Ramadan brings an air of excitement to Qatar with special events throughout the country. Dining becomes even more interesting, as restaurants and eateries introduce Iftar and Suhoor Set Menus. And then there are the Ramadan Tents…!
What are Ramadan Tents?
Ramadan Tents are not real tents, rather they are inspired by Bedouin or Arabian themes and may include draping to give the feel of a tent. Most Ramadan Tents are housed within hotel ballrooms, restaurants or attached via an outdoors terrace.
Ramadan Tents are similar to Buffets food offerings, however there is a greater focus on ethnic and regional cuisine. In some buffets this includes Machboos, large platters of rice and camel meat, Arabic desserts and beverages such as Jallab.
For an idea of what a hotel Ramadan Tent is all about check out our Ramadan Tent features from last year (2015) for the following hotels:
The St. Regis Souq and The St. Regis Majlis
For other Suhoor dining experiences check out IDAM Doha – Fine Dining Experienceand
Ramadan in Doha 2016
We have fun in the month of Ramadan – celebrating regional cuisines and trying out dishes only available during this month. Last year we highlighted: Daytime Dining & Delivery during Ramadan; Non-hotel Iftar and Suhoor Set Menus; Iftar, Suhoor and Ramadan Tents Guide
We will once again be bringing our readers guidance and information about #RamadanInQatar 2016 dining options:
Ramadan Tents and Hotel Iftars and Suhoors
Restaurant Iftars & Suhours,
What’s Open During The Day
Home Delivery options.
If anyone wants recommendations based on your own needs, or would like to suggest a venue then fill in our contact form or follow us and drop us a shout on our social media channels: FACEBOOK; TWITTER; INSTAGRAM. You can also leave a comment below.
At Qatar Eating we are very excited for Ramadan food offerings – and we will be have special Ramadan in Qatar features for you!
Tips for Ramadan Tents, Iftar, and Suhoor:
A few important points to remember about spending Ramadan in Doha:
• Make sure you book in advance for Iftar or Suhoor events. The majority of locals visit friends and family for Iftar during the start of Ramadan – this means that it does get busier later on the month. Also some venues are famously popular and will get booked out very quickly.
• If you are arranging an Iftar or Suhoor for a larger group then always ask for a discount, whether you are going to a five star hotel restaurant or a local dining place. If you group is over 15 people you may be eligible for a discount. But do remember that Doha venues do have different policies regarding minimum numbers for private group bookings.
• Double-check the timings of the event you wish to attend, as Iftar and Suhoor event timings for Ramadan in Doha will be very different. Iftar events usually start from sunset until 8-9.00pm, depending on the venue. Suhoor timings usually begin from 9.00pm until midnight or 1-2am – again depends on the venue. Also you should remember that there may be different timings for a la carte menu service as there will always be a time limit for food orders. For example, venues open until 2.00am may stop taking food orders at 1.00am or 1.40am – so be sure to check.
• In Ramadan you will only have musical instruments and dance performances, although there may be some Arabic singing. Essentially the live entertainment offerings have an Arabic theme – with Tanoura dancers or instrumental bands. They may also only perform at certain times in the evening, so if the live entertainment options matter for your Ramadan Tent or Restaurant experience then check the details and timings with the venue when you book.
• Double-check the pricings of the event you wish to attend, as again Iftar and Suhoor events are very different. Usually Ramadan Suhoor events will be priced higher than Iftar events. If you want to go to a venue with Shisha then double check when booking about the availability and pricings.
•There is no alcoholic beverage service during the whole month of Ramadan. It will usually resume the first day of Eid, but check with each individual outlet.
• If you are planning on bringing children with you please consider Iftar options as Suhoor does start quite late. It is also worth knowing that these venues get really busy towards the middle of the fasting period, so if you prefer a family-friendly non-smoke environment you should take advantage of the quiet period and head out earlier in the month to Ramadan Tents and Iftar and Suhoor Meals.
• Generally the venues don’t get smoky until very late in the evening, so if you are looking for smoke-free Ramadan venues for a family-friendly fun then go earlier in the day. Also double-check with the venue about the pricings for children as per their age group – some venues don’t charge for under 5s.
• When booking on the telephone make sure to take down the name of the person who you made your booking with and make sure they confirm the correct details. If possible ask them to send you a confirmation email of your booking in case of any issues. Also make sure you cancel reservations as soon as possible if you cannot make them. If you have any issues when you arrive at the venue ask to speak to the manager and above all be polite and remain calm.
• Be sure to check it for 2 for 1 Entertainer offers on buffets which you may be able to use for Ramadan buffets – be sure to ask when you call up to make a booking. If you have been really wanting to enjoy Ramadan in Doha by trying out an Iftar or Suhoor at a Ramadan Tent then choose wisely based on your vouchers!
• Many of the hotels have specials promotions and deals during Ramadan for combined Room and Dinner packages. If you are looking for Ramadan Room packages be sure to check out if Iftar or Suhoor is included in the promotion.
• The details of timings and pricings may change last minute, so always check with the venue when you make your booking. If you are dining without a reservation you can call ahead to check this information.
• Make sure you don’t run too late to enjoy your event of choice. Some venues will open up at sunset, while others may open after Maghrib prayers which will be at least another 15 to 30 minutes more. Venues will also have at least an hour break between Iftar and Suhoor to clean up and prepare for the next event; if you arrive early you should be okay waiting in the lobby or waiting area.
• Do keep in mind that the Doha roads will be even busier than normal with more cars on the road as residents head to evening prayers or to break their fast – so plan ahead and most importantly drive safe!
• We all love five star treatment and the hotels in Doha have a range of options for Iftar/Suhoor with set menus and/or Ramadan Tents. However, don’t forget your local restaurant or eatery may also have its own offers or special menus for Ramadan – so always ask. Expect most restaurants in the Malls to have special Iftar menus available at set prices.
• For people who are not fasting there will be some hotel restaurants open offering a la carte menus or breakfast buffets during the day. Also takeaway options may be available during the afternoon at some restaurants and local cafes. Make sure to check the timings and don’t just turn up – you may expect your favourite restaurant to be open, only to find it has been closed for Ramadan. Always double-check!
We will keep updating this feature to include details about Ramadan dining options, including Ramadan Iftars, so be sure to keep checking back!
If there are any options we have missed you can keep us updated by commenting below or sending us a message on our social media channels:
FACEBOOK – /qatareating;
TWITTER – @qatareating;
INSTAGRAM – qatar_eating.