Taj Rasoi: A culinary legacy revived in Qatar

Published: 4 November 2024

At Al Messila Luxury Collection, Doha, Head Chef Ali Zafar promises diners the best dining experience, even challenging them that ‘if you do not enjoy your meal, it will be replaced or have your bill covered’.

By Godwin Isaac K

After 25 years of success, Taj Rasoi has relaunched its iconic Indian restaurant, originally opened in 1999 at Doha Marriott. As one of the oldest restaurants and among the first Indian dining establishments in a five-star hotel, Taj Rasoi boasts a rich legacy, having won awards for one of the best Indian restaurants for four consecutive years from various agencies before its closure.

Following the renovation of Doha Marriott, the new address for authentic North Indian cuisine is now at Al Messila Luxury Collection, Doha. Head Chef Ali Zafar, who has been part of Taj Rasoi for the past eight years, is excited to reintroduce one of the best Indian dining experiences in Doha to the community.

Al Messila Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, a 5-star spa hotel, features some of the most spacious rooms in Doha, along with signature suites and luxury private villas equipped with pools, all designed to provide a unique lifestyle and exquisite culinary experiences. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, unwind at the expansive 14,000-square-meter Al Messila Spa, and explore a variety of dining options crafted by a team of talented chefs under Zafar’s leadership.

Coming from Bihar, India, Ali Zafar began his culinary journey while studying engineering, in a hostel. where he started cooking for himself due to allergies of roadside food. Encouraged by friends after tasting his dishes, he pursued hotel management in Kolkata. His career includes significant roles at Chancery Pavilion in Bangalore, Oberoi Hotels, Ananda in the Himalayas, Imperial New Delhi, and later as a sous-chef in Luxembourg.

He became the Indian specialty chef at Taj Rasoi in Doha, where he innovated traditional recipes and received multiple awards for the best Indian restaurant. He was instrumental in reopening Taj Rasoi, part of Al Messila Luxury Collection.

Ali Zafar emphasizes innovation as the main focus of his culinary philosophy Speaking to News Trail, he said “Our focus is on innovation. We consider our guests’ preferences and create dishes that reflect their tastes. We blend elements from different cuisines to create fusion dishes. Through my travels around the world and various restaurants in India, I’ve gathered inspiration to craft something unique”.

Taj Rasoi is known for its unique offerings. “In Taj Rasoi, there are plenty of unique products that are not available elsewhere and cannot be copied,” Zafar asserts.

The restaurant specializes in homemade-style Indian cuisine, setting it apart from other Indian restaurants in Qatar.

Taj Rasoi is one of three restaurants within Al Messila Luxury Collection, which also includes Parisa, specializing in Persian cuisine, and an all-day dining venue serving Mediterranean and Lebanese dishes.

The Signature dishes of Taj Rasoi include Biryani, Korma, Lamb Nali Nihari, Murgh Kali Mirch, Dal Makhani, and an array of Kebabs such as Lamb Chop, Murgh Banjara Tikka, Kandhari Murgh Tikka, Murgh Malai Tikka, and Kalmi Kebab.

Parisa, another restaurant in the collection, features a special mix grill BBQ as its signature dish.

Zafar proudly notes the diversity of his kitchen team: “Our kitchen staff comprises around 60 chefs from 12 different nationalities, including Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Moroccan, Filipino, and we even have a special Persian chef from Iran.”

However, he acknowledges challenges in the industry, particularly in sourcing skilled manpower. “Right now, it is very difficult to get skilled manpower. I think the hotel industry is facing this challenge globally because very few people are truly passionate about this industry.”

Zafar’s cooking style centers around guest satisfaction, guaranteeing that if diners do not enjoy their meal, it will be replaced or their bill covered. “I will challenge the guest: if you don’t like it, I will pay your bill. That’s how much confidence we have in our food.”

Moreover, Al Messila Luxury Collection features a unique offering called the Food Lab, where guests can book sessions to learn about various cuisines, including Indian, Asian, Persian, Italian, and Peruvian dishes. These classes, lasting two to three hours, also serve as team-building exercises, providing a distinctive experience that sets the hotel apart in Doha.

Chef Ali Zafar wants local diners to know that it is the same Taj Rasoi. “We reopened it, and I guarantee our guests: come and dine at Taj Rasoi, and as we always say, if you don’t like it, we will change it immediately.”