A world of flavours under one roof: St. Regis Doha

Published: 07 November 2024

St. Regis operates 16 restaurants with a culinary team of 108 chefs and a
total staff of around 300, representing over 10 nationalities, under the
leadership of Chef Ruel

By Godwin Isaac K

There’s one destination in Qatar that brings the world’s flavours under a single roof: The St. Regis Doha, where 16 distinct cuisines are masterfully curated by talented chefs under their head chef Ruel Averion Fevidal.

Steeped in Middle Eastern mystique, The St. Regis Doha is a five-star beach hotel, located on the West Bay.

This hotel borders the Ara­bian Gulf, where sand dunes, an­cient architec­ture, and the sce­nic Pearl Island paint a magnificent landscape. Each of its 335 luxury rooms and suites includes seductive sea views and bespoke Arabian-influenced dé­cor, combined with state-of-the-art technology.

Ruel Averion Fevidal, coming from the Philippines, discovered his passion for cooking at a young age while assisting his father, a local chef, during traditional cel­ebrations.

His journey began in a small restaurant in the Philippines be­fore he moved to the UAE, where he gained experience in an Asian restaurant and later at Kempin­ski, a luxury hotel, where he rose through the ranks to become head chef over a decade.

In 2022, he relocated to Qatar as an execu­tive sous-chef, where he played a pivotal role dur­ing the FIFA World Cup, leading culinary operations and catering for thou­sands, including players and VIPs.

“I’ve been with St. Regis for two years now, and I love this prop­erty. Managing 16 different dining destinations is a challenge, but it’s also an exciting opportunity,” Chef Ruel told News Trail.

“Qatar’s dining scene is thriv­ing and competitive, by becom­ing a culinary destination with a diverse array of restaurants and cuisines.

Staying motivated means ob­serving the market, learning from others, and always finding ways to stand out and make sure your guests love what you provide and they are satisfied,” he adds.

Qatar has always valued its tra­ditional cooking methods, with spices that are essential to dishes.

“Now, with a spirit of innova­tion, we’re incorporating these flavours into new creations in the kitchen infusing stews, fish marinades, and even shawarma with unique twists and flavor pro­files,” he says. St. Regis operates 16 restaurants with a culinary team of 108 chefs and a total staff of around 300, representing over 10 nationalities, under the leader­ship of Chef Ruel.

One of the biggest challenges faced by this luxury hotel is sourcing special ingredients, as certain items must be imported and aren’t always readily avail­able in Qatar. The restaurant has to plan in advance to make sure that they are ready to serve when ordered.

St Regis has a lot of signature dishes from each of its 16 restau­rants but the one that stands out is their sticky date tofu pudding, a signature dessert that locals love.

 Another unique ingredient is their aged meats, which develop a rich flavour profile after being aged for at least 21 days. In As­tor Grill, they use a Josper oven with charcoal for an enhanced, grilled flavor to the meat.

Speaking about his cooking style, the chef Said, “My cooking style is a blend of traditional and modern techniques.

I believe that as a chef, we must respect traditional meth­ods, whether that’s slow-cooking, braising, or specific preparation techniques. I enjoy incorporating modern innovations, but I love making classic dishes.

There’s a timeless appeal to traditional recipes that reminds us of the comforting flavours we grew up with”.

The Chef ’s signature dish is an Asian stir-fried noodle with prawns, seasoned with soy sauce and a bit of spice, and packed with fresh vegetables. “Noodles hold a special place in our cuisine back home, and it’s a joy to share this tradition,” he asserts. St. Regis Doha has a renowned brunch that’s widely recognized as one of the city’s largest and most popular.

Held every Friday, this brunch offers an impressive ar­ray of over 150 dishes, with live cooking stations, interactive chef experiences, pass-arounds, and vibrant entertainment.

Chefs prepare fresh dishes right before the guests. They also have seafood nights and Barbecue nights.

The St Regis Doha presents 16 destination restaurants that reflect a proud heritage and cul­ture of excellence in Qatar.

THE 16 RESTAURANTS ARE

FAUCHON

French Coffee House: Experi­ence Parisian artistry of fine pastries meets a refined tea house, with the finest delica­cies.

Novikov Restaurant & Beach Club

Asian – featuring a stylish beachside ambience where fla­vours from the Far East blend with sophisticated Mediterra­nean influences.

Astor Grill

Grill and steakhouse – serv­ing an extensive selection of grills in an exotic ambiance complimented by untamed cocktails.

The Barn

International – artistic cre­ations for all of your senses with food, drinks and good music.

Vine Restaurant

International – A refined din­ing experience with authentic dishes from different parts of the world.

Sarab Lounge

International – the ideal venue for everyone who likes to reconnect with friends, or colleagues.

RIVAAJ

Indian – we proudly offer In­dian heritage cuisine which has influences from varied cultures and traditions from centuries.

Vintage

International – the exclusive intimacy of the finest gentle­men’s clubs.

OPA Doha

Greek – embodies the spirit of Greek hospitality with bold flavors, exquisite ingredients.

Bebabel

Lebanese – a unique Lebanese restaurant, renowned for its outstanding hospitality, and its signature culinary master­pieces.

Hakkasan

Chinese – a modern, award-winning Cantonese fine din­ing concept and one of the world’s most distinguished global restaurants founded in London.

Scalini

Italian – home to an A-list following due to its authentic and charismatic ambiance served alongside its renowned cuisine.

SAX

International – a room and bar with soul in Doha.

La Bodega Negra

Mexican – a vibrant Mexican hacienda-style restaurant where fresh, modern Mexican food is paired with delicious cocktails.

The Engine Room

International – experience the interweaves between the love for classical cars, warm ambiance and sophisticated taste of cigars.

Oyster Bay Restaurant

International – Beachside and family-friendly, presents stun­ning horizons of the Arabian Gulf alongside a laid-back, casual menu. St. Regis, offer­ing guests an unparalleled journey through global tastes, making it a must-visit for any­one eager to indulge in Qatar’s extraordinary food scene.