Eating out at Souq Waqif

We have been to Souq Waqif for dinner several times now and have found a few amazing restaurants that have exquisite food, in fabulous environments.
Recently we went to the Chinese restaurant called "Soy", which sits above Souq Waqif. I have to say, it is by far, the biggest restaurant I have ever been in.

It sits above a complete section of the marketplace and has a mass of windows overlooking the streets below. People watching from here is fascinating, and amusing!

The Soy Restaurant is decorated, as you would expect, in brilliant Red's and gold's, with large traditional wall covering and luxurious curtains. Although the restaurant is extremely large, there is a definite cosy feel to it, with the curtains being tastefully used to section off areas, giving you a feeling of privacy.

The food was amazing, both in tastes and presentation.
Like all restaurants in Souq Waqif, and indeed all of Qatar, no alcohol is allowed, but they do have a great "mocktail" menu, with lots of different fruit flavours available.

The menu was impressive with food listed from China & Thailand with different meats, fish, rice's & noodle. The sweet & sour chicken is to die for! Unless you have a big appetite, I suggest you only order one rice or noodle between two people, the portions are large.

Desserts look good to. The fried banana was exceptional, as was the coconut ice-cream.... so my husband says!
Service here was outstanding, with the waiters far enough away not to bother you, but close enough to give you 5 star service.

It was a wee bit expensive compared to other places we have eaten, but, personally, I felt it was worth the bit extra and I will definitely be eating there again.

Shopping in Doha - Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif is prossibly one of most favourite places in Qatar so far.

Souq Waqif is situated in the heart of Doha, just past the illustrious Emir’s palace. There is ample parking, although if you get there to late you will have difficulty finding a spot. You’ll find another entrance opposite the PDF Islamic centre.
The original Souq Waqif was an old Souq, and it was decided to knock it down and replace it with a new “old looking” Souq, but with beautiful stone built buildings, narrow walkways creating a maze effect of corridors, and I have to say, they did a fairly good job of it!
There is a “flea market” feel to parts of Souq Waqif and bartering is acceptable. You can buy almost anything from here, from pots, pans & kitchen accessories, clothes, shoes, bags to sunshade canopies to wooden, pearl & traditional trinkets. Rugs, carpets even musical instruments are sold here. I don’t think I have been to the Souq for something and mot been able to find it.!!
My favourite walkway has to be the herbs and spices, the smell and colours are incredible and the choices are endless. Rock incense is used to enhance the look & scents. All you need do is follow your nose.
There is a main street running the length of the Souq full of traditional coffee shops where you can have anything from a variety of refreshments from Turkish coffee, latte, or fruit Shisha.
Purchases to heavy to carry? No problem, men with wheelbarrows wait in the walk ways ready to carry your purchases.

Not far off from the main section of the Souq is the gold souq, this is were some real bargains can be found. There are rows and rows of shops selling jewellery with gemstones of every colour, shape and size.  You can have anything you wish made for a fraction of the price in the UK. Gold here is good quality, but very yellow compared to what we are used to