PREPARATIONS FOR RAMADAN IN DUBAI
As the sacred month of Ramadan draws near, Dubai’s top-tier hotels and dining establishments are gearing up to welcome patrons with remarkable culinary experiences that embody the spirit of Arabian hospitality. This article offers an in-depth glimpse into the exceptional offerings available this season.
A UNIQUE RAMADAN EXPERIENCE AT AL DIWAN
The Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is set to debut Al Diwan, its inaugural Ramadan tent, providing visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in authentic Arabian hospitality. Situated near Dubai’s most recognizable landmark, Al Diwan creates an enchanting atmosphere rich in tradition. Under a stunning starlit sky, guests can gather with their loved ones to commemorate the Holy Month, feasting on a thoughtfully curated assortment of exquisite dishes that delight the palate.
The culinary experience at Al Diwan is spearheaded by Chef Solayman Hasan, the Head Chef of Al Iwan, along with his skilled team, offering three rotating Iftar menus complemented by a tailored Suhoor menu. Each plate is a testament to Chef Solayman’s commitment to enhancing traditional Arabic cuisine with modern touches. The lavish Iftar spread features a wide array of delightful dishes, including fresh cooking stations with traditional chicken shawarmas and mixed seafood barbecues.
The Iftar selections celebrate regional specialties, featuring dishes like tender veal harees, fragrant chicken biryani, vegetable tagine, chicken laban emmo, and batata harra. For Suhoor, a family-style dining experience awaits, presenting enticing options such as slow-cooked lamb ouzi with oriental rice and nuts, alongside grilled king prawns. A meticulously crafted à la carte beverage menu, along with authentic Arabic coffee service, is also at guests’ disposal, ensuring a fully immersive dining encounter.
Guests will be enveloped in the welcoming fragrances of bakhoor while enjoying live performances from a qanun player and oud musician, elevating the cultural ambiance of the evening. Iftar at Al Diwan is offered daily from sunset until 8:30 PM, priced at AED 360 per person (excluding taxes), while Suhoor is available from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM on weekdays and until 2:00 AM on weekends, priced at AED 260 per person.
FRENIA ROOFTOP’S ELEGANT IFTAR EXPERIENCE
Frenia Rooftop at voco Dubai The Palm invites guests to revel in an exceptional Iftar experience that masterfully fuses tradition with sophistication. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, consumers can savor a beautifully curated set menu boasting a variety of Middle Eastern delights. Highlights of the menu include warak enab, hendbeh mkalayeh, mouajanat, loubieh, kasbeh w rouman, and delectable mixed grills, finishing with traditional desserts such as kunafa, katayef, and halawat el jibin. Additionally, Frenia is featuring an exclusive early bird promotion offering a buy one, get one free deal on Iftar reservations made before March 7, alongside a 25% discount for IHG Dining Deals members and special group pricing for larger gatherings.
As the evening unfolds, guests can enjoy Suhoor starting from 9:30 PM, with an à la carte menu of Middle Eastern favorites served in a serene environment. With breathtaking views of Ain Dubai and Dubai Marina, every moment at Frenia is designed to honor the essence of Ramadan, whether dining under the stars or basking in the soft sea breeze. Frenia Rooftop invites patrons to join daily during Ramadan for an unforgettable dining experience.
A CULINARY JOURNEY AT JARA BY MARTÍN BERASATEGUI
Jara by Martín Berasategui, a prestigious Michelin-selected restaurant located on the 18th floor of The Lana, Dorchester Collection, proudly unveils its specially curated Iftar menu in celebration of the holy month of Ramadan. This limited-time offering invites guests to embark on an extraordinary culinary experience within the elegant surroundings and breathtaking views of Downtown Dubai’s skyline. The menu features an exquisite selection of Basque-inspired dishes, artfully crafted by the renowned Chef Martín Berasategui, who boasts an impressive 12 Michelin stars. Each preparation is thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and indulgence, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends during this cherished time.
The Iftar experience, offered at AED 395 per person, includes a selection of Jara’s signature dishes, paired with water, a signature mocktail, and a choice between black coffee or green tea. Guests commence with a refreshing Martín Berasategui Salad and the beloved Martín Berasategui Croquettes. Main course choices include Australian Angus Tenderloin, Seabass Supreme, or Chicken Supreme, all exemplifying the pinnacle of Basque culinary artistry. To conclude this sumptuous meal, patrons can indulge in decadent desserts such as Basque Cheesecake, Martín Berasategui Torrija, or a refreshing Citrus Fruits medley. Available daily from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM for AED 395 per person, this Michelin-starred dining experience promises to elevate any Ramadan celebration.
LA SERRE’S FRENCH-INSPIRED IFTAR FEAST
This Ramadan, La Serre at C2 City Walk is reinventing Iftar with a delightful French sharing menu that encapsulates flavor, flair, and fun. If you’re seeking a refreshing twist on the traditional Iftar spread, this 3-course menu offers just what you need. Available from sunset until 9 PM and priced at AED 149 per person, the feast commences with an enticing assortment of dates, nuts, dried fruits, and laban, followed by a warming lentil soup. Guests will relish zesty beetroot hummus, hot mezze, and a fresh fattoush salad, all paired with their preferred beverages. To wrap it up, diners can select between a rich date cake drizzled with chocolate sauce served with vanilla ice cream or a delightful honey sponge cake accompanied by creamy honey for a perfect finale.
A TRADITIONAL INDIAN IFTAR AT ATRANGI
Atrangi, a Michelin-recognized and Gault & Millau-selected fine dining Indian restaurant located at Jumeirah Al Qasr, welcomes guests to a memorable Iftar experience beneath their newly transformed traditional Bedouin tent. Featuring an exclusive Iftar menu available from the prayer call until 8 PM, Atrangi serves as an ideal venue for families and friends to come together and celebrate Ramadan.
The Arabian Nights Iftar, priced at AED 225 per person, begins with a traditional selection of dates, cashew nuts, and fresh fruits. Vegetarian diners can indulge in flavorful small plates such as Dhaniya Shorba and Peeli Mirch Paneer Tikka, proceeding with hearty mains like Subz ki Tehri and Dum ka Paneer. For meat lovers, the feast starts with Paya Shorba and Peeli Mirch Chicken Tikka, followed by indulgent mains such as Awadhi Mutton Biryani and Chicken Keema, concluding with Shahi Tukda, a traditional Indian dessert.
After 8 PM, Atrangi introduces an à la carte menu, allowing guests to linger and explore a broader selection of the restaurant’s finest dishes. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Al Qasr lagoon, the experience is further enriched by the soulful melodies of a live Arabic band, including the enchanting sounds of the Qanun, rhythmic percussion, and a live vocalist. Given the limited seating available, early reservations are recommended.
EXQUISITE IFTAR AT TAJ JUMEIRAH LAKES TOWERS
Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers invites guests to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan with its exquisite Iftar offerings, presenting a blend of rich culinary traditions and an elegant atmosphere. Guests can opt for an extravagant buffet at Shamiana, where heritage-inspired flavors come alive with slow-cooked meats, fragrant biryanis, and delectable traditional sweets, priced at AED 175 per person. For those seeking a breathtaking dining experience, the Ballroom Terrace offers an enchanting open-air setting beneath the stars, complete with magnificent city views and an enhanced buffet featuring premium grilled items and fresh seafood, priced at AED 195 per person for a minimum of 30 guests. Finally, the grand Ballroom caters to larger gatherings, providing a sumptuous buffet and interactive live cooking stations to facilitate a luxury dining occasion, also available at AED 175 per person, accommodating a minimum of 30 diners. Each venue promises a memorable way to celebrate Ramadan, merging culinary excellence with cherished moments.
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