Isaan Thai Restaurant — Restaurant in Doha

Review of Isaan Thai Restaurant – Doha

We visited Isaan Thai Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Doha for a Valentine’s Day dinner, opting for their special four-course menu. The variety of dishes offered was well thought out, featuring a good mix of flavors and textures.

The evening started with a welcome aperitif, which was enjoyable, though it was disappointing that they couldn’t provide a second one when requested. The appetizers were promising, with crispy prawns and GAI YANG BBQ (grilled chicken and vegetables), followed by the flavorful GIEOW NAM GAI soup (chicken wonton with pak choi). The main course was the highlight—PLA TOO NAM PLA (sea bass), NEANG KAREE GOONG TEMPURA (shrimp curry), and NUEA WAGYU YANG NAM HIM JAEW (grilled wagyu beef), all prepared to a high standard. However, the dessert—strawberry ice cream with pumpkin and steamed layer cake—fell short. With the wealth of exceptional Thai desserts available, this selection did not match the level of the preceding courses for my expectations but it was good and still enjoyable.

One noticeable shortcoming was the service. Since we don’t drink alcohol, we stuck to juices, water, and soft drinks, which were included in the meal. Unfortunately, the staff lacked attentiveness, and we had to actively request our water refills, sometimes waiting over 30 minutes with empty glasses.

The most disappointing and inappropriate moment came when we were leaving the restaurant. Despite dining in a five-star hotel, we were repeatedly asked whether we had settled the bill and with whom. Finally, after proving the payment, the questions stopped. However, the experience left a sour final impression. It was an unnecessary and uncomfortable situation that dampened an otherwise decent evening.

Overall, while the food was largely enjoyable and well-prepared, the subpar service and uncomfortable departure experience significantly impacted our impression of the restaurant. Initially, I considered a 3- or 4-star rating, but due to these service issues, I can only give 2 out of 5 stars.

Would I return? Likely not, given the disappointing service, which overshadowed an...

Among the Saffrons and Benjarongs, this thai restaurant had THE most authentic Thai flavors. It was not a delicate and curated journey like Saffron. Neither was it like the modern fusion that Benjarong commands in its dishes.

Located at the Grand Hyatt, Isaan is the resident thai restaurant on the ground floor. Ambience and atmosphere with ability to see live cooking viz-a-viz, thku behind transparent barriers - brought a lively vibe to the hall.

I started with the Pomelo salad that was just right in sweetness and the crabmeat with fried onions brought the right saltiness to taste. The chicken lemongrass soup with coconut milk was the perfect broth to white meat ratio. As I moved onto the grilled tiger prawns, the flavor was buttery in itself and on point without the accompanied tamarind sauce.

For the main course, I chose the Roasted duck Red curry with its pineapple and thai eggplant. I also ordered the Green curry with Beef. Both dishes were served with unlimited thai Jasmine rice - cooked in the right stickiness.

To summarise, the soup and the main dishes transported my tastebuds to the familar taste of thai curries. The fact that it brought fond memories of my thau homestay family and their home cooking, it means you Sir/Madam Chef at the kitchen have a gift.

Isaan, you guys are now our favourite. Do not change. Especially your curry nights for that price. 😉

Many had welcomed and served us. From the reception to you all who waited upon our table. Many thanks to you all, as the customer service...

Sawadee ka! Last Saturday was a delightful family outing to Isaan for dinner, a treat we hadn't enjoyed together in a while (I usually visit with my Thai friends). As always, the food was exceptionally tasty, authentically prepared with high-quality ingredients, and served by a staff who were consistently smiling, friendly, polite, and professional. It warmed my heart to see my daughter devour an entire large plate of the aromatic Thai-style grilled chicken with sticky rice. The chicken was incredibly tender and juicy, boasting a wonderfully crispy skin and a deep, flavorful marination throughout. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the Laab Ped (duck salad) with its satisfyingly crispy duck skin. The fragrant notes of toasted rice and Thai herbs beautifully complemented the harmonious blend of Thai seasonings, making it one of the best Thai duck salads he's had in Doha. The Kaprao chicken (stir-fried chicken with sweet basil) was also a standout dish. The distinct aroma from the wok combined perfectly with the authentic Thai sweet basil, and the well-balanced Thai seasonings made it a truly mouthwatering experience. We consistently leave Isaan feeling happy and satisfied with both the delicious food and the wonderful hospitality. We extend our sincere thanks to Chef Matichai, Chef Monny, and all the staff for yet another exceptional meal...