Azqa Haroon recently had the pleasure of experiencing the culinary delights of Al Sufra.
Al Sufra had been on my list for a while – a Levant-inspired restaurant promising a timeless charm. When I finally had the chance to dine there, it didn’t disappoint. The first thing that struck me was the sheer size of the place. It’s a large restaurant, beautifully designed, with a spacious indoor area that exudes elegance. I also noted the option for outdoor corridor seating, which I’ll definitely want to try on a cooler evening. There’s an undeniable “fancy” feel to Al Sufra, but it’s not intimidating; it’s more of a refined and welcoming atmosphere.
Al Sufra aims to take you on a culinary journey, and it does so with aplomb. They celebrate the traditional Middle Eastern and Levant cuisine with what they describe as a unique blend of authentic recipes from the region. The name itself, Al Sufra, meaning “The Dining Room” in Arabic, sets the tone for a focus on shared meals and hospitality. What I appreciated is that they seem to embrace the seasonality of the Levant, drawing inspiration from festivals and seasonal ingredients. With its coffee lounge, open terrace, and à la carte dining, Al Sufra positions itself as a place you can visit throughout the day, whether it’s for a leisurely lunch or a special dinner. The decor is noteworthy too; the contemporary gold and turquoise theme, combined with stunning art and ornaments, creates a visually rich and pleasing environment.
A vibrant start
No Levant meal is complete without a selection of mezze, and Al Sufra’s cold mezzeh offerings were impressive.
Hummus Bellehmah was a standout. The hummus was incredibly smooth and creamy, and the addition of sautéed veal added a rich and savoury element. The tahini and lemon provided the classic hummus tang, and the overall flavour profile was well-balanced.
Shrimps Al Sufra was an interesting and tasty twist on traditional mezze. The fried shrimps, coated in kunafa dough, were crispy and delicious, and the pomegranate cocktail sauce added a sweet and tangy contrast.
Fattoush turned out to be a refreshing and vibrant salad. The mixed greens were fresh and crisp, and the pieces of bread added a delightful crunch. The sumac and pomegranate molasses dressing provided a tangy and slightly sweet flavour that tied everything together.
A taste of tradition
I was eager to explore Al Sufra’s offerings, particularly the “home cooked dishes,” which seemed to promise authentic flavours.
Al Sufra Mansaf Bel Lahmeh – this dish was a revelation. The slow-cooked young lamb was incredibly tender, practically melting in my mouth. The Jordanian jameed yoghurt sauce was rich and tangy, providing a unique and delicious counterpoint to the lamb. The turmeric rice was fragrant and flavourful, and the mixed nuts added a delightful crunch. The presentation in a shrak bread dome was also impressive. It felt like a truly special and celebratory dish.
Mixed grill was classic, done exceptionally well. The selection of charcoal-grilled cubed meat, chicken, minced meat kebab, and lamb chops was all cooked to perfection. Each meat had its own distinct flavour and texture, and the grilled vegetables provided a fresh and healthy accompaniment. It’s a great option for sharing and sampling a variety of grilled specialties.
The grilled king prawns “Shrimps Mashwi” were plump and juicy, infused with the fragrant herb garlic. Simple, yet delicious, allowing the natural sweetness of the shrimp to shine.
Sweet temptation
As a lover of desserts, I had to try Kunaffa Nabulisa. The Kunaffa from Nablus was divine. The sweet cheese was creamy and smooth, and the shredded kunafa pastry was perfectly crisp. The pistachio added a lovely nutty flavour and a pop of colour. It was a rich and satisfying end to the meal.
Overall impression
My dining experience at Al Sufra was truly memorable. The restaurant offers a beautiful setting, attentive service, and, most importantly, exceptional food that showcases the rich and diverse flavours of the Levant. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion dinner or a place to enjoy a leisurely meal with friends and family, Al Sufra is definitely worth a visit. I left feeling satisfied, impressed, and eager to return and explore more of their menu.
Find It: Al Sufra, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha.
Call: +974 4035 5555
