Mohammad Hamad, Head Chef, DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Al Sadd, shares insights into his use of spices and the importance of mentorship.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a chef, and what is your first kitchen memory?
I first realised I wanted to be a chef during my teenage years. I loved spending time in the kitchen with my family, especially during festive occasions, where the joy and connection food brought to everyone deeply inspired me. That’s when I began to see cooking as more than just a hobby – it became a passion and a calling.
One of my earliest kitchen memories is helping my mother prepare traditional Arabic dishes. I vividly recall the intoxicating aroma of spices filling the house and the thrill of learning how to combine flavours and techniques. That moment sparked my fascination with creating meals that bring people together and has guided me ever since.

Throughout your career, you have been in the public eye through numerous television appearances. How did this side of your culinary journey come about and what do you enjoy about it?
My journey into television started in 2014 when I had the chance to host a live cooking show on Jordan TV. It was an exciting challenge to showcase my skills and share my love for cooking with a wider audience. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of appearing on shows like Qatar TV in 2019 and participating in major culinary events, including Hospitality Qatar and the Doha Food Festival.
What I enjoy most about this aspect of my career is the opportunity to connect with people. Whether I’m demonstrating recipes, sharing culinary techniques or discussing food traditions, I find it incredibly fulfilling to inspire others and share the magic of cooking. It’s heart-warming to witness the joy food can bring, whether through a screen or live in front of an audience.

Earlier this year, you and your team received several accolades, including multiple awards at the Qatar Chefs Challenge 2024. What does this mean to you?
Winning multiple awards at the Qatar Chefs Challenge 2024 was an incredible honour for me and my team. These accolades represent our collective hard work, creativity and dedication to culinary excellence.
Of all the awards, one moment that stands out is seeing Chef Shisir, a Demi Chef de Partie at DoubleTree Al Sadd, win the Best Arabic Chef title. Shisir has been under my mentorship for three years, starting at my previous workplace. Despite being from Nepal, he embraced the challenge of mastering Arabic cuisine with passion and determination. Watching him excel in this category and gain such prestigious recognition was deeply rewarding.
This achievement highlights the value of mentorship and the transformative power of knowledge-sharing. It brings me immense joy to see someone I’ve guided reach such an incredible milestone – it’s a reminder of why I love being both a chef and a leader.

What is your signature dish, how was it developed, and what makes it popular?
My signature dish is Stuffed Lamb with Machboos Rice, a creation that captures the essence of Arabic cuisine. It has been refined over the years by mastering traditional recipes and adding my modern touches to elevate its flavour and presentation.
What makes this dish so popular is the perfect harmony between the tender, flavourful lamb and the fragrant Machboos rice. The rice is infused with a distinctive blend of spices, dried limes and aromatic ingredients, creating a rich and memorable taste experience.
This dish has earned its place as a standout item on the Silk Road menu, where it’s become a favourite among our guests. For me, it’s more than just a signature dish – it’s a celebration of tradition and hospitality. Seeing the joy it brings to diners is the ultimate reward and a testament to the enduring appeal of our culinary heritage. ✤