By Shadiah Abdullah Al Jaberi
Saudi Gazette
FOR those in the UAE there is a wide range of restaurants that offer a unique experience during Ramadan for Iftar and Suhoor. Saudi Gazette has picked some favorites for our readers to try.
The DIFC Ramadan Majlis – a joint initiative of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, is promising a distinctive experience inspired by traditional Arabic hospitality and cuisine. The sumptuous menu highlights include the UAE specialty Lamb Harris, a classic Cheese Shanklish and the definitive Mixed Lebanese Grill. Locals and expatriate guests alike will be impressed by the extensive selection of mouthwatering traditional Turkish cuisine, the scope of which has never been seen before in the UAE for Ramadan. With Arnavut Cigar and Ispanak Tartar just the beginning, it is guaranteed to be a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds for truly memorable experience.
Renowned for a commitment to innovation, no Iftar at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC would be complete without the hotel’s culinary craftsmen putting their famous twist on traditional favorites, including the hotel’s famous Arabian Sushi station, Hummus Fountain and Falafel Waffle, alongside a new Arabic Booza at AED215 for adults and AED107 for children aged 6-12. Children below 6 dine for free.
Enjoy a blend of style and tradition this Ramadan with friends and family in Dubai’s most established Ramadan setting within the sheltered oasis of our intimate courtyards. The One & Only Royal Mirage is offering iftar buffets, served daily from sunset at Tagine and The Rotisserie or enjoy a private banquet setting with menus starting from AED250. Then extend the evening relaxing in their Ramadan Cafés at The Palace ‘Courtyard’ or Arabian Court ‘Peregrine Garden’. Iftar: daily from sunset, AED220 per person. The One & Only Palm is offering Iftar at the ZEST Restaurant where visitors can sample a great variety of delicious Arabic and continental dishes accompanied by a live Oud performance. Iftar at AED250 per person.
Celebrate Ramadan at the just launched Zahira with its Modern Middle Eastern Iftar. Chef Greg Malouf presents a fresh take on traditional dishes, with a weekly changing menu providing guests with a truly unique experience. Dishes on the menu will include a selection of mezze; hazelnut falafel, homemade ma’hanie sausages with harissa potato salad and pickled fried chilies and chicken and date fatayer with saffron labneh. Main course plates, changing weekly will range from slow-cooked spiced lamb with nut rice to salmon tarator with tahini & walnuts and spatchcock fatteh with twice cooked French chicken in a clay pot. The feast will end with fruits, a selection of halawa, baklava and Chef Malouf’s signature knife and fork ice cream. Set price not including beverages, AED190.
COYA’s Abu Dhabi Iftar will be a great occasion to bring together family and friends during this special time. Guests can break their fast whilst savoring the flavors of Latin America. The can delight in a selection of signature delicacies and specially created dishes. Begin with a choice of hearty corn gazpacho, Peruvian bean or cream of pumpkin soup followed by traditional medjool dates along with the famous COYA guacamole and edamame appetizers. Enjoy a selection of salads, maki rolls and anticuchos (grilled skewers) before indulging in a delectable main course. Choose from the Salmon a la Brasa served with stir-fried quinoa and green vegetables or the Papa Seca Cazuela, a delicious dish of Peruvian dried potatoes served with mushroom. The exquisite sticky toffee date cake is the ultimate sweet ending. Iftar is for AED270 per person from 7pm – 8pm daily.
Savor the vibrant atmosphere and stunning 360 degree views of Dubai from the 71st and 72nd floor of the JW Marriott Marquis and experience an Iftar like no other with Morah. The restaurant blends time-honored classic cooking techniques with modern methods to create inspired contemporary dishes. An extensive list of meze will be presented on the menu first with larger dishes to follow. The mains are intended to be shared family style, encouraging guests to enjoy an array of flavors over multiple courses. Served daily from 7pm, enjoy a 4-course feast of sharing plates plus a welcome mocktail from only AED250 per person.
