It’s time to check out another Ramadan Tent with Qatar Eating’s Ramadan in Doha coverage!
For the first evening of Ramadan 2015 Qatar Eating was invited to try the Suhoor Buffet over at the InterContinental Doha’s Shahrazad Tent. Named after the female character from ‘1001 Nights’, the tent evokes a feeling of exoticism and beauty through its elaborate use of golden fabric swathed around the hall helping to create an elegant Ramadan Tent. The ambient lighting is a shade of pink which seems unusual, but it adds just the right amount of colour to act as a contrast to the white/golds of the design.
UPDATE: RAMADAN IN QATAR 2016
For information about Iftar and Suhoor (Suhour) options check out Ramadan in Doha 2016 Guide – Iftar, Suhoor & Ramadan Tents
Be sure to check out our Ramadan in Qatar 2016: Everything You NEED To Know! feature which includes tips on surviving Ramadan for non-Muslims.
InterContinental Doha Ramadan Tent 2015
Pops of blue colour are provided by the Turkish-inspired ceramics in the form of a Fez hat jar and a Tanoura dancer figure – which is a lovely way for InterContinental Doha to link Ramadan to the Qatar-Turkey Year of Culture 2015.
In order to get to the main dining room of the Tent you have to open the glass doors in the lobby of the InterContinental Doha and pass through a walkway full of tantalising desserts and fruit platters.
Guiding your way is a lavish spread of food covering both International and Arabic cuisines, including many popular regional favourites such as Harees and Margooga. There are salads; cold starters including mezze; a bread display; a fresh pasta cooking station; seafood; a selection of hot mains; roast beef carving station…the list just goes on.
Although all of the Ramadan Tents in Doha provide amazing displays of dishes it is worth noting that the aim of these lavish spreads isn’t just to stuff oneself silly – rather you should see it as part of the experience of Ramadan in Doha; to enjoy good food in an elegant setting in the company of friends and family.
We can enjoy food without overeating in this month of fasting, and we can enjoy Ramadan Tents without over-indulging to the extreme. Keep this thought in your head and avoid the temptation of over-filling your plate and wasting food; it is a buffet – you can go back for more!
So on to the food…and frankly it was an exercise in self-restraint as I wavered between the many tantalising cold and hot dishes on offer. I only tried a few of the dishes from the buffet and my favourites were the Tandoori Spice Kingfish; the Roasted Beef; the pan-seared fish sillet with mango and coriander salsa; the glass noodles with beef; Berry Salad with Raspberry Dressing; and all of the desserts….yes you heard me right – ALL of the desserts.
That is not to say that I ate every single one but I did try most of the desserts from the International desserts section. Which meant that I chose to not to eat too much food and I did miss out on most of the Arabic delicacies in the buffet, including Kunafe and Umm Ali! And I didn’t even try a date…shock, horror!
Ramadan Tents are a delightful Middle East concept highlighting Arabic hospitality. InterContinental Doha have provided the food and ambience for you to create memories of Ramadan in Doha. Whilst enjoying the delicious chocolate brownie and mousse desserts, I listened to interesting tales of courageous travellers and perilous situations – and just like the King in ‘1001 Nights’ I didn’t want the night to end…
Suhoor at the InterContinental Doha starts at 9.00pm and is priced at QR225 per person.
Ramadan beverages and water are included; soft drinks, mocktails and hot beverages are available from the beverages menu for an extra charge. There is also live entertainment in the form of a traditional Oud band, complimentary WI-Fi, and TVs. For those of you looking for more privacy you can book a VIP table.
For more information and bookings you can call 4484 4919.