Another day, another suhoor, another Ramadan Tent!
Time to review the Palatial Ramadan Tent on offer at Marsa Malaz Kempinski. Located in the Palazzo Ballroom, it has been grandly decorated with beautifully intricate Ramadan lanterns and swathes of white fabric expertly hung around the chandeliers and ceiling.
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.
Marsa Malaz Kempinksi Ramadan Tent 2015
Although it is a large room the design team have worked hard to present a comfortable Ramadan Tent, perfect for sharing and celebrating the joys of Ramadan with friends and family. The buffet is displayed in the lounge directly outside the ballroom where you will find the Ramadan Tent. There is also live instrumental music courtesy of a traditional Arabic band.
Coming into the building you are met by the latest Ferrari car model in the lobby (there’s a Maserati in the buffet area!); a rather odd sight but it could appeal to some of the car enthusiasts amongst you. However the real Ramadan spirit begins as you walk into the buffet area and are given a warm welcome by Gonel who serves you fresh Arabic coffee nex to an enormous display of delicious dates – be sure to try the Wanan variety which have been filled with orange peel or chopped pistachios.
Head into the Ramadan Tent and choose your table depending on your party size – there are lots of table arrangements providing seating for an intimate meal to more larger tables for big groups. And if you have a keen eye you may spot the water feature near the VIP tables. Get settled, order a drink if you like from the beverages menu (at extra cost) or head out and have a good nosey around the buffet. The stars of the show are the many live cooking stations helmed by chefs who know food and can recommend and advise you about the dishes on offer. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or advice from Wilson, the Ramadan Tent manager.
So on to the food…there is a wide variety of cusines on offer including Arabic and Qatari dishes (harissa, foul, sambousek, schwarma) specially prepared for Ramadan. There are soups, sushi and sashimi, spicy Indian curries, roasted beef – the list is endless as Marsa Malaz Kempinski have focused on providing a Palatial Ramadan Tent experience to cater for every palate. Again I did not try everything but I enjoyed the Lamb Biryani, the Onion Bhaji, the Harisse, aloo palak, the rather spicy but flavourful Goan fish curry and noodles cooked a la minute. For those looking for breakfast you can also ask for an omlette prepared fresh at the egg station!
The dessert station is a fabulous mix of International desserts including Spicy Chocolate Cake and Macarons (from the popular Cafe Murano). There are also a popular mix of Middle East delicacies including Baklava, Mullahbaiya and Kunafe. There are home-made ice creams including a special Arabic rosewater flavour. Christian and his colleagues provided a very helpful introduction to the desserts on offer – I devoured a lovely little dish of moussey goodness, quite a few macarons, and a dainty flavourful raspberry chocolate cake. There is also a fresh crepe station offering lovely extras such as granola to funk up your dessert. Chocolate fountains and wispy clouds of candyfloss on a stick are also available!
The Ramadan Tent is catering for both iftar and suhoor. Ramadan seasonal drinks are available in the buffet including the very popular Jallab drink.
Don’t forgot to enter our Ramadan in Doha competition where you can Win Suhoor for 2 at Marsa Malaz Kempinski! [UPDATE: Competition is now closed].
Iftar Buffet: sunset – 8.00pm; priced at QR240 per person.
Suhoor Buffet: 9.00pm – late; priced QR290 per person.
Children under 6 eat for free; children from 6 upto 12 years old eat at half off.
Book a VIP table for 8 people at QR3,000.
For more information and bookings call 4035 5011 or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com.