Restaurant Review - Walima, Mondrian Doha

With Doha’s restaurant scene opening up this month, it’s the perfect time to shake off your lockdown blues and get out of your apartment. We took the opportunity to visit Walima at the Mondrian Doha to celebrate coming out (of hibernation, of course).

Marcel Wanders has created some Alice in Wonderland meets Arabian Nights magic. Checkerboard floors, black and white striped walls and a dreamy kaleidoscope of colourful lanterns hanging from the ceiling are what immediately catch our eyes when we step in to Walima.

We’re not ashamed to admit we might have spent more than a few minutes trying to move from square to square on that fun floor while admiring the giant porcelain shishas (if only they worked).

Walima has thought carefully about the safety and welfare of its customers. We are screened thoroughly when we enter the restaurant and our Ehteraz code is scanned on to their system. Staff are all wearing masks and the outlet is taking all possible measures during these times. Paper menus are passé now, so scan the digital version using a QR code placed on the table. Other small touches include a napkin holder with the words “Sit and relax, just sanitized.”

We explore our surroundings and open up the terrace. It’s temporarily closed but the daylight makes for stunning skyline picture ops. We stay a short while, we’re really not looking forward to be roasted to a crisp like Walima’s famous mixed grill.

There are plenty of positives if you choose to dine here – there are private dining areas draped that curtains that offer discretion for special occasions and intimate gatherings. The restaurant is ideal for families, especially those with little kids. They would admire the patterns and the multitude of colours and sparkles around the entire venue.

Appetisers at Walima

We’re famished and we’re here to do a job – eat. The hot mezzes arrive and we immediately inhale the cigar-shaped rakakats (cheesy Arabic spring rolls). They’re intricately wrapped in a filo pastry, perfectly salty and herby with a satisfying crunch on the outside. The akawi cheese filling has a lovely doughy texture. Walima’s hummus is light, airy and silky smooth. The baba ganoush complements it very well with its smoky and zesty flavours. Don’t miss out on the fresh, fragrant and fabulous fattoush to complete the appetiser experience. And the good news is it’s a rather generous portion, good for sharing.

Mains

We’re slightly stuffed but still focused and ready for mains. The lamb kebabs are tender and succulent, served with delicious stewed onion and tomato. We tuck into the highly recommended and beautifully presented shish taok, made with fresh chicken thighs. The flat breads and pita are freshly baked and soak up the flavours very well. The meats are all spiced wonderfully.

Dessert

At this point, we’re up to the brim with grilled goodness, but somehow, we will ourselves on to the desserts. A moist, sumptuous date pudding with sticky caramel sauce is criminally small but we are thankful as our stomachs might struggle to contain any more food. Alongside this, we dig beneath the lava surface of a golden brown crispy kunafa. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savoury, filled with stringy akawi cheese and a superb take on a classic.

Having eaten enough for a small army, we leave Walima thoroughly satisfied. The service was top-notch and the décor was truly uplifting. If only the weather permitted more terrace trips. If you want to venture out for a great Arabic meal post lockdown, we highly recommend this super spot.

Eid offer at Walima

If you’re looking for a fancy meal out this Eid, Walima has a sweet deal for QR125 (lunch) and QR150 (dinner). Both options include mezzes, soup, mains and dessert.