Chef Mauro Colagreco, a world-renowned Michelin-starred chef, has gained acclaim for his innovative approach to cooking.
With his restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Doha, he continues to push boundaries in the culinary world. Known for his commitment to sustainability and respect for nature, Chef Mauro’s journey from Argentina to the French Riviera has been marked by excellence, creativity, and a deep passion for environmental responsibility. Today, he leads a global network of restaurants, including Mirazur, which was voted the best restaurant in the world in 2019.
In this exclusive interview with Azqa Haroon, Chef Mauro shares insights into his culinary philosophy and the unique MURU experience at Waldorf Astoria Doha.
QH: What inspired this new MURU experience?
Colagreco: MURU Restaurant is a celebration of South American flavors. As an Argentinian, I bring my heritage to this incredible location. We’ve divided the restaurant into four elements—fire, air, water, and herbs—each creating a unique ambience and setting for different moments throughout the day. For instance, at the bar, we focus on fermentation to bring out rich umami flavours, while the kitchen is set in the fire zone with eight distinct cooking methods using fire. Being Argentinian, my love for meat runs deep; we’ve always cooked meat over charcoal and fire since childhood.
QH: How do the four elements come into the food?
Colagreco: We’ve designed each area of the restaurant around the four elements—fire, air, water, and herbs. Each space offers a unique ambience and design, creating the perfect setting for various moments throughout the day. At the bar, we focus on fermentation to enhance the umami flavours, while the kitchen, located in the fire zone, utilises eight different fire-based cooking methods.
QH: What do you want guests to feel at MURU?
Colagreco: MURU is a unique space where guests can enjoy a relaxed yet luxurious experience. It’s a place to share great food, immerse in the ambience, and embrace the lifestyle of the restaurant. While it offers a luxury experience, it also maintains a casual and welcoming vibe. This restaurant truly stands out in Qatar.
QH: How has your experience been with Waldorf Astoria Doha?
Colagreco: The opening has been highly anticipated, and I’m genuinely excited because it presents a new challenge. My journey started in 2006 when I opened my first restaurant in the south of France, which later became a three-Michelin-star establishment and was named the best restaurant in the world. Since then, we’ve opened several other locations globally, but this one in Doha holds a special significance. My team and I are thrilled to be part of such a dynamic city, especially with the growing food scene here. We hope the people of Qatar will love our restaurant and food – we’ve poured a lot of love into it.
QH: What makes this MURU project special for you?
Colagreco: This project is incredibly special to me because every detail, from the restaurant to the hotel, has been a long and thoughtful journey. We collaborated closely with designers and craftsmen to create custom pieces, such as the chairs, the kitchen, and the crudo counter. Every element has been carefully considered, and even something as simple as the elevator doors is a work of art. The attention to detail makes this a truly unique and special location.
