Phew – what a year! 2016 saw lots of foodie highlights including our very own international food festival featuring a visit from mega-mogul Martha Stewart, the opening of celeb chef Richard Sandoval’s Zengo, and visits from famous chefs from around the globe. Which just goes to show – Qatar is now one of the newest and hottest food destinations on the planet!

But it wasn’t just all glitz and glamour. 2016 saw the opening of some homegrown gourmet trailblazers such as Qatar’s first official vegan café, Evergreen Organics, the Flat White Café dishing up delicious boutique coffee, and Café 999 – an exotic mash-up of healthy European and Arabian favourites, and Baladna Farm – bringing you the best of local produce.

There have been so many food highlights from the last twelve months, but here’s a round-up of some of the best. We can’t wait to see what 2017 will bring! What was your food highlight?

1. Restaurant openings

Was it just me or did there seem to be a new restaurant or café opening every day? Here are a few of the best

Zengo – International celebrity chef Richard Sandoval’s latest offering.

The Shanghai Club at The Shangri-La Hotel, Doha – ultra-chic Asian cuisine.

Sabai Thai at Westin Doha Hotel & Spa – superb Thai food experience.

Eggspectation – The much-loved Canadian food chain.

The Raw Bar at The St. Regis Doha – serving up the finest raw seafood and meat.

Mainland China – India’s hottest Chinese chain is finally here.

2. Qatar International Food Festival

It’s getting bigger and better, and the arrival of her food majesty Martha Stewart this year at QIFF has sealed the deal – Qatar is now firmly on the international food map.

3. Global food

From brunches to mini food festivals, whether you were craving Filipino, Eastern European, or a bite from Turkey, there seemed to be a food feast to suit everyone’s taste-buds!

4. Homegrown talent

More and more, exciting homegrown businesses are starting up and 2016 was the year for food pioneers such as:

Evergreen Organics – Qatar’s first fully vegan café and a true pioneer in the local health-food industry

Flat White – the best coffee in Qatar created by people who are passionate about their product

Baladna Farm – finally a ‘farm-to-fork’ outlet selling all local produce, from meat to dairy. Support your local farming community!

Café 999 – a flavoursome medley of healthy European and Arabian favourites in Qatar’s iconic Fire Station building, complete with a permanently-installed food truck

5. Mall Of Qatar

This mega-mall is finally here and worth the wait. With lots of world-class favourites such as Eataly and Cheesecake Factory, MOQ offers lots of new eats in a state-of-the-art setting.

Did we miss any of your ultimate eateries or dining experiences from our list? Tell us if you agree or disagree in the comments section below, and be sure to give us a like or a share – we look forward to sharing a table with you in 2017!

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Ashlee

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