This isn’t an ad for The Entertainer or any of the restaurants featured, we swear. We just wanted to share the places that we keep going back to because the food, service and quality makes you feel like you’re getting quite a steal thanks to the use of your Entertainer book/app.
And who doesn’t like a bargain?
Eggspectations – Mall of Qatar
Eggspectations has managed to raise our expectations of casual dining. We mainly head there for the one meal that might even make my death row meal list, the Chicken and Waffles. No, it isn’t intricate or groundbreaking but it does deliver on taste – spicy chicken, meets sweet maple syrup, peppery rocket with the neutral (and nicely textured) waffle. We split it, as it’s too much for one person alone (unless you’re hungover, or have skipped meals for the day) and go for a burger or a crepe – both of which we recommend too.
Their complimentary bread basket with jams is always a nice precursor to the main event, if only to feel like it’s morning again and you have the whole day ahead of you – particularly nice on a Saturday when you want to feel like the weekend isn’t about to come to an end.
Service here is always the right balance of helpfulness, and the space itself is light and welcoming.
TWG Tea – Mall of Qatar
You don’t have to be a tea lover to like this Singaporean brand, but it does help – everything they do is infused with tea. Aside from the staggering amount of teas on offer, checking out the tea menu will take you a good 10-15 minutes, there’s a nice selection of food to enjoy.
Don’t let its mall location fool you into thinking it won’t be a pleasurable experience, the presentation, quality of ingredients, service and setting are of a serene 5-star hotel standard. You really have to try it. Their butter alone – with Japanese tea sprinkles and chips/corn – makes it worth the visit
On our visits, we’ve tried the Wagyu Burger with Matcha Fries (3 times now), the Norwegian Salmon (very good) and the Chicken and Peanut Curry (green tea infused sauce). The presentation is an Instagrammers dream – so prettily plated you almost don’t want to ruin its perfectness.
Desserts are pretty good too, but we’ve been told there’s more to come with a focus on French patisserie. So, we’re obviously going to be back (and back and back). Even if you don’t use The Entertainer, meals are reasonable for the quality of the ingredients (mostly fresh, they avoid using frozen items). A Wagyu burger or chicken curry is around 59 QAR.
The portions are on the small size for Qatar, but we always feel satisfied, so if you’re after quality over quantity this place is for you. Do try it and share your thoughts with us.
Noodle House – Landmark Mall
If you’ve had a nose around the blog, you’ll know we’re big Asian food fans and Noodle House gets our vote, mainly because of its laksa and noodles.
Order a large bowl of laksa and you don’t even really need to order another meal – but seeing as you’re using The Entertainer you may as well try something else. Our faves include the Beef Kuay Teow Noodles, the Thai Chicken and Cashew (nice and spicy) and the Singapore Noodles (although they haven’t quite hit the spot lately).
The interiors aren’t terribly exciting (at all) and the menu doesn’t offer new innovative flavours but its offers up comfort food in a causal, friendly environment and service always comes with a smile.
Other restaurants of note
We haven’t tried La Casa 28 (Mall of Qatar) enough times to see whether it’s a consistent contender, but we were really impressed with our order. We opted for the Beef Tenderloin with creamed spinach and butternut squash ravioli. It was nicely presented and was the beef lived up to its name, it even came medium as requested (quite unexpected in Qatar). The Lamb Tagine was also good too but it followed the Beef Tenderloin which was a hard act to follow.
Wagamama’s is also a fave. We love the Korean Beef Bao Buns, the Crispy Calamari, Duck Gyoza, Beef Teriyaki donburi, Yaki Soba, Pad Thai, Firecracker chicken and much of the menu. Service is good and the food is fresh and pleasing on the eye and palate. It’s a no-brainer.
So that’s our roundup, hopefully 2018 will bring a whole host of new places to share.