First stars for Doha

The Michelin Guide has published restaurant ratings for Doha for the first time. Two restaurants each receive one star. Four restaurants were awarded a Bib Gourmand. In total, the premiere edition includes 33 restaurants.

"We are delighted to finally celebrate the launch of the Michelin Guide in Qatar with our first edition for Doha. Our anonymous inspectors have explored and experienced the city's restaurants and cuisines from around the world and selected the very best, in all price ranges and styles. This first selection not only recognises the best of Doha's restaurant scene, but will also put the city on the international culinary map. The selection of these 33 restaurants is a testament to the many talented chefs and culinary teams who have made Doha their home and who infuse their craft with passion, creativity and respect for local traditions," explains Gwendal Poullennc, International Director of the Michelin Guide.

When deciding which restaurants receive stars, the inspectors use the same five criteria worldwide: the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of cooking techniques, the harmony of flavours, the expression of the chef's personality in the kitchen and consistency both over time and across the menu.

The two restaurants rated with one star are:;

• Jamavar - this restaurant, sister restaurant to the London restaurant, offers a wide range of dishes from all parts of India, all prepared with great skill and care by Chef Debdash Balaga. His specialities include Laal Maas, a leg of lamb that is slow-cooked for 8 hours.
• IDAM by Alain Ducasse - While Alain Ducasse's signature style is clearly recognisable here, chef Fabrice Rosso has managed to subtly incorporate Qatari influences into the menu. The use of spices and local ingredients adds a new dimension to the culinary experience.

Bib Gourmand

Named after Bibendum, the official name of the Michelin man, the Bib Gourmand is an award for restaurants that offer outstanding quality and value for money.

• Isaan - in its three open kitchens, the chef and her team prepare a variety of regional specialities as well as delicious Thai dishes.
• Jiwan - in this restaurant on the fourth floor of the Qatar National Museum, guests can enjoy modern interpretations of Qatari dishes.
• Argan - located in a pedestrianised area on the edge of Souq Waqif, Argan offers its customers authentic Moroccan dishes at an excellent price-performance ratio.
• Hoppers - Sri Lankan and South Indian food takes centre stage here, in a branch of the popular London original.

Special prices

With its special awards, the MICHELIN Guide aims to highlight and recognise the amazing diversity of roles in the hospitality industry and its most talented and inspiring professionals.

• The Young Chef Award goes to Sirijan Saelee from Restaurant Isaan. The winner of our Young Chef Award runs this great restaurant with consummate skill. The menu spans the whole of Thailand and there are three different kitchens in the room, each specialising in a different cooking technique. The challenges are obvious too.
• The Service Award goes to Paulo Bastos and the team at Morimoto . An eye for detail, a feel for the guests' needs, presence, knowledge, personality, charisma and humour: this manager has it all and his team shows the same level of energy, passion, enthusiasm and fun. Every guest will leave the restaurant with the feeling that they have been well looked after.
• Our third award goes to Robi Ratan at Alain Ducasse's IDAM for his exceptional cocktails . Robi leads the team responsible for creating the imaginative and very popular mocktail selection. Our tasters were impressed by the harmonised non-alcoholic combinations with local spices, fruits and ingredients that enrich and enhance the overall dining experience.