Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
The Royal Thai Embassy in Doha recently launched ‘Thai Restaurant Week 2026: A Taste of Thailand’, a cultural and culinary initiative designed to showcase the rich flavours, traditions and heritage of Thailand to residents and visitors across Qatar.
Running from September 3 to 19, the campaign is being organised in collaboration with 12 Thai restaurants across Qatar. It offers diners an opportunity to explore the diversity of Thai cuisine while discovering the cultural traditions and craftsmanship that make Thai food popular around the world.
The opening reception, held at Saffron, Banyan Tree Doha Hotel, brought together more than 100 guests, including representatives of Qatari government institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, private-sector leaders, media professionals and social media influencers.
Guests were treated to an engaging introduction to Thai culture through traditional performances, live cooking and fruit-carving demonstrations, along with tastings of selected dishes prepared by participating restaurants.
The event provided a preview of the culinary experiences being offered during the three-week campaign.
In her address on the occasion, Ambassador-Designate of Thailand to Qatar HE Pensom Lertsithichai said the initiative reflected the warm and longstanding relationship between Thailand and Qatar.
She noted that while bilateral cooperation continues to expand across diplomatic, economic and other fields, cultural traditions and cuisine often provide a particularly meaningful way for people to understand and appreciate one another.
During Thai Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will offer specially curated menus at fixed prices of QR39, QR59 and QR89, depending on the restaurant and dining period. The menus are designed to highlight the distinctive flavours, ingredients, culinary techniques and traditions associated with Thai cuisine.
The campaign also encourages public participation through Facebook and Instagram using #ThaiWeekQatar2026, with participants eligible for a raffle featuring a variety of prizes. These include dining vouchers, hotel pool access, accommodation packages and travel experiences in Thailand.
Among the participating hospitality partners are Thai Kitchen, Pochana, CHX N RISE, Sabai Thai, Khaosan, Isaan, The Siam, Thai Aroi, Sritubtim and Saffron, alongside a range of accommodation and entertainment partners in Bangkok and Phuket.
