

This brined herring was served alongside chopped onions and pickles. It’s like eating sashimi, incredibly fresh! For those who hasn’t tried herring yet, don’t take your chance at a random stand, this is the perfect place to try it for the first time.

6.        Kibbeling (Deep fried cod), A taste of tulip vodka

This beer-battered cod were served fresh out of the fryer paired with a remoulade. The moistest, juiciest and tastiest fried fish I’ve ever tasted. It’s so good that I came back for it when I returned two months after and would return whenever in Amsterdam. 🙂 Both the Harring and Kibbeling are sold at this fish shop. All fish that this store sells are freshly purchased which means that the quality remains high and the taste is always top-notch!

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7.        Bitterballen (Dutch meatballs)

We munch on one of Holland’s favorite snacks, these deep fried bread-crumbed balls with a ragout filling of veal meat) served with their local craft beer Brouwerij ‘t IJ while enjoying the view of Amsterdam on De Zonneboot (Salon boat). A different perspective and unique way to see Amsterdam.

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  8.        Poffertjes (small pancakes) 

These tiny fluffy pancakes are topped in a slab of melted butter snowed with icing sugar can be paired with their mint tea or hot chocolate. I’m not a sweet tooth but I loved it! What a way to end our food tour.

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  We ate our way through the streets of Amsterdam thanks to our enthusiastic guide Rudolph. It was definitely a memorable experience!

If you are interested to discover a variety of Dutch dishes along with its history, you’ll definitely enjoy this food tour. Discovering hidden gems, specialty shops and restaurants around Jordaan was a great non-touristic way to know more of Amsterdam. Oh, make sure to arrive on an empty stomach, trust me! You’ll leave with a taste of Dutch culinary traditions and a glimpse of the area’s unique community.

Prices:

Jordaan Food & Canal Tour – €115 (Tour we booked) Jordaan Food Tour – €79 A Taste of Amsterdam at Twilight – €95

For more details, visit their website: Eating Amsterdam

  Disclaimer: All thoughts and information stated are based on my experience. All photographs are by Flights and Flavours.

Eating Amsterdam: beyond herring, stroopwafels and fries I love food as much as I love travel. A culinary experience is essential to me on every trip.

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Dining and leisure in Qatar can be quite expensive. But there’s a way to experience it without breaking the bank. Those who love to dine out, pamper themselves, or go on a weekend staycation, here’s the perfect mobile application for you. I’ve been a customer of The ENTERTAINER Qatar since the day it launched here. Back then, the vouchers were in a thick bounded book. It’s awesome that they have transitioned from print to digital for their customer’s convenience. So gone are the days of carrying the book around and peeling those vouchers. Who can relate that? Haha 😀

So what is The ENTERTAINER?

It’s a Buy-One-Get-One-Free and discount offers mobile app for restaurants, bars, spas, activities, and more across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. Huge savings on great venues for dining, attractions, leisure and more, that could be used for the whole year (some minimal exclusion days apply, such as Public Holidays and other special occasions).

  FIVE reasons why you should get The Entertainer Qatar

1. Celebrations with loved ones The perfect way to celebrate with your loved ones is thru food, regardless of culture or religion. There are offers for buffet or ala carte dining that is great for group dining and suitable for the budget. Some hotels and restaurants included are:

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Savings: QAR 30 and up (ala carte), QAR 150 and up (buffets)

  2. Weekend escape

Staycation is a great getaway for those who can’t travel outside of Doha and in dire need of a weekend break. Using the voucher, you can stay two consecutive nights and only pay for one night.

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Savings: QAR 800 – QAR 1,000

  3. Pamper yourself

Besides a staycation, another great way to treat yourself is to pamper yourself. You can book a massage or get a nice haircut for 2 pax and only pay for one.

CHI, The Spa at  Shangri-la Doha

Savings QAR 200 and up

  4. Travel escapade

Besides local hotel stays, ENTERTAINER Travel has also been included with the app which also offers a complimentary night’s stay or 20% off the best available rates at some 4-5 star hotels around the globe. I’ve used mine last year when I traveled to Zanzibar, Tanzania. Other offers in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Indian Ocean and Africa (about 24 countries in total) are also available.

Savings: QAR 800 – QAR 1,000

  5. Monthly Specials

Aside from the regulars, some establishments also offer monthly specials you need to look after. Like massage packages, leisure activities or weekend brunches. Also, note that monthly offers are unlimited!

Noodles and Ribs was one of my favorite ENTERTAINER monthly specials last year. I’m glad it has become a regular offer this year. Yipee!! See why (click the photo below):

Have I convinced you enough? 🙂

For a limited time, The ENTERTAINER costs QAR 235 (from QAR 375) for the whole year access. Adding up the savings mentioned above, you definitely get more than what you paid for. Pretty sweet deal right?

But WAIT, don’t purchase one yet! As a loyal user of the app, I’m giving away one for free! Yep, one FREE APP! All you have to do is follow the mechanics below:

1. Like our Facebook page here.

2. Follow our Instagram account here.

3. Share this pinned post (as public) on your Facebook page.

4. After you’ve done all three, LIKE the pinned post and comment #FFSavewithaSmile to complete your entry.

NOTE: You can tag friends with your comment for more chances to win! Remember, complete 1-3 to qualify as an entry.

That’s it! This contest is open to all residents of Qatar. One winner will be announced on May 4, 2018. Best of luck!

Disclaimer: This is in no way sponsord by The Entertainer. All photographs are by Flights and Flavours.

Save with a Smile with The Entertainer Qatar Dining and leisure in Qatar can be quite expensive. But there's a way to experience it without breaking the bank.

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New York Steakhouse's Big Apple brunch

New York Steakhouse’s Big Apple brunch

For some, brunch is a celebratory meal. But brunches in Qatar have been a beloved weekend trendy thing.  Normally, it is a combination of breakfast + lunch, but here it usually begins noon time and only a few restaurants serve actual breakfast meals. Recently, weekend brunches have upped its game, a plenty of fun themed brunches are offered. It’s a good way to bring family or friends together and…

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Express Business lunch at Aroma

Express Business lunch at Aroma

This contemporary stylish restaurant inside Kempinski Residences & Suites is hidden behind a revolving mirrored door, like in the movies wherein you’ll feel like a secret agent. Aromaserves a wide array of food, from seafood, lamb dishes, high-class steaks to Camel burgers. A few of those dishes are served at Aroma’s Express Business lunch. The creative set menu prepared by their talented chefs,…

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Winter Indulgence at Belgian Café

It’s been a year or more (I think) when I dined at Belgian Café. Stepping in for the first time in this newly revamped restaurant, it still is a cozy and perfect place to end a long day. Located inside InterContinental Doha, this relaxing place is suitable to experience Belgian cuisine and drinks with views of the Doha skyline from their extensive terrace. What makes it more delightful is that…

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Levantine Culinary Journey at Al Sufra

This enduring Levant-inspired restaurant is located in the heart of The Pearl Qatar, inside the luxurious Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha. Al Sufra is this year’s winner of The World Luxury Hotel Awards – Luxury Hotel Restaurant in MENA, 2016-2017 Qatar Food & Travel Arabia Awards – Best Middle Eastern Restaurant and 2016 Time Out Doha Restaurant Awards – Best MENA Restaurant.

The iconic horse outside of Marsa Malaz Kempinski.

The restaurant

Al Sufra, which means ‘the dining room’ in Arabic, offers a relaxed ambiance in a remarkably stylish setting. The restaurant’s dining, open terrace and coffee lounge are available any time throughout the day.

Reception

Welcome Arabic tea and sweets

Waiting area

  Every corners of this restaurant has lovely details.

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  The Chef prepared a blend of traditional flavours from Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Jordan and Palestine to sample. Here are the selection of starters and mains served based on the Chef’s choice.

What they served:

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  It was an absolute gastronomic feast! Al Sufra is a perfect way to experience Arabian culinary journey.

For more details on what the restaurant offers, click: Al Sufra Menu

Location:

Timings:

All day dining from 12:30 pm – 12:00 am

Contact details:

Telephone: [phone] Email: [email protected]

  Disclaimer: I was a guest of Al Sufra. However, all thoughts and information stated are based on my experience at the time of visit. All photographs are by Flights and Flavours.

Levantine Culinary Journey at Al Sufra This enduring Levant-inspired restaurant is located in the heart of The Pearl Qatar, inside the luxurious Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha.

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SUSHI SHOWDOWN: Blue Restaurant

Situated within the world-class Doha Sports City, inside the stunning Mövenpick Hotel Al Aziziyah Doha, you’ll find Blue Restaurant which offers international delights from Premium Western steaks to Oriental sushi. Every Wednesday night, Blue runs a Sushi night promotion. Is it worth trying out? Let me show you our first visit to this hotel. Here’s another entry to Flights and Flavours‘ Sushi Showdown: Blue Restaurant.

Inside Blue Restaurant

What to expect?

The buffet spread consists some of these: SOUP: Tom Yum STARTER and SALADS: Mussels, Coleslaw Salad, Shrimp Vegetable Salad, Crabstick Salad, Shrimp and Mango Salad NIGIRI & SASHIMI: Maguro (Tuna), Sake (Salmon), Unagi (Eel), Hamachi (Yellow tail), Ebi (Shrimp) (NOTE: Sashimis are ordered upon request) MAKI ROLLS: California, Tuna Tartare, Salmon Tataki, Tempura Shrimp, Rainbow, etc. DESSERT: Crème Brûlée, Chocolate cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Pavolova, Brownie, Berry Panna cota, etc. (Note that this is unlimited served buffet style.)

Hardworking chef preparing all the sushi, sashimi and maki rolls.

Variety of maki rolls

Some of the nigiri and rolls served in their sushi boat.

Unagi sashimi and Salmon Tataki (one with seared salmon on top) are favorites!

Other dishes that were served on their buffet spread:

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How was it?

A pretty great deal for its price. The variety of maki rolls were good, the rice were seasoned well and in good ratio with its fillings. One of our few favorites, Unagi and Salmon, can be ordered as a sashimi. You don’t usually see that in a sushi buffet. Although it’s not as melt-in-your-mouth fresh as the ones we have tried, but still it was ok. Besides sushi, they also serve soup, salads, and desserts. So you get more than what you pay for.

The staff provided a great service, looking after our needs and see if we need any assistance. Although we noticed that the chef was working alone in making all the sushi. It would be better if he has someone with him, especially when the place is packed as the flow was slow in refilling in their sushi boats.

Their outdoor patio is quite a nice place to have dinner too, great view and especially the weather is getting better. 😉

How much?

QR 125 per pax

When?

Every Wednesdays from 7:00 pm to 12.00 am

Where?

For more details on what the restaurant offers: Blue Restaurant menu

Contact details: Tel.: [phone] Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: I was a guest of Blue restaurant. However, all thoughts and information stated are based on my experience at the time of visit. All photographs are by Flights and Flavours.

SUSHI SHOWDOWN: Blue Restaurant Situated within the world-class Doha Sports City, inside the stunning Mövenpick Hotel Al Aziziyah Doha…

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SUSHI SHOWDOWN: NEO Restaurant

One of the most internationally recognized and widespread cuisines are Japanese and Italian. NEO is a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant that offers delightful pasta, pizza, sushis, a few Asian dishes and more. It is one of our go-to places for maki cravings for the past years. I only have tried their Asian dishes though, probably will try their Italian dishes on my next visit. So now we focus mainly on their Japanese food dishes, sushi and maki rolls. Here’s another entry to Flights and Flavours‘ Sushi Showdown. See our experience below.

What to expect?

The menu consists of the following: NIGIRI: Ebi (Shrimp), Maguro (Tuna), Sake (Salmon) MAKI ROLLS: California, Crazy, Black Dragon, Caterpillar, Orange Country, Philly, Spicy Salmon, Spicy Tuna, Ebi Salad, Tuna Salad, Crab Salad, Kani Kama, Playboy, Tempura (Note that this is unlimited served à la carte style.)

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Inside the restaurant

  What I love about NEO is their complimentary fresh baked bread basket and appetizer (served different daily)

Sushi night menu

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Our top favorites from their selections. I also liked Black Dragon but was really stuffed to add another round. 😛

How was it?

This is my third time to dine on Sushi night, this being the first visit to Mall of Qatar branch. From afar you can see the servers line up outside the restaurant, impressed that we’ll be getting a good welcome. However, when we’re about to enter, no one bothered to approach or welcome us. We just helped ourselves inside, looked for our preferred seat, then the only time someone came to assist us. Note that we were the only customers that time.

According to the server, they’ll give what’s on the menu for the first round then we can choose our preferred rolls on the consecutive rounds. The platter was quickly served at our table. However, we were not informed which-is-which from the menu. Out of the fourteen maki rolls on the list, only eleven were served and one (unknown) that doesn’t seem to be on the list. Comparing by their menu, California maki, Orange Country maki and Tuna Salad maki were missing. I only noticed the difference upon sorting the photo and writing this post.

As always the ratio of fish & rice is perfect. Although the rice needs to be more seasoned. Overall, the flavors of each maki rolls are delicious. Good value for those who loves maki rolls.

How much?

QAR 150 per pax

When?

Every Sunday and Tuesday at NEO Salwa Road Every Monday and Wednesday at NEO Mall of Qatar

For more details on what the restaurant offers, click: NEO Restaurant

Location:

Contact details:

NEO Salwa Road : 44322539 / 44322508 NEO Mall of Qatar : 44311577 / 44311977RESERVE NOW

  Disclaimer: All thoughts and information stated are based on my experience at the time of visit. All photographs are by Flights and Flavours.

Sushi Showdown: NEO Restaurant SUSHI SHOWDOWN: NEO Restaurant One of the most internationally recognized and widespread cuisines are Japanese and Italian.

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Qatar's Festive Offerings 2017

Qatar’s Festive Offerings 2017

  A year is almost done and days have gone by so fast! The season for the most wonderful time of the year has arrived and I’m back with my annual list of festivities here in Doha, Qatar.  Explore Qatar’s Festive Offerings from some hotels to make your holidays more special.

  [TABS_R id=3861]

Share this festive offerings in Qatar with your family and friends. Bookmark this page for updates to…

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Sushi Showdown: Megu Doha

Sushi Showdown: Megu Doha

Japanese food always gives me a unique gastronomic experience. Few cuisines around the world are as pleasingly presented as this. Sushi is the most significant dish that represents this cuisine and a world common language for favorite food. With that, I’m in quest for Qatar’s best restaurants that serves the freshest, finest and prominent sushi, sashimi and maki rolls on a Sushi night. Ergo, Fli…

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A Splendid Japanese Dining experience at Megu Doha

A Splendid Japanese Dining experience at Megu Doha

A few months ago, I went along with my blogger friend Karen to attend Megu Doha‘s new menu launch with her. For my first visit, I truly enjoyed it! Megu Doha was generous enough to give us a complimentary lunch or dinner for two, to further try out what their restaurant can fully offer.

恵み (pronounced as MEGUmi) means “blessing” in Nihongo / Japanese. It first opened in New York City, then the…

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Zanzibar Travel guide

Eid holidays is definitely the sought-after holiday of most residents in Qatar. It means long week off. And long week off means, off to another adventure! Pondered between Bali and Zanzibar, we chose the latter due to shorter travel time, limited days and we haven’t been there.

Here are some basic information you need to know before your trip.

Where is Zanzibar?

This Tanzanian archipelago is…

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The 5 million star hotel

The 5 million star hotel

After months of planning and with the luck of booking the last bubble, we’ve finally arrived the so-called Buubble hotel. Another tick off the bucket list, to spend the night in a bubble in the middle of a forest in Iceland. Here you’ll see our one of a kind experience: (more…)

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NOODLES & RIBS at Elements - Four Seasons Doha

NOODLES & RIBS at Elements – Four Seasons Doha

Elements at Four Seasons Hotel Doha offers an innovative mix of Asian and Arabic flavors. This month, they launched a lunch concept called “Noodles & Ribs”, offering diners a selection of mouth-watering ribs and Chef Ding’s hand-pulled noodle dishes. Wanton Mian (Wanton dumpling noodle soup) – A bit bland for my taste. Zhajiangmian (Noodles with salty fermented soybean paste) Youpo Main…

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