Bahri Restaurant - Doha

Bahri - Inside Town Center, Opposite Al Ahli Hospital / Civil Services, Bin Omran, Doha

Cuisine: Egyptian

All reviews will be based on the Cuisine and Fare the restaurant/outlet is known for / specialized in.

This review is based on inputs from myself as well as fellow foodies who have accompanied me to this restaurant. 


ALL RATING ARE IN THE SCALE OF 5. A rating of 5 mean Excellent while 1 is Poor.

FOOD: RATING 4 OUT OF 5.

This place only has 3 items where in the Main Star of the show is the Feteer meshaltet (as they are called in Arabic) which is an Egyptian version of a pie that translates roughly to cushioned pies.

Basically it is a square pie in form of a cushion or a pillow that is filled with anything under the moon (Sweet & Savory) along with a genours helping of Mozarella Cheese and some truly Egyptian cheeses like Akawi & Roumy.

The other two main items are Pizza and Pasta along with a few sandwiches and side dishes.

Item 1 – Main Course – Cheese Feteer / Cheese Pies (Savory)

If you are fan of pastry and cheese then you should order one of the Cheese Pies. Mind you! Do not ignore this pastry as a Manakeesh or Pide, this guy here is way more riches and cheesier!!

My top picks are as follows

·         Kiri Cheese & Zaatar – I guess there is no need of an explanation.

·         Kraft Cheese with Honey – This is main ocurse one and not a sweet

Order this and you are richly feed with cheese!!

There is one pastry with the Roumsy Cheese. It has a distinct flavor. A cheese lover should try it.

Item 2 – Main Course – Meat Feteer / Meat Pies (Savory)

The meat pies is the game changer and the SUPER STAR of this joint. SLURP!!

The meat used are of many types including Sausage, Egypian Pastrami, Pepperoni which are all mixed with cheese and veggies.

My go to item is the Meat Pastry – Minced Meat , Mozarella, Roumy Cheese & dash of fresh veggies.

If you are fan of other meats mentioned above, they make pies using those meat only but I am not a use cold cut meats fan hence I stick to the minced meat version.

Meat Pastry / Meat Fateera

Meat Pastry / Meat Fateera

Meat Pastry / Meat Fateera

Item 3 – Main Course – Chicken Feteer / Chicken Pies (Savory)

I haven’t ordered the Chicken Pies but the general consensus among my Egyptian food experts is that Mix Chicken pastry is the good one.

Item 4 – Main Course – Seafood Feteer / Seafood Pies (Savory)

Seafood and Pastry is not something I indulge in especially when you are aware that the seafood may be mostly frozen / packed ones rather than the fresh catch of the day.

The Tuna Pastry has been recommended by some but I have not tried it yet.

Item 5 – Main Course – Sweet Feteer / Sweet Pies (Sweet)

The true Egyptians are lords of sweet (aka SUGAR and HONEY!!) so it comes as no surprise that the largest variety of pies are under the Sweet Pies category. The items listed here covers almost all sweet elements including Arabic sweets.

I am yet to have one from Bahri as I am usual stuffing myself with the Savoury ones!!

But I have ate loads and loads of these sweet pies from other outlets and they are all SUGAR BOMBS!! The ultimate sugar rush is an understatement. Anyways here are my top picks

•  Honey Moon Pastry– Cream, Custard, Sugar, Nuts, Arabic Sweets wrapped in a flaky pie!
• Basbosa Pastry– Basbosa, Cream & Custard
•  Choclate & Banana – Banana & Nutella / Hazelnut Spread.

·          

Item 6 – Main Course – Veggie Feteer / Veggie Pies (Savory)

There is only one LEGEND in this menu list

·         Vegetable Pastry– Falafel, Tomato, Olives, Mushroom & Cheese

Item 7 – Main Course – Pizzas

Choose any of the fillings of the above mentioned savory pies and top it on to a Pizza Base.

Mind You! There Pizzas are not the ones you experience in a typical pizza joint. This a truly Egyptian masterpiece made for the dough of the Egyptian style breads.

I always prefer the Chicken Pizzas that Bahri serves the meat ones are usually the cold cut meats which I mentioned earlier I am not a big fan.

There are two versions of the chicken and both are worth the try

• ·         Chicken Pie – Shredded Chicken, Mozarella, Olives & dash of fresh veggies
• ·         Mixed Chicken Pie – Shredded Chicken, Turkey ham, Mozarella, Olives, Mushroom & dash of fresh veggies

Chicken Pizza

Chicken Pizza

SERVICE – 3.5 OUT OF 5

The place is known of its home delivery and this does take toll on the service during rush hours / peak weekend hours. The main reason is the guy taking the order at the tables also is the delivery coordinator. Hence the priority of orders can get mixed up.

Moreover, there is only one Chef who prepares this magical pastry hence, he may tend to get overloaded with orders.

 LOCATION – 4 OUT 5

The Town Center is dead bang in the middle of Bin Omran, within the vicinity of many landmarks like Bein Tv Studios, Al Ahli Hospital etc hence there is no need of google maps to find this place.

Parking can be an issue at time especially in weekends as this place has one of the largest outlets of McDonalds, Petra & KFC and add to it a big outlet of Rawnaq.

PRICING: 4 out of 5 (5 means cheapest while 1 means expensive)

I rate this place 4 (The wallet may be needed)

The generous portion size, good quantity and the wonderful taste.

A medium sized Pie or Pizza is good for 2 but I suggest you order 2 mediums (1 Pie & 1 Pizza). That should cost you around 55-65 riyals including drinks.

AMBIANCE: 3 OUT 5

This place is fan-favorite among the Egyptian community in Doha so in the weekend / rush hours expect a lot of loud ranter, laughs and noisy kids. The vibe sends you to one of those busy cafes of Egypt.

The Pie Station (including the oven) is a part of the seating area hence when it is crowded and the oven is running on full heat, the air conditioning may take time to cool of the place. Nevertheless, the place is a hole-in-the-wall / down right casual joint so the ambiance has to be a little hectic.

DECOR AND SEATING CAPACITY – 2.5 OUT 5

Simple tables and chairs. There is about 8-9 tables but they are closely packed so expect a few nudges and budges when the occupants of the neighboring table moves about.

There is no separate family section / table and the washroom is okay but can get messy at peak hours.

OVERALL RATING: 3.5 OUT OF 5.

The Egyptian community just like the Indian one is a huge fraternity of the Expat community in the Middle East and hence their food culture is rather wide and in a way cluttered by some common / usual suspects that many think is the main food of that nation.

So, if you ever thought that the Egyptian Cuisine is all about livers, sausages, falafel and foul, then I am afraid the foodie in us has been gravely misinformed because Bahri is a restaurant that stays true to its Egyptian roots.

This little restaurant in Bin Omran is a true testimony to the Egyptian fraternity in Doha and is indeed of those unique restaurants where food makes any hungry person happy and content. Bahri is very much imbibed by the Egyptian culture of good rich food with a vibrant overwhelming feel of being in Egypt (i.e when the place is rush hour).

Danat Al Bahar BBQ Fish - Souq Al Wakrah, Al Wakrah

Cuisine: BBQ Seafood

All reviews will be based on the Cuisine and Fare the restaurant/outlet is known for / specialized in.

This review is based on inputs from myself as well as fellow foodies who have accompanied me to this restaurant. 


ALL RATING ARE IN THE SCALE OF 5. A rating of 5 mean Excellent while 1 is Poor.

FOOD: RATING 4.5 OUT OF 5.

Item 1 – Appetizer / Starter

Well to be frank there is no such thing as an Appetizer / Starter but then if you are a true 3 course meal fan, I suggest you order the Prawns.

There is two versions, the deep fried version and the Grilled Version. The Grilled version is the one to go for, feisty tandoorish flavor!

Deep Fried Prawns

Grilled Prawns

Item 2 – Main Course FISH BBQ / FRY

Well this is their main item and the only item in their menu because the rest of the things other than the appetizer / starter are accompaniments for the main course. I will be rating the accompaniments separately in the ITEM 3 to 5

Now to order the main course, all you have to do is the following

STEP 1: Walk upto the fresh fish counter near the cashier

STEP 2: Select you preferred fish

STEP 3: Walk back to your table and wait for the food.

The butterfly cut fish mixed with their special spice is just brilliant. HANDS DOWN one of the best Fish BBQ you can have in Doha.

There is a lot of fish to select from in the fresh fish counter but these are the ones my fellow foodies as well as myself consider worth the try

·         Sea bass

·         Sea Bream

·         Snapper

·         Hamour

·         King Fish

Grilled Seabass

Almost all the fish you select is within the 600 grams to 900 grams serving. So I say one fish is good for 2 foodies or 3 regular people. If you are family of 2 Adults and 2 kids (above 10) order 2 Fish and one Appetizer.

Item 3 – Side Dishes / accompaniments – Rice

Just have a go at it. It is just brilliant. A tinge of Arabic nostalgia creeps in especially if you one of those old school (1980-90s) generation of the Kabsa and Bukhari era.

One plate of rice is a default accompaniment with your fish. I think they charge 5 riyals for it but who cares, one plate of rice is good for a family of 4!

Item 4 – Side Dishes / accompaniments – Danat Chutney

This Chutney like the rice is a default accompaniment with your fish. I am not sure they charge for it but again who cares for this Chutney is a MUST. There has been even times when I just ate only the bread or rice with this chutney. It is that good.

Item 5 – Side Dishes / accompaniments – Bread

This is very Danat falls a little flat. They only serve normal Arabic bread (the ones we get in super packets in the pack of 5). They just re-heat it and serve.

Though, I am not overly fussed about it as the rice will balance the loss of the bread.

But Since they are buying the packet Arabic bread, I was wondering if they could also adding the pre-made packet chappatis or saj bread into the bread list. I am sure it will make some more faces happier.

Item 6 – Desserts and Beverages

uh? Pepsi anyone?

I strongly suggest we walk to the beach at the back of the souq that after a sumptuous meal in this place and have a go at a kunafa from Al Aker to ensure a super meal day.

SERVICE – 5 OUT OF 5

This place is more jam-packed than the Rush Hour of Corniche and the pace is hectic but their service staff and the owner(s) who are usually on the restaurant floor really value the customers.

Even when at times the waiting time of the table is around 30 minutes to 1 hours, they keep note of your phone number and also take you orders beforehand to ensure that you do get your fish in case they are out of stock by the time you plan to order after getting the table.

LOCATION – 5 OUT 5

Souq Wakra is in itself a landmark and to top it off this is just near to the parking lot. So unlike all the other restaurants in Wakra Souq you don’t need to walk all the way to the beach.

Easiest landmark for this place is the Fish Market / Vegetable Market building which is just next to this restaurant.

Once you are near Fish Market / Vegetable Market, there is ample sign board of the Restaurant to guide you there.

PRICING: 4 out of 5 (5 means cheapest while 1 means expensive)

I rate this place 4 (The wallet may be needed)

The generous portion size, good quantity and the wonderful taste.

AMBIANCE: 4 OUT 5

It is an open courtyard. You feel like having a picnic meal.

I must say though when it gets crowded the ambiance is more of traffic jam but then that is what all MUST –EAT places in the world is.

Best time to go is weekdays between 7 and 10 or if the weekends make it after 10PM they are usually open till 2 but mind you they do run out of some fish varieties by 11 on weekends.

The toilets needed to be upgraded / maintained especially during rush hours / weekend.

DECOR AND SEATING CAPACITY – 4.5 OUT 5

The décor is very casual long bench/chairs with tables. The seating capacity is no issue at all.

You can bring in a whole rugby team, cricket team and Sunday baseball kids league teams and yet have some chairs remaining!!

OVERALL RATING: 4.5 OUT OF 5.

DANAT AL BAHAR just came into the Doha Food scene a little more than a year ago but this place has taken the food scene by storm. If Turkey Central is the undisputed and all time reigning champion of BBQ meat & chicken, then DANAT AL BAHAR is currently all set to become the undisputed and all time reigning champion of BBQ Seafood.

At a time when Doha Food is bustling with boutique / high-end / leading foodchain restaurants. This little restaurant in Wakra is a heartwarming tribute to the old school doha’s hole-in-the-way, cheap but delicious eateries.

Beirut Restaurant - Doha, Qatar

Beirut Restaurant –Al Jazira Street, Fereej Bin Mahmoud, Doha

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

All reviews will be based on the Cuisine and Fare the restaurant/outlet is known for / specialised in.

This review is based on inputs from myself as well as fellow foodies who have accompanied me to this restaurant. 

The fact that Beirut Restaurant serve the most simplest and the true legends of Middle Eastern (Egyptian/ Syrian/ Lebanese et al) Fare topped with my love for these dishes make it a my all-time “comfort-food” haven in Doha

ALL RATING ARE IN THE SCALE OF 5. A rating of 5 mean Excellent while 1 is Poor.

FOOD: RATING 4.5 OUT OF 5.

Item 1 –Hummus

For the newbie to Middle Eastern fare, Hummus is Levantine dip or paste made from cooked & mashed chickpeas that is blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic.

Hummus is a staple diet of the Middle Eastern but then this staple diet has been “revolutionised” to such an extent that the new-age foodie has lost the taste of the real hummus.

Beirut seems to have frozen their hummus recipe in time and never made any changes to it. The hummus is just good old chickpeas and tahini paste drizzled with olive oil.

Nothing Fancy but so very original and homely. Love it!

By the way the Hummus with Meat is also a good option!

Hummus with Meat

Item 2 –Foul (Fu-ol)

If you are a Newbie to the Middle East, then Foul is a dish of cooked fava beans served with vegetable oil, cumin, and optionally with chopped parsley, garlic, onion, lemon juice, chili pepper and other vegetable, herb and spice ingredients.

Beirut is no fool when it comes to serving Foul. They serve you happiness in a small bowl. And again like the Hummus, the Foul is not at all fancy but so very original and homely. Yum!

Foul

Item 3 –Falafel

If you are still a newbie to Middle East, just head to Beirut and order the Falafel. I rest my case.

Falafel is one of those fried items of love that no Arab / Arab Resident can refuse. Beirut is one of those places where the Falafel never fails to impress.

Falafel

Item 4 – Pies

Well, I never knew they had pies until recently when I saw the Menu.

The pies were very basic and not much to talk about. I guess that is why they stay mainly on the menu and not on the customer’s table!

Item 5 – The bread

Nowadays, most Arabic restaurants serve their own in house Bread / Pita but alas! Beirut doesn’t. This is a big letdown as the bread they serve is just the typical grocery store read-to-eat pita packs!

Item 6 – How to eat like true Beirut Loyal

• ·         Order 4-6 Pieces of Falafel;
• ·         One Plate of Foul
• ·         Ask for the Green Chilies (this is an on the table condiment)
• ·         Crush 2-3 Falafels into the Foul
• ·         Mix well with a good helping of Olive Oil
• ·         Add the Green Chilies for heat (OPTIONAL)
• ·         Dip or scoop the mix with the Pita Bread
• ·         Eat!

PS: I suggest you order a Hummus plate and take a spoon of it as you eat the pita scoop of the Foul and Falafel mix

SERVICE – 2.5 OUT OF 5

Like I said, this place is Frozen in time. Hence the Waiters are not the new age fast servers, greeters and with minimal conversation but then they do have an electronic tab to take orders!

LOCATION – 4.5 OUT 5

A Doha dweller can never miss this place. Parking can be a hassle but then all restaurants located on main/ important roads of Qatar have this problem.

PRICING: 4.5 out of 5 (5 means cheapest while 1 means expensive)

I rate this place 4.5 (Monopoly money is more expensive out here)

In an age where the food entrepreneurs and restaurants are charging exotic rates for “rustic” / “homely” / “feel-good” food, Beirut seems to have stay true to their roots. They keep it old school style and again Time has been frozen.

A plate of Foul, 4 Falafels , Water and Tea come to around QAR 15!

AMBIANCE: 2 OUT 5

This has a feel of the good old coffee shops / diners that is famous for the food and the rest of the elements of the restaurant /diner is nonexistent.

Romantic Dinners / A quiet meal / Fine Dining are out of the question.

DECOR AND SEATING CAPACITY – 2 OUT 5

There is ample seating capacity but the rest of the place is blurred between the lines of a sloppy college canteen and a bus depot café.

OVERALL RATING: 3 OUT OF 5.

Have been visiting Beirut for long time now but I never saw the Menu until my last visit (April 2018).

I am sure about 90% of the customers never even knew a menu existed such is the fame of this place.

Having said that, I suggest you opt for a take away or delivery option because the dine-in experience is only an option if you are ravishingly hungry.

Being old school and being Frozen in time does have its charms but then there are somethings that need to change with time. Especially when it comes to décor and cleanliness in the dining area, Beirut needs to do a complete revamp/ makeover.

Turkish Central - Doha, Qatar

Turkish Central –Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street, Al Nasr, Doha

Cuisine: Turkish, Middle Eastern, Arabian

All reviews will be based on the Cuisine and Fare the restaurant/outlet is known for / specialised in.

This review is based on inputs from myself as well as fellow foodies who have accompanied me to this restaurant. 

ALL RATING ARE IN THE SCALE OF 5. A rating of 5 mean Excellent while 1 is Poor.

FOOD: RATING 4.5 OUT OF 5.

Item 1 – Salads / Appetizers - Mixed Appetizer

There lives a Mixed Appetizer platter in Turkish Central

A Colorful Platter of Cold Appetizers

All Time Legend for all Doha Food Lovers

The eyes are in for a Feast

The taste buds go on a Treat

Mixed Appetizer

Item 2 –Shawarma –Chicken: The shawarma here is one of the best in Doha but not the greatest. I am a plate shawarma fan but then the one served here is not the heavyweight of their menu

Item 3 – Pies / Fatayers – This is a hidden gem in this restaurant’s menu. Many among us ignore this little portion of the menu for our feast and treat is on the Grilled items. Nevertheless, you should try out their fatayers, especially the ones that have Labaneh, Zaatar or Meat.

Item 4 – Grilled Items – BBQ / Grilled Chicken

!!!!!All Hail Turkish Central!!!!

No matter how much of an expert you are in Grilled / BBQ chicken, the chef in Turkish Central is the ultimate expert. No matter what time or what day you visit this place, the Grilled chicken is out of this world!

BBQ / Grilled Chicken

Item 5 – Grilled Items – Meat Items

The Turks are good with their meat (mutton / lamb) delicacies especially when it comes to Kofta and Chops. Turkish Central does justice to that but then like their shawarma, they are one of the best in Doha but not the greatest.

Grilled Items - Meat & Chicken

SERVICE – 4 OUT OF 5

They waiters are well versed in the menu and really efficient when it comes to ordering. The downside is the waiting time for an order. They seem to take ages but then as they say “it is worth the wait!”

LOCATION – 4.5 OUT 5

It is in the famous al Nasr street (Fereej bin Nasr). A Doha dweller can never miss this place. Parking can be a hassle but then all restaurants located on main/ important roads of Qatar have this problem. Depending in what time you get there, the traffic density can be anything between to Dreaded Bumper to Bumper or Delicately Smooth.

PRICING: 4 out of 5 (5 means cheapest while 1 means expensive)

I rate this place 4 (Money is not a problem)

The generous portion size, good quantity and the wonderful taste should command a “reasonable sized” bill but Turkish Central is even generous in the prices and keeps our financial stress after a meal wonderfully light.

AMBIANCE: 2.5 OUT 5

Do you enjoy being in a Jam Packed Wedding Party that is noisy but yet super fun. If yes, Turkish Central is the place to be. Be it a wild bunch of mates or a huge gossiping family gathering this place has all the feel of it.

Once you are in this place, all you wish to do is pull up a chair from anywhere, roll up your sleeves and just dig into the food!

Romantic Dinners / A quiet meal / Fine Dining are out of the question.

DECOR AND SEATING CAPACITY – 2.5 OUT 5

Well, they have a BIG HALL, Chairs and Tables. Décor is not what you are here for but I must say the place is clean for such a huge and busy place.

OVERALL RATING: 4 OUT OF 5.

Turkish Central is one of the Bucket List when you are in Doha. A Foodie paradise. Such is the consistence and quality of their food that there is no soul (as per my Sources) in Doha who has ever declined a Turkish Central option for a meal.

Having said that, I believe they can up their ante in Décor and Seating, especially if they can segregate an area for exclusive family / majlis seating.