Brunches that stretch your middle, money
FRIDAY afternoons in Doha are known for two things – empty streets and full stomachs.
With the working week running from Sundays to Thursdays, Fridays are a day to unwind and enjoy the company of family and friends – and eat. Which partly explains the need for public holidays such as National Sport Day, which was celebrated a couple of days ago, and which aims to highlight the need for health and wellness in Qatar.
Qatari families generally gather at home for lunch after attending the Friday afternoon Jumu’ah prayers at mosque. But expats, especially Western expats, tend to adopt a slightly different approach to their social and culinary exploits at the start of the weekend by indulging in a Gulf institution – the Friday brunch.
Menus vary. Some hotel restaurants provide strictly Arabic fare, but most serve a sumptuous spread of international cuisine. Italian not your style? Keep walking pasta this station until you get to the seafood.
Not a fan of crayfish and prawns? Then scuttle a bit further down for some chicken tikka masala.
If your tummy is too tender for spicy food, perhaps just settle for a good old-fashioned steak with some chips on the side.
Before you decide, though, best to warm up your tastebuds with a California roll or three from the sushi bar.
And, of course, leave place for dessert – whether it’s pancakes, pastries or just plain ice cream you’re keen on.
This is brunch on steroids, in the form of a buffet grand enough to jolt you out of your Friday slumber and satisfying enough to make you want to curl up for a nap when you’ve finally decided that you cannot possibly eat or drink any more.
“It’s all about the brunch,” explains James, a British colleague who has lived in Doha for a few years. “Sundays back home are meant for relaxing, and Fridays are similar here, with malls and businesses closed during the morning. And the brunch culture fits in with that mentality – very uncomplicated, very sociable and very enjoyable.”
But not very cheap – at least not in Doha. Most hotels serve Friday brunch from noon to 3pm and prices range from 200 to 400 riyals. That’s about R760 to R1 500, which means I can’t afford to think in terms of exchange rates, not even when children under 12 eat free.
At those prices, it’s no wonder the Bawas of Doha reserve brunch dates for only the most special of occasions. Anything else would see not only my buttons bounce, but my cheques too.