Doha, Qatar – Asian fusion fast-casual dining brand Oodles Wok has launched its first location in Qatar, officially opening at City Centre Doha Mall on December 7, 2025. This expansion marks the company’s entry into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market, adding to its existing presence in the UK, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. The new restaurant brings Oodles Wok’s customizable noodle and rice boxes to Doha’s growing food scene.
The opening at City Centre Doha Mall (3rd Floor – West Food Court) welcomed diners with the brand’s signature “Fresh, Fired, Flavourful” approach to Asian cuisine. Oodles Wok allows customers to build their own meals, choosing from a variety of noodles, rice, vegetables, proteins, and handcrafted sauces. The company aims to cater to a diverse palate and offer a quick, convenient, and high-quality dining experience.
Oodles Wok’s Expansion into the Qatari Market
Oodles Wok’s decision to expand into Qatar aligns with the country’s booming hospitality industry and increasing demand for international dining options. Qatar has invested heavily in tourism and infrastructure in recent years, spurred by events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This investment includes expanding the food and beverage sector.
Mohammed Shoyab Umar, CEO of Oodles Wok, stated that Qatar represents a “proud milestone” for the company and a natural progression in its international growth strategy. The company has cultivated a business model efficient enough to maintain quality while scaling globally. According to the company, this is a deliberate focus as they broaden their reach.
Strategic Partnership with Oryx Group
The launch in Qatar is a result of a partnership between Oodles Wok and the Oryx Group for Food Services, a prominent food service operator in the region. Sajed Jassim M. Sulaiman, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Oryx Group, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting the brand’s blend of authenticity, efficiency, and freshness.
C.V. Rappai, Group CEO & Director of Oryx Group, highlighted the alignment between Oodles Wok’s dedication to quality and Qatar’s evolving dining culture. The Oryx Group intends to ensure a consistent, world-class experience for customers at the new location. Vyanktesh Jaiswal, COO of the Oryx Group, emphasized his team’s commitment to operational efficiency and scaling the brand’s footprint in Qatar.
Ismail Umar, COO of Oodles Wok, explained that the Qatari launch demonstrates the company’s focus on operational excellence. He added they’ve developed a model that honors local tastes. Fahim Khan, Head of Growth (Global) for Oodles Wok, noted the attractiveness of Qatar due to its thriving tourism industry, diverse population, and rapidly expanding food and beverage market.
The success of fast-casual dining concepts in other GCC countries, like the UAE, likely influenced Oodles Wok’s expansion decision. These locations typically benefit from a younger, more internationally-minded demographic and a preference for convenient dining options. Early reports suggest that the opening has been positively received by initial customers, experiencing high foot traffic.
Looking ahead, Oryx Group and Oodles Wok are currently evaluating potential locations for future restaurants in Qatar. While no firm timelines have been announced, they are focusing on maintaining the quality of the existing location as a foundation for further growth. The Oryx Group has indicated they’re looking at multiple locations around Doha, but success will be contingent on maintaining consistently high quality and adapting to local preferences.
