A gastronomic trip to the land of the rising sun is what Michael Santos experiences at Sora.
Situated within the refined ambience of Park Hyatt Doha, Sora, a Japanese restaurant and lounge, stands as a culinary oasis, capturing the essence of Japanese cuisine in a harmonious blend of flavours. Embarking on a gastronomic voyage, Sora offers a meticulously crafted dining experience that showcases the artistry and finesse of traditional and contemporary fare.
The moment one steps into Sora, an air of tranquillity casts a spell, enveloping diners in a serene ambience. The sleek and modern décor, adorned with elegant Nipponese accents, creates a visual spectacle that seamlessly blends with the stunning views of the Doha skyline. The soft pinkish lighting resembles the Japanese cherry blossom, and plush seating enhances the intimate and relaxed atmosphere, encouraging guests to unwind and savour the impending culinary delights.
A pillar of Sora’s dining experience lies in its impeccable service. Staff are characterised by attentiveness, grace and a commitment to exceeding expectations. The knowledgeable and courteous staff are always at hand to provide insightful recommendations, explain the nuances of each dish and accommodate any special requests.
At the heart of Sora’s charm lies its curated menu. The culinary options boast diverse traditional and contemporary delicacies, including pristine sashimi, succulent sushi and tantalising robatayaki offerings. Using fresh and locally-sourced ingredients further adds depth and authenticity to the dishes, transcending mere food and transforming each bite into a delectable symphony of flavours.
We begin our culinary adventure with Sautéed Edamame with the beans perfectly cooked to a tender texture, allowing their natural flavours to shine. What sets this dish apart is the addition of heat, which adds a kick that complements the edamame beautifully.
The Blue Ocean Tempura at Sora is a dish not to be missed. The presentation alone is visually stunning, with plump and succulent shrimp cut into pieces coated in a crispy golden batter and arranged elegantly. As you take the first bite, the explosion of flavours is simply remarkable. This shrimp is cooked flawlessly, resulting in a tender and succulent texture. The batter adds a delightful crunch. The sauce drizzled generously over the dish is a harmonious blend of spicy and tangy notes, providing a perfect, joyful balance that will leave you wanting to savour every morsel.
The next dish is the Sashimi Marinate with Furikake Crisp, which is composed of salmon and tuna marinated in sesame oil, soy and seven spices accompanied by Tomato Shiso Salsa and Yuzu Guacamole, a delightful dish showcasing the chef ’s expertise in combining flavours and textures. The freshness of the tuna and salmon sashimi is evident from the first bite, with each piece melting in the mouth and leaving a delicate aftertaste. The marination process enhances the fish’s natural flavours, adding a subtle tanginess that complements the richness of the furikake. This crispy topping adds a delightful crunch to every bite, creating a harmonious contrast of textures.
The Robata Wagyu M5 Beef Tenderloin Yuzu Kosho with pumpkin puree and Yakiniku sauce is a culinary masterpiece that combines the richness of Wagyu beef with the vibrant flavours of yuzu kosho (a paste made from chilli peppers, yuzu peel and salt). The beef tenderloin, cooked to perfection, is incredibly tender and succulent, showcasing the marbling characteristic of Wagyu beef. The paste adds a delightful citrusy and slightly spicy kick to the dish, enhancing the overall flavour profile. Accompanied by a velvety pumpkin puree and a drizzle of yakiniku sauce, this dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The pumpkin puree provides a creamy and earthy element, while the yakiniku sauce adds a savoury and umami note to complement the beef.
Finally, to conclude the meal on a sweet note, The chocolate cake at Sora is a delight. It is perfectly moist and rich, with a decadent chocolate flavour that is simply irresistible. Each bite is smooth and the velvety texture melts in the mouth. The balance of sweetness is just right, allowing the deep cocoa taste to shine through.
Sora at Park Hyatt Doha offers an extraordinary culinary experience that transcends the boundaries of contemporary Japanese cuisine. With its serene atmosphere, attentive service, and the artistry displayed in each dish, the restaurant transports guests to a world where flavours become memories worth cherishing. Whether an intimate dinner for two or a gathering with loved ones, Sora seamlessly combines authenticity and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the discerning palates of its patrons.
For more information or to make a reservation,
please call Sora at Park Hyatt Doha on 4009 4344.
@soradoha