Food Hall Favorite

I realize that 2023 is still pretty new, which means many of us remain faithful to the resolution of exercise and diet. And while I understand — and appreciate — the merits of both, I love food, and better yet, sampling varied cuisines even more. Which is why I recently found myself paying a visit to the delightful Doral food hall, Shoma Bazaar.

For starters, it’s a beautiful place.

You’ll feel happy before you even enter. First, with the ample parking lot that provides free parking for the initial two hours of your stay, and second, by the larger-than-life bright sculptures greeting visitors outside the 13,000 square foot space. Both pieces (a yellow dog and a sleek, red, seated female) are designed by Dr. Simon Ourian, who was inspired by owner Stephanie Shojaee and her dog, Pebbles.

Shoma Bazaar was created by husband-and-wife duo Masoud and Stephanie Shojaee (aka Shoma Group). Home to 15 different vendors, the clean, modern space is replete with comfortable couches for patrons to take a load off and relax. Head to The Bar, an expansive and inviting meeting point whose superb mixology program effortlessly gets the party going.

My guests and I sampled an array of cocktails, finding that the only issue we had was deciding which was our favorite one. Top contenders included Shoma’s Secret (Tito’s Vodka with Lavender Essence, Rosemary-infused Agave, Fresh Citrus Topped with a Lemon Perfect), Oye Jefe (Monkey Shoulder Scotch, Ginger Reduction, Citrus, Oregano) and Pretty Pebbles (Hibiscus-infused Tito’s Vodka, Muddled Strawberry, Florida Citrus-Infused Agave, Lime Juice, Topped With Lemon Perfect Strawberry Passionfruit).

If you are the indecisive type, you’re in luck. Cuisines run the gamut from burgers to sushi, Venezuelan to Italian and tiny cookies to colossal cakes — so there is something for everyone.

South Florida foodies will recognize many of the eateries, the bulk of which have built loyal fans with brick-and-mortar restaurants throughout Miami.

Take celebrated Chef José Mendin’s Pubbelly Sushi, for example. There’s a reason there are four other locations that are always packed. My guests and I feasted on some well-deserved best sellers like Salmon Tartare Taquito (with avocado mousse, pico de gallo and masago roe) and Tostones Con Ceviche, a refreshing blend of hamachi, ginger soy, cilantro and red onion nestled alongside crunchy tostones for dipping.

For those that are more meat and potato people, Shahs of Kabob is where you’ll want to go. The Middle Eastern hotspot packs a punch with flavor and clean eating with the bonus of generous serving sizes. Dishes like hummus, Salad Shirazi (chopped cucumber, tomato, fresh herbs and onions served with house dressing) are familiar starters. For those craving new flavors, Kashk Bademjan (Eggplant Pan-Fried with Mint and Onion with Whey dressing) and Mast O Musir (a blend of yogurt and shallots) are well worth a try. Be sure to leave room for the star of the restaurant: kebabs! There are many varieties to choose from. We opted for the Mix Grill, an assortment of chicken and meat (for 2-3 people) served alongside fluffy, long-grain rice and grilled tomatoes.

Adamant burger lovers in my group insisted we order from BFF Burgers and I am so happy that we did! A round of juicy cheeseburgers arrived that instantly won our hearts.

I may be stating the obvious at this point, but one is best served visiting Shoma Bazaar multiple times.

There are just too many enticing options to tackle at one time. I made a note to return for signature arepas from Doggi’s Arepa Bar, swoon-worthy pasta from Trattoria Dal Plin and Cuban street food from Doce Provisions. Beer lovers will attest that Biergarten’s hearty craft beer and libations on draft warrants a visit alone.

Of course, we needed to save room for dessert. Between Colombian pastry store Tintto By Tributto, extravagant dessert milkshakes from The Market Milkshake Bar and towering cakes from Sweet Manifesto, we had our work cut out for us.

Somehow, we rallied together and managed just fine.

Shoma Bazaar is located at 9420 N.W. 41st St., Doral. For more information call 786-410-4700 or visit shomabazaar.com.