Spice Market Sushi Bento Express Lunch

If you’re one of those people that suddenly get hunger pangs at 11am and your lunchbox sandwich just is not cutting it, W Doha’s Spice Market Sushi Bento Express Lunch is the place to go for fresh, quick, and beautiful meal that won’t send you to a post-lunch comma at work.

Much to my dismay, I don’t eat sushi as often as I used to. After eating at one of the best sushi restaurants in the world in Japan, I have become a sushi snob. But whenever I get a strong sushi craving once in a while, W Doha’s Spice Market is my go-to place. I love their selection of rolls particularly the naughty spicy tempura roll and crispy roll (I have a weakness for fried food). It’s also my go-to business lunch spot and was delighted to discover that they now serve a sushi bento express – two of my favorite things at Spice Market!

I dragged my foodie blogger friend Sally immediately for express lunch and catch up on her travels. The menu is not extensive and looks simple enough. Spice Market’s Sushi Bento Express Lunch starts with a miso soup followed by a selection of sushi including Hamachi scallion gunkan, shredded crab, salmon tataki, and you get to choose 2 temaki, 3 sushi, 3 sashimi and dessert.

Unfortunately, most of my first choices were unavailable but everything looked good on the menu, so we didn’t mind. Sally and I immediately started catching up the minute we sat down and both of us were left speechless once the food arrived. The sushi arrived in this beautiful tray with a temaki tower (is that even a thing?), this tickled both Sally and I who love to photograph food as much as eating it. The presentation is impressive for an express lunch, but I wouldn’t expect anything different from W Doha.

We caught the manager’s attention because Sally and I looked like monkeys photographing the food (standing on chair, crouching low, arranging the table) and was pleased to hear that we loved the way the food was presented, and promised that it tasted better than it looks (it was more like a subtle reminder for us to eat, I think). The platter is a treat to my taste buds as I sample different textures and taste. Spicy, sweet, crunchy and all fresh. It was a delight to explore each item. Then, a plate of truffle hamour sushi arrived compliments from the manager, who I think wanted to impress us even more with the most beautiful roll at Spice Market. It was my first time having it and it fast became my favorite item on Spice Market’s menu.

Satisfied with our main, we moved on to dessert, which was a no-brainer for me. Ovaltine Kulfi with Caramelized Banana, washed down with a soothing peppermint tea.

I was shocked to realize it was time to pick up Naomi from the nursery, and we were able to have a complete meal with appetizers, main and dessert. That is thanks to the fast and efficient service at the restaurant, so for any of you corporate folks or moms who are tight on time, who wants to get away for an hour to have an amazing sushi meal, Spice Market Sushi Bento Express Lunch will not fail to satisfy your craving or keep you late from your next appointment.

The Sushi Bento Express Lunch is served at W Doha’s Spice Market at QR 155 per person.