CHIC Eats

Trader Vic’s at Hilton Doha was once described to me as “a Hawaiian shirt come alive”. With a fun atmosphere and good music, the bar and grill has been one of the city’s favourite places for either a party or a relaxed, sit-down meal. A recently-revamped menu has added even more excitement to the venue. A gentle soundtrack of Latin pop music welcomed us as we entered the circular lounge, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The interior is a nod to Tiki culture, a blend of Polynesian and South Pacific influences. Our waitress Rhea and Chef Ong explained that a few exciting new dishes have been added to expand the alreadyimpressive menu. It featured a wide variety of sharing platters, Asian and fusion-inspired dishes, as well as European and American classics. We took their recommendations as our cue to order a selection of appetisers and main dishes.

We sipped on refreshing Tiki-inspired mocktails as the sun set over the Corniche. The Singapore Melody – a tribute to the famous Singapore Sling – was a delightful symphony of passion fruit, pineapple, pomegranate, and citrus juice, served in a fun, pineapple-shaped cup. My guest enjoyed a creamy and light coconut-based drink called Puerto Principe in a mug that was made to look like a hollowed-out coconut. Always good to start the evening with a playful beverage in hand.