Shahrazad Garden returns for a second year at InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa, offering a luxurious dining experience.

During the Holy Month, guests will enjoy a menu blending Arabic dishes with international favourites, showcasing the region’s rich flavours and heritage. With a focus on tradition, hospitality and high-quality ingredients, Shahrazad Garden promises a memorable culinary journey.

We spoke with the chefs behind this year’s Iftar and Suhour menus to discuss their inspiration and what guests can expect.

Please introduce yourselves and tell us about your culinary experience:

Ali Al Sheikh – Oriental Chef
With more than 20 years in the culinary world, I’ve spent the last 15 of them at InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa. My Lebanese roots strongly influence my cooking, blending traditional flavours with local ingredients. Ramadan is a special time for me, as it allows me to create dishes that celebrate my heritage while offering a unique dining experience for our guests.

Ahmed Abdelrahman – Arabic Pastry Chef
With over 30 years of experience, 12 of those spent at InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa, my Lebanese background influences my cooking. I draw inspiration from international flavours and techniques, creating desserts that evoke a sense of home and warmth, while honouring Lebanese tradition.

Ali Chokor – Chef De Partie
Although I’ve been a chef for more than three years, I’ve been with InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa for four months. My Lebanese heritage shapes my dishes and I’m excited to contribute to Shahrazad Garden by showcasing traditional Lebanese flavours with a modern twist.

What inspired the dishes on this year’s Iftar and Suhour menus?
Our menu celebrates the culinary traditions of Lebanon, alongside dishes from Qatar and other Arabic countries. Known for intricate spices, fresh ingredients and balanced flavours, these cuisines inspired us to highlight them in our offerings. We use time-honoured recipes passed down through generations, creating a wholesome yet exciting dining experience.
Each dish is close to our hearts, many coming from family recipes. They tell a story about our heritage and how food can bring people together, fostering a sense of community. We are privileged to share these flavours in a space that celebrates Arabic dining.

How do the flavours and ingredients of your Iftar menu reflect the essence of Ramadan?
Our Iftar menu features warm, comforting dishes designed to nourish and satisfy after a day of fasting. We use fresh, seasonal ingredients and aromatic spices to capture the spirit of Ramadan. Dishes like Dawood Basha, Machbous, Lamb Ouzi and Stuffed Vine Leaves with Lamb Chops, along with live stations like Shawarma, Shish Taouk, and Lamb Kofta, showcase authentic Arabic flavours. These dishes nourish both the body and soul, bringing families together around the table.

What’s your personal favourite dish on this Ramadan menu and why?

Ali Al Sheikh
My favourite is Kamouneih – a slow-cooked lamb stew with apricots and cinnamon. It’s a rich, comforting dish from our Lebanese mezze, combining tender lamb and spices to perfectly capture the essence of Lebanese cuisine.

Ahmed Abdelrahman
I love the Knefeh with Cheese and Ashta, a beloved Lebanese dessert. Alongside it, we serve a twist on the Egyptian Umm Ali, reimagined with Qatari dates and saffron, combining tradition with local flavours.

Ali Chokor
I enjoy Sfeiha Baalbakeih, a savoury dish with fresh ingredients and spices. Paired with Samaki Harrah Beyrouteih, this dish brings together the best of Arabic flavours, elevating the Iftar experience.

What is special about Shahrazad Garden, and what can guests expect?
Shahrazad Garden offers more than just dining – it’s a journey into Arabic tradition and hospitality. Guests will dine in a beautiful outdoor beach garden, where elegance meets tradition. The canopied tent, set along the peaceful shoreline, creates the perfect atmosphere.
Expect impeccable service, lush décor and a menu blending traditional Arabic specialities with local flavours. In addition to the lavish buffet, Shahrazad Garden will be brought to life with live entertainment, including oud players, tanoura dancers and live musicians, adding cultural richness to the celebration.
We look forward to welcoming you to Shahrazad Garden at InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa. From all of us, we wish you a blessed Ramadan Kareem. ✤