Year of the Wood Dragon at Mandarin Oriental, Doha
This year, my family and I had the pleasure of celebrating Chinese New Year at Liang, nestled within the elegant Mandarin Oriental hotel in Doha. Having visited the restaurant several times before, I knew that my family were in for a treat!
As we stepped into the restaurant, we were greeted by the vibrant smiles of the staff with their new red uniforms that was specially made for the event. The restaurant was adorned with traditional red lanterns, symbols, and decorations. I was so happy to see that they’ve added these decorations, something to outdo their last year’s Chinese New Year preparations.
Don’t get me wrong. Liang’s interior is already very beautiful and intricate. It’s just that, it was nice to see some additional touch for an event and they really did great!
Back to the topic, our culinary journey began with the main highlight of the menu – the iconic “Louhei” or Fortune Salad. As tradition dictates and as dictated by our server 😅, we participated in the customary tossing of the salad, symbolizing the ushering in of prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. Each ingredient added to the salad held special significance, from the crispy golden noodles representing longevity to the vibrant vegetables symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
As I savored each bite of the salad, l couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy and optimism for the year ahead. The flavors were a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and crunch — a true testament to the culinary expertise of Liang’s talented chefs.
But the feast didn’t end there! We were treated to an array of mouthwatering dishes, each expertly crafted and bursting with flavor. From delicate dim sums to succulent seafoods and savory stir-fries, every dish was a masterpiece in its own right.
Highlight for me is the tasty Canadian Lobster with the glorious egg-whites surrounding it. I mean — it was just egg whites but it looks so gorgeous and flavor wise?? Flavorful!
My piece of lobster is seating on bed of clouds. 🦞☁️
Another one that REALLY really got my attention and my husband’s is the Black Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls! Am I drinking tea? Is it a sweet soup? What is it on my mouth? It was like having a sweet treat while drinking your fragrant tea. Lovely pairing of osmanthus flowers and the umami flavor of black sesame seeds. A MUST TRY!
As the evening drew to a close, we left Liang feeling grateful for the unforgettable experience and the opportunity to celebrate Chinese New Year in such a special way. Our hearts and bellies were full and our hands weren’t empty as well, as they gave us a bag with mandarins for additional luck. I couldn’t help but look forward to the adventures and blessings that the Year of the Wood Dragon would bring!
In the end, celebrating the Chinese New Year at Liang was more than just a meal – it was a celebration of tradition, culture, and the bonds of a family. And for that, I am truly grateful. ❤️
Katleya Notes 
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