Zaitoon Restaurant — Restaurant in Doha

Disappointing Experience: Poor Service, Cold Food, and Lack of Coordination

I used to visit this place occasionally because of the food, but today, on the 24th, I had a deeply disappointing experience.

It started at the reception, where I provided my contact number to secure our turn. Despite this, we were made to wait for 40 minutes without any updates. Frustrated and ready to leave, I approached the staff to inquire about the delay. Shockingly, they claimed they couldn’t reach me, even though we were seated right in front of them the entire time.

When we were finally allowed inside, we were initially directed to a cramped table barely suitable for two people. The waiter, sensing our dissatisfaction, shuffled us around to different tables before finally seating us at a more comfortable spot.

Next came the menu. After carefully selecting our order, we were informed that the items we wanted were only available starting tomorrow. This lack of foresight and communication was baffling and completely unacceptable.

With no other options, we settled for different dishes, including ghee roast and other items. However, when the food finally arrived, it was cold and completely lacked the freshness we expected. This only added to our growing frustration and disappointment.

This visit highlighted significant issues with coordination, communication, food quality, and overall customer service. What used to be a reliable spot for good food has now become a place I’ll...

Zaithoon Restaurant in Doha offers an incredible taste of South Indian and Kerala cuisine, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic flavors from the region. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, with a cozy atmosphere that makes it perfect for both family dining and casual meals. The restaurant’s decor reflects the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, adding to the authentic dining experience.

The menu at Zaithoon is diverse, offering a wide variety of South Indian specialties. From appams to Kerala-style fish curry, the restaurant serves traditional dishes with an authentic touch. The Malabar biryani is a standout dish, full of aromatic spices and tender meat, a real treat for the taste buds. The vegetarian options, including avial, sambar, and dosa, are also exceptional and showcase the depth of flavors that Kerala cuisine is known for.

The service at Zaithoon is efficient and friendly. The staff is always eager to help, providing excellent recommendations if you’re unsure of what to order. The food arrives quickly, and the presentation is neat and appetizing. The prices are reasonable, considering the quality and portion sizes.

Overall, Zaithoon Restaurant is a fantastic place to enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine in Doha. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, I highly recommend this place for its delicious food, excellent service, and...

During our visit to Doha, we decided to try out this restaurant based on our cab driver's recommendation. However, our experience started with a notable wait time, nearly an hour during lunch, just to secure a table. Surprisingly, the food also took quite a while to arrive. The South Indian thali, which one would expect to be readily available, took as long as the Chinese Chopsuey we ordered. It seemed like they waited to serve both dishes together.

Now, onto the culinary experience—the Chinese Chopsuey was passable, but the thali stood out. Offering a variety of delectable options, including two fish curries, along with flavorful rasam and curries, the thali was a satisfying choice. If you visit, I'd recommend opting for any of their thalis.

In the evening, enticed by the temptation of pani puri, decided to give it a try. However, our excitement turned into regret when we realized that the pani puri water was ice-cold. Making pani puri with freezing water seemed like an odd choice. It left us wondering why fresh pani puri water can’t be made daily. If you're not a fan of freezing water in your pani puri, it's best to...