Under the sponsorship of Visit Qatar, the international Michelin Guide launched its first edition in the State of Qatar during a ceremony held last Thursday at the Raffles Hotel. The ceremony witnessed the honoring of a selection of the most prominent restaurants in the country that provided exceptional culinary experiences that reflect diversity and innovation in local and international cuisine. The ceremony included a distinguished pavilion for the Qatar calendar, which reflects the efforts made to enhance Qatar’s position as a global destination for luxury hospitality and fine culinary experiences, and to consolidate its position among the most prominent global destinations for food lovers. The Michelin Guide, known globally as one of the most prestigious guides in evaluating restaurants, is a standard that relies on precise measures that include food quality, creativity, and hospitality experience. Stars are awarded to restaurants that excel in these aspects, as they are considered a global certificate of the highest standards of excellence in the art of cooking. With the launch of this edition, Qatar confirms its commitment to providing the finest dining experiences, attracting fine dining lovers from all over the world.
His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President of Qatar Tourism, stressed that this event represents an important milestone in the dining scene in Qatar and confirms our position as a global destination for culinary excellence. We are proud that Qatar is the second country in the Middle East to host the Michelin Guide, which reflects our strategic commitment to providing excellence and maintaining the highest standards in the tourism sector.
Al Kharji added, “Visit Qatar is honored to be the destination partner for this initiative, which will raise our reputation as the first choice for visitors looking for unparalleled dining experiences. The Michelin Guide will be an invaluable resource for these visitors, helping them explore the best restaurants in Doha and take their trip even further.”
He continued: “I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Gwendal Poulenic, International Director of the Michelin Guide, for his support and leadership in bringing this world-famous guide to Qatar. Our congratulations to all award recipients in advance for their hard work and dedication.” He said, “Your achievements reflect not only your personal excellence but also the vision and ambition of Qatar’s growing reputation and exceptional recognition as a global destination.”
For his part, Jondal Polinek, International Director of the Michelin Guides, confirmed, “We are happy to announce the arrival of the first Michelin Guide to Qatar in Doha. Our anonymous observers have explored the city, tried its restaurants and cuisine from all over the world, and have chosen the best, across all price categories and styles.”
He added that this first edition celebrates the best of Doha’s food scene and puts the city on the international culinary map. The selection of these 33 restaurants in the Michelin Guide is a testament to the caliber of the many talented chefs and culinary team who have made Doha their home and who bring passion, creativity and respect for local traditions to their craft.
Regardless of the style of cuisine, concept or location of the restaurant, whether fine dining or street style, Michelin guide reviewers use the same five criteria around the world: quality of ingredients; Master cooking techniques; Harmony of flavours; Expression of the chef’s personality in the kitchen; And consistency, both over time and across the entire list.
Michelin star
Two restaurants received their first Michelin star: Jamavar – the restaurant coming from London, serves a wide range of dishes from all over India, all prepared with great skill and care by master chef Debesh Balaja. His specialties include laal maas, a leg of lamb slow cooked for 8 hours. Edam by Alain Ducasse – While Alain Ducasse’s signature style is evident here, Chef Fabrice Rousseau has succeeded in celebrating Qatari influences within the menu. Introducing spices and using local ingredients adds a new dimension to the dining experience.
Bib Gourmand Award
Four restaurants received the Bib Gourmand Award, which is an award for restaurants that provide high-quality food at excellent value, and the ranking was as follows:
Isan – With its three open kitchens, the chef and her team prepare a variety of regional dishes as well as delicious Thai dishes.
Jeewan – At this restaurant located on the fourth floor of the National Museum of Qatar, guests can enjoy Qatari dishes with a modern twist.
Argan – Located on a pedestrian street on the edge of Souq Waqif, Argan offers its customers authentic Moroccan dishes at an excellent value.
Hoppers – Where Sri Lankan and South Indian food appeals, in a branch of the famous original restaurant in London.