Gymkhana Doha: A taste of authentic luxury Indian cuisine in Qatar

Published: 27 October 2024

Gymkhana Doha, which also serves Katara Hills Doha, offers a stunning blend of modern and traditional Indian cuisine in an inviting setting, prepared under the culinary leadership of Chef Vineet Chaudhary

By Godwin Isaac K

London’s iconic, two-Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, Gymkhana, opened two years ago at a prestigious location in Doha’s luxury resort scene – Katara Hills. Gymkhana Doha offers a blend of modern and traditional Indian cuisine in an inviting setting, featuring an open kitchen, stone walls, and elegant chandeliers that bring the renowned London dining experience to Qatar.

Katara Hills Doha, part of LXR Hotels & Resorts, is situated in the heart of the stunning Katara Cultural Village, offering breathtaking views of one of Qatar’s most prestigious destinations. Guests can explore the rich cultural experiences of the Village right outside their doors and enjoy luxurious accommodations, including spacious villas with private swimming pools, personal butler service, and dedicated concierge support. They can also indulge in a classic Indian restaurant presented in a contemporary style at Gymkhana, where Chef Vineet Chaudhary is in charge of preparing the tastiest recipes.

Originally from New Delhi, Chef Chaudhary discovered his passion for cooking at a young age, inspired by Delhi’s vibrant food culture. He trained in hotel management in Switzerland and began his culinary career in Indian fine dining, eventually working at renowned establishments like Atlantis The Palm in Dubai and Mondrian in Doha. With over 18 years of experience, Chef Vineet is now the leading force behind Gymkhana Doha, focusing on quality ingredients, precise techniques, and consistency in every dish.

Speaking to News Trail, he shared, “I had the chance to work with Michelin-starred chefs from London to open Gymkhana in Doha. It was a fantastic experience, learning Michelin cooking techniques, precise plating, and how to maintain high standards. We strive to replicate the same high quality here in Doha.”

At Gymkhana Doha, the focus on quality and authenticity is key. The team takes pride in sourcing the finest ingredients, with many raw spices imported directly from India and blended in-house to maintain unmatched quality. “We also use local ingredients, but we ensure that everything is of the highest standard. Consistency across dishes is a top priority,” says Chef Vineet.

The cuisine is an authentic representation of Indian flavours, often described as ‘chatpata’, a term reminiscent of the bold, tangy tastes from regions like Delhi and Punjab. Gymkhana also features South Indian specialties like Chettinad, rich in flavour yet balanced in spice.

 Chef Vineet emphasizes the importance of presentation and precision in garnishing, ensuring that every dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing. “Our goal is to give our customers a true experience of Indian cuisine,” he explains.

He has a team of 15 chefs, most of whom are of Indian origin, along with others from countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal. “They truly understand the flavours and techniques needed to prepare authentic Indian dishes. We have specialists in different sections, from curry chefs to tandoori and grill chefs, and everything is homemade, from samosas to desserts,” he says.

One of the biggest challenges Gymkhana Doha faces is sourcing quality ingredients, as most items are imported. However, they have now identified reliable suppliers who understand their needs. They prioritize the use of fresh ingredients and avoid artificial colors. For instance, the vibrant color in their butter chicken comes naturally from chili powder and tomatoes.

“Indian cuisine is one of the best in the world, full of incredible flavours and rich aromas. For example, when we prepare biryani, we cover it with puff pastry. When you open it, the fragrance that escapes is truly delightful.  It’s an experience worth savoring. Most of our clientele here in Doha are locals, particularly Qataris, which shows how much they enjoy our food,” he says.

The signature dishes of Gymkhana Doha include lamb chops, marinated overnight, butter chicken masala, lamb shank biryani, and Lasooni tiger prawns, which are prepared in garlic, tomato, and chili chutneys.

Aloo chaat is another standout dish, crafted with special potatoes, yogurt, homemade chat masala, and tamarind chutney.

The chef’s signature dishes include butter chicken masala, Goan prawn curry, and lobster moilee, which are all very popular with customers.

Gymkhana aims to provide its diners with an authentic taste of India, creating the experience of dining in an Indian restaurant while in Doha. What sets them apart is their commitment to pure Indian cuisine; they do not incorporate any flavours from Qatari, Arabic, or international cuisines, ensuring that every dish remains true to its Indian roots.