Gourmet Shawarma at Al Bandar in Souq Waqif

chicken shawarma

So I've eaten at Al Bandar many times but never been super impressed with the food.  It's so popular with everyone that I somehow keep ending up here!   So I was talking with H about it and she told me about their chicken shawarma dish.  I feel like shawarma is not something to usually order at such a fancy restaurant but she said it was amazing.  I ordered it.  It is AMAZING.  It's only 25QR, much cheaper than most items on the menu, and it's incredible.  Sure I've had incredible shawarma from shawarma shops but this one is really different and a sort of "gourmet shawarma."  I totally recommend trying it and it's great to share with everyone as an appetizer!  Now I know that I'll be going all the time to Al Bandar for this chicken shawarma...!

Falcon at Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif Art Center

The art center in Souq Waqif opened!  It's incredible inside and the above photo definitely does not capture the awesomeness...  I'm looking forward to seeing more exhibitions here.

http://souqwaqifartcenter.com/

Iftar at Bandar Aden

R and I went to Bandar Aden for iftar.  They brought us tons of stuff including dates, orange juice, samosa, and lamb soup.  Yum!

After they also brought us some Arabic coffee.

Bandar Aden Yemeni Restaurant
www.bandaraden.com

New Gold Souq?

After dinner, M and I went to check out the new Gold Souq?  It's right next to Souq Waqif and contains a lovely interior and of course tons of gold and jewelry.  Kinda like a museum or perhaps like the royal jewels in the Tower of London!  Definitely worth a visit to see all the sparkle!

Souq Waqif

Saw this little guy at the souq...

Souq Waqif

At Souq Waqif.

Kenafeh and Tea at Le Gourmet

Kenafeh (كنافة) is a Palestinian sweet made of very fine vermicelli-like pastry.  We drizzled this liquid sugar (looked like hand sanitizer!) on the cake part which was necessary since the cake part was a little dry.

Bunnies at Souq Waqif!

More Spring Festival at Souq Waqif

The spring festival was still happening at the souq when I walked over this day.

These two were really amazing.

Souq Waqif Spring Festival

The circus festival was back again at Souq Waqif. This is my third time seeing this festival and it seems to be every year at the same time with a timing very close to Mardi Gras....

The guy is walking upside down!

Souq Waqif Spring Festival

Pantomime

Al Markhiya Gallery: Portrait

Renowned Bahraini artist Jamal Abdul Rahim's art works are displayed at the Al Markhiya Gallery in Souq Waqif. One of the most established and highly regarded Bahraini contemporary artists, 46-year-old Jamal Abdul Rahim creates his art from the deep roots of the rich Arab civilisation, mythology, religion and language. His paintings in the current exhibition, though based on popular images of the icons, are not simply reproductions but given a new look with Abdul Rahim’s fresh and unique approach in colour layering. He has also thrown new light to fellow artists such as his powerful rendering of Pablo Picasso’s portrait. The versatile Spanish artist had in his lifetime demonstrated excellence in painting, sculpting, printmaking, ceramics, and stage designing and is considered one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century. Abdul Rahim also has his own version of famous painting Girl with a Pearl Earring, a famous masterwork by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. The painting which uses a pearl earring as focal point is sometimes referred to as the Dutch Mona Lisa.

The portraits were very interesting and certainly had a unique and original touch.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/178282-bahraini-artists-works-on-show.html

Al Markhiya Gallery: Isharat

The Isharat or "Signposts" exhibit features artists from around the region, including Abdulrahman Katanani, whose work fully embodies the Arab Spring's clarion call for liberation.

Private Room at Bandar Aden

Today we tried sitting in traditional Arabic style on the floor at Bandar Aden.  They have rooms for this which are private.  It was fun but my feet fell asleep!  Of course the food was great as always.



Bandar Aden Yemeni Restaurant
http://www.bandaraden.com/

Dinner at Al Bandar in Souq Waqif

Went to dinner at Al Bandar in Souq Waqif.  I enjoyed the fattouche salad.  I don't really like lamb but I think the others enjoyed the meat.

Going from West Bay to Souq Waqif Area

Starting out from West Bay with all the towers.

Oryx R/A

Getting to the downtown area.

There's a lot of construction for the Musheireb project!

Souq Waqif in sight!

I think these guys are repairing shoes?