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Soprafino in Doha, Qatar

Soprafino Massimo Capra is this Qatar boom of a café-resto type that is passionately modern in how it presents its Italian flavors. Open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, you have to sought out this Hammad International Airport gem, if you have not done so.

Celebrity chef Massimo Capra made of the right contemporary twists in his menu, which is both succinct and seasonal, focusing on the evident quality of the ingredients and the freshness of flavors. To ensure Italian-like authenticity, they made the place “al fresco” style. Can you imagine al fresco in the Middle East? Yes, this is that obvious oasis, if you are thinking about it!

After one visit you’ll be left in no doubt of the quality. The cuisine is a careful mix of traditional and modern Italian recipes, meaning you’ll find a range of exciting flavors. Perhaps you have to try the Breakfast Colazione: Frittata, Nutella Toast, and Massimo’s Style Fried Eggs. They also serve antipasti, panini, zuppe, insalate, pizza, pasta, and of course, my ultimate choice – risotti.

Main courses like Rib Eye Steak, Italian Burger, and Jumbo Grilled Prawns seem to be the crowd favorite, when I visited. And, the ambiance and excellent (Filipino) customer service are also the crowd picks, so I had no doubts as to why the place was packed with people when we reached the place the first time - had to go back until its empty. Try your luck with Soprafino Massimo Capra, yes please.

Address: Duty Free Circulation, Departure Area, Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar

Opening Hours: 24 Hours Daily

Website: https://dohahamadairport.com/dine/soprafino

Layover in Doha, Qatar

After my unanticipated prisonbreak-like detainment in Dubai (another trip, another story, another time), my level of fear about our impending layover in Doha was at an all-time high. From Singapore to Doha, I could barely focus on the actual trip, much more enjoy the free flow of diet coke and wine during our trip via Qatar Airways. Who knew that layovers could be problematic?

Well, only if you want it to. Found out that the incident that happened in Dubai was indeed a one-off thing, and everything about Doha’s Hamad International Airport should not be a one-off experience indeed. Layovers in Doha, Qatar will definitely be enjoyed even with the airport experience alone. The fact is, the Hamad International Airport is part of the elite category as the 6th Airport in the World to Achieve 5 Star Status. For me, it’s like Singapore’s Changi Airport of the Middle East – yes, that extraordinary!

From shopping, dining, relaxing, and exploring, Doha’s Hamad International Airport is an absolute traveler’s dream come true. You won’t even realize you’re in the Middle East (surrounded by deserts and unimaginable heat) because the facilities, customer service, and people are truly world class.

Also, just like Singapore, the offer City Tours for folks having their layovers here. Thanks to Qatar Airways, the whole visa on arrival process down to the tour and going back to the airport was so cool, it was no sweat (see what I did there? Haha). However, choosing to stay inside the airport during the layover is an equally excellent choice too.

Their shops – from Duty Free to Gold, Watches, Jewelry, Travel Essentials, and all – to lounges – Oryx lounge, Al Mourjan Business lounge, Al Safwa lounge, Al Maha lounge, and even Special Assistance travel lounge – to interesting details like Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre, Art Exhibitions, Quiet Rooms, and an Airport Hotel. Everything about the award-winning airport is fantastic.

I’ve spent a good six hours in total in this layover must experience, and I have to say, it was a wanted stay and I would not mind having another layover here to experience the rest of the airport. Great job, Doha!

First Time in Doha, Qatar

FIFA World Cup is happening in Qatar this coming 2022, and if you are like me, who is the opposite of genius when it comes to sports, I am pleasantly surprised that I got the chance to visit the Doha, Qatar even before the world cup! Yes, my Middle East travel ambition has finally been realized, and unlike the typical Filipino who would go here for overseas work or expat stints, my visit to this Arabian peninsula is more of the unusual non-work related wanderings.

Stunning skylines and massive cultural landmarks, this amber-colored sand-finished texture of a city are powdered with confidence, style, and traditional souqs. I could not take away my eyes from every seemingly world class wonder that I saw in this city. Doha, the country’s capital and most populous city of the state of Qatar, is on fire!

Growing up watching Aladdin and hearing stories from relatives working in the Middle East, I kind of had the inclination that high expectations about a country like Qatar should not be set in stone. Admittedly, my prejudice overpowered my understanding of travel. But, being one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East, this city and country blew me away.

Selected as the host city of a number of sporting events, including the 2006 Asian Games, the 2011 Pan Arab Games and most of the games at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, and 2022 FIFA World Cup, Doha is also officially recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders Cities.

Join me as we explore this smoking city full of lavish infrastructures, transportations, and cultures. Yes, visiting a city such as Doha should be an option, especially if it is your first time in the Middle East. What a beauty!