The Ritz-Carlton, Doha has added three new chefs to the Food and Beverage family to introduce exquisite flavors, creations and experiences for guests.

It is not every day that a triathlon-athlete whips up a Michelin-star worthy meal or an award-winning pastry chef sends desserts and pastries you have never dreamed of tasting, right to your table. But if you walk in to The Ritz-Carlton Doha for anything from a relaxing afternoon tea to an intimate dinner with the family, that’s exactly what you’ll get – brilliant culinary creations conceptualized, curated and created by three extraordinarily talented gentlemen.

Meet the men behind The Ritz-Carlton Doha’s food and beverage revamp – the hotel’s new Head of Culinary Operations and Executive Sous Chef Friedemann Heinrich, Executive Pastry Chef Johannes Abraham Pieterse and Guest Pastry Chef Ahmed Eleemat.

Friedemann Heinrich

With a diploma in Culinary Arts from Austria, The Ritz-Carlton Doha’s new Executive Sous Chef is one to look out for. Friedemann Heinrich’s longstanding love for the culinary arts has taken him to some of the world’s best five-star Hotels and highly acclaimed Gault Millau restaurants. Cooking and catering for royalty, heads of states, people of public interest and internationally renowned, well-travelled business leaders, Friedemann opened The St. Regis Amman as a culinary leader. He introduced new Arabic, Spanish and international restaurant concepts as well as handcrafted banquet events to Jordan.

Arming himself with this rich gastronomic experience, a passion for baking and skillful culinary talent, Friedemann started travelling the world to explore his interest in using local and unique ingredients. His journey to discover exotic spices, sauces, tinctures and exclusive ingredients took him to various interesting and distinctive locations all over.

He built close relations with local producers for fruits and vegetables to create seasonal dishes, resultantly opening new trade routes to procure his ingredients. One of his key skills is his responsible and relevant use of the whole product, nose to tail, with no compromises made on quality and freshness.

Guests at The Ritz-Carlton Doha can experience an actual handcrafted dining experience, whether they are dining at one of the restaurants or trying out the in-room dining during their stay.

Friedemann’s passion for experiential tastes, textures, aromas and flavor profiles has lead to the creation of some interesting additions to the hotel’s F&B portfolio. Guests can try some delectable meat cuts such as inside skirt and flank at Sel & Miel and rump, bolar blade and eye round at STK Doha. For some exclusive Japanese wagyu cuts or luxury seafood, head over to B Lounge. Guests of the hotel will be served some interesting original, Arabic-inspired dishes.

Johannes Abraham Pieterse

Hailing from Pretoria with a genuine love for pastry and a sunny disposition, Johannes Abraham Pieterse is putting the hotel on Doha’s pastry map. Crafting novel concepts with unexpected and unique flavor combinations such as lemon and basil, blue cheese brûlée served with caramelized onions, almond sponge and lemon and thyme lavosh crackers, Johannes’s out-of-the-box creations are turning heads already. His marvelous morsels are making their way to every restaurant and outlet in The Ritz-Carlton Doha.

His love for pastry started at a young age, when he spend days helping his mother and grandmother make classic pastries such as the milk tart, Koeksisters and South African rusks for their local community. Raised in Cape Town, the chef’s key expertise is bringing international flair to local flavors.

One of Johannes’s signature dessert can be tried at STK Doha’s Friday brunch. Expect an incredibly indulgent Snickers bar served with caramel tuile and chili ice cream. It is an absolute treat for the senses.

Ahmed Eleemat

Ahmed Eleemat is no stranger to the concept of dessert innovation. With over 14 years of experience in pastry operations for leading hotels and resorts around the world and some very delicious desserts to his credit, Eleemat has joined The Ritz-Carlton Doha as Guest Pastry Chef.

With an aim to add a new dimension of creativity, flavor and passion to the hotel’s sweet offerings, Eleemat is an exciting new addition to the team behind The Ritz-Carlton Doha’s rich culinary showcase. Ahmed is an expert in Arabic flavors and what makes him unique is his ability to bring about the essence of traditional Arabic tastes using modern techniques. To step into his world of creativity, complemented by dishes for the most discerning pastry enthusiasts, try the Umm Ali, specifically the rose water and chai karak variants, at Lobby Lounge, along with an exceptional afternoon tea.

Carlo Javakhia, General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton Doha said, “We welcome our new chefs with great anticipation and positivity. At The Ritz-Carlton Doha, we are all about celebrating memories and I am confident that our chefs’ understanding of Middle Eastern flavors and heritage combined with their international exposure will bring about a new dimension to dining scenes in Doha. Our chefs are excited to connect with the local community and create amazing culinary experiences that will take guests on a sensory journey and remind them of what’s most important – lasting memories.”

Guests are encouraged to experience The Ritz-Carlton Doha’s new culinary wonders by making a booking at any of the hotel’s outlets.

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton, Doha please call +974 4484 8000, WhatsApp
+ 974 5587 4329 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/doha.