Foodie

Let’s establish some truths first.

Fact number one: Expensive doesn’t always mean good food.

Fact number two: Everybody loves to eat.

Fact number three: Everybody loves to eat cheap!

Bin Mahmoud is sort of like an oasis to a foodie. It will satisfy most of your cravings and you’ll never get bored as there are plenty of options. No exaggeration. Here are some of the best bargain eats in the area.

Tofu House

Who’s hungry? (Photo: Facebook)

The king of Al Jazeera Street. This Korean restaurant is the best in the area IMHO. Their jjampong and chicken wings (Korean style) are enough reason for you to visit this joint. They recently expanded and now has a bigger dining space but is usually packed in the evening so it is best to call and reserve a table in advance.

Khao San

Sawadee khrup! (Photo: Facebook)

The new player in the vicinity. I had the green curry tofu when I first went to this restaurant and it did not disappoint. I love it mak mak. It gives you that feeling of being in one of those eateries in Bangkok. The staff (who are mostly Filipinos I believe) are very attentive and they engage customers in small talks (so you don’t feel alone when dining by yourself lol).

I want my Mango Sticky Rice now…

Falafel Al-Akawi

On a tight budget? Then Falafel Al-Akawi can be your best friend especially during that critical week before month-end. A basic falafel sandwich from this joint is four riyals. Yes, FOUR. Service is quick, food is tasty, prices are super affordable. Plus many say this is one of the best falafel places in Doha. And did I mention they are open 24/7? Go now. No judgment here.

Empty tummy no more! (Photo: Facebook)

Silversticks

Why did I give up meat again? (Photo: Facebook)

Who doesn’t like shawarma? C’mon, it’s the ultimate comfort food (Khaleeji-style). And for a small price (12 riyals), you can have a big chicken shawarma sandwich which again, in my opinion, is really yummy (my pretentious plant-based self is aching to have one at this very moment). They also have grilled meats and seafood in their menu so choices are not limited.

Al Aker Sweets

Ricotta overload!

Craving for something sweet? It was only recently when I found out about their branch on Al Jazeera Street and now it’s just a short walk from home to get fresh from the oven knafeh (the best Middle Eastern dessert IMO). Lucky me!

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So give those fancy schmancy restaurants a rest and go cheap. There will be no need to dress-up and your bank account will sing you praises if you do. But just because it’s affordable doesn’t mean you have an excuse to eat two servings. Everything in moderation, please.

B3W

Last Saturday, we went to meet some friends for brunch at the Santa Monica Breakfast Club located in Grand Hyatt Hotel (just opposite of Lagoona Mall).

The first thing you’ll notice when you walk in is the decor. Everything is vivid and colorful—from chairs to table napkins to the murals on the walls. This place will definitely put a smile on your face.

Weekends are made for brunches (and sleeping). It’s a fact. Do not argue with me.

Our group ordered the Super Nachos and some fries (regular and sweet potato) for starters. The fries were textbook—nice and crisp. The nachos, on the other hand, weren’t overloaded like the ones being served in other casual dining spots but was quite OK. It has the basics—nachos, cheese, sour cream, salsa and guacamole.

For our mains, most of us opted for the salad. I had the Ocean’s Eleven salad which is basically fennel, celery, octopus and some greens in orange dressing. It was light and the fennel didn’t overpower the other ingredients. The rest went for the Californication salad, Santa Margarita pizza, Pan Con Chicharon, Brekkie Bao Buns (this looked so yum but it’s meat so deadma) and Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken. I didn’t hear anyone of them complaining so the food they had must be good.

Ocean’s Eleven

Santa Margarita and Super Nachos

Eating out in Doha, just like everywhere else, can be expensive and will make you think twice about spending your hard earned money. But if you have the Entertainer app on your phone, it becomes guilt-free as you can use 2 for 1 vouchers (maximum of three per table) to trim down the bill. We used three and saved a lot! If you don’t have it yet, you may download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

B3W

BATANG THIRD WORLD

Bargain Eats | Bin Mahmoud, Doha