Ramadan 2015 Iftar Round Up


If you have been following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, you must have seen that I have been around town joining nightly Iftars hosted by different restaurants in Dubai.

No, it's not every day, it was just a few invitations but thought I'd share it with you in case you are looking for other places to break your fast with your family or friends.

A few suggestions wouldn't hurt so here's a round-up of the Iftars I've tried and enjoyed during the season.


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Rosa Mexicano - The Dubai Mall

This one was pre-Ramadan but it was an iftar menu tasting event.
Three-course meal for AED 89 per person.

From the Iftar menu, I would recommend lentil and tomato soup, the very refreshing market salad -everyone on our table loved it, and the crispy stuffed chicken for the main dish was the crowds favorite. The churros were the only dessert option though, you can always order separately. Choice of drink includes jalapeno mint and cucumber yogurt, jallab and soft drinks. And oh, the guacamole is not included in the menu but it is worth ordering it too.



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The Fountain Restaurant Al Bustan Centre & Residence - Al Qusais 

AED 95/person.
Promo: Dine Five Pay for Four only

A decent buffet spread at The Fountain Restaurant. The Iftar buffet is an appetizing mix of Middle Eastern, Oriental and Mediterranean cuisines and all types of traditional Arabic sweets and refreshing drinks specific to Ramadan.

Don't miss the fish tawa masala, bamia (beef stew with baby lady fingers) and potato croquettes. Desserts include cheese kunafe and umm ali, and assorted drinks including my new favorite Arabic drink jallab


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Chez Sushi - Bay Avenue Downtown Dubai

The Iftar menu is priced at AED 60 and AED 45 for the chicken and vegetarian options respectively.

Dubai's fast-casual Japanese restaurant is hosting alternative Iftars throughout Ramadan. From sundown, until 1 am, the popular restaurant will serve an exclusive bento box, loaded with authentic dishes signature to Chez Sushi. The iftar bento box includes Japanese katsu curry - fried/grilled chicken or mixed vegetables, mixed green salad, miso soup, steamed rice and date mochi - Japanese ice cream made with dates for dessert. It was my first time to try mochi (I know shame on a foodie like me) and it was love at first bite. We tried the date mochi, green tea, chocolate and coconut flavored mochi

The bento box is also available for takeaway and delivery



The iftar bento was not just the only dish we've tried at Chez Sushi, we also get to try their customize sushi rolls and some of the signatures rolls with quirky names like dragon and spider. The Dragon was mine and the husbands favorite and I'll tell you about it in another post.

next...

Dusit Thani Hotel Dubai

Enjoy dishes from Dusit's three main restaurants at AED 149
Buffet from sunset to 8:30 pm

The iftar at Dusit was my first for this season and it was a lavish affair.


Nestled on the 24th floor of the hotel, three restaurants joined forces to offer diners sumptuous food combined with impeccable service. Get ready for an epicurean adventure and enjoy international dishes from the Californian, traditional Italian flavors from The Pax Restaurant and authentic Royal Thai cuisines from the award winning signature restaurant Benjarong.


Look for the roasted duck in red curry sauce and for that lamb ouzi


An array of Arabic sweets and hot and cold mezze are also available.



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QD's Ramadan Tent - Park Hyatt - Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

The iconic QD's Ramadan tent offers delicious iftar daily from sunset to 9 pm at AED 150 per person and Suhoor from 9 pm to 2 am.


This is a full-on tent experience with lounge style seating. Enjoy a captivating sunset and stunning views of the Dubai creek while waiting for the call to prayer signaling the breaking of the fast before enjoying a truly exceptional iftar including hot and cold Arabic mezze, rustic soups, Mediterranean and International main courses followed by gourmet desserts.


Apart from the lamb ouzi, the juicy and tender rib eye steak was a star. I was surprised to find some crispy and juicy fried chicken wings in the appetizer section and I am the happiest guest.

I also loved their kunafe and I don't usually eat umm ali but I'd say the one I tasted here was really nice.



Radisson Blu Dubai - Deira Creek

AED 149 per person. Dine with a group of 10 and pay AED 99 per person only

Celebrating its forty years in business, Radisson Blu Dubai Creek is one of the oldest 5-star hotels in the UAE. My iftar experience here was awe-inspiring not just because of the delectable dishes that we have tasted but also that overwhelming feeling that this place was giving me as I stand at its lobby entrance looking at the history timeline in which this hotel stands witness of it all. 

It boasts six restaurants catering the iftar buffet giving diners ample of options. I myself have chosen Japanese, Pan-Arab and International dishes to put on my plate







Panorama Restaurant Emirates Grand Hotel - Sheikh Zayed Road

Enjoy traditional delicacies and heavenly desserts at Emirates Grand Hotel, the 47-storey tall tower conveniently located in the heart of Dubai’s business and commercial district for AED 129 per person from sunset to 9:00 pm. 

Private Iftar party and group discounts are also available starting from AED99 per person


I surely enjoyed this Iftar at Emirates Grand Hotel. Good food and beautiful view and stunning sunset.



Don't judge the lamb ouzi by its presentation just yet until you have tasted it, one of the best lamb ouzi I've eaten this season. Everything was good except for the meat kebab that I think have a little aftertaste (not pictured)



Moka Cafe - Villa Rotana

Savor a sumptuous Iftar buffet in a stylish setting
AED 139 per person
Groupon Offer: AED 75 per person, AED 149 for 2 persons.
Kids 6-12 gets 50% off and kids below 6 eat for free

Group booking of 10 gets 15% discount on total bill
Iftar is from sunset to 11:00 pm and Suhoor from 1:00 am to 4:00 am





We are already half way through the blessed month of Ramadan and My Yellows Bells wishes you, Ramadan Mubarak. May our good God guide you and strengthen you during the remaining two weeks of abstinence.

Top tip: Iftars can be from simple to lavish, but even if it is a simple meal at home or a huge buffet spread in a swanky restaurant, one must remember the true essence of fasting during Ramadan. Abstaining from food and other worldly pleasures from dusk till dawn helps our Muslim brothers cleanse spiritually.

Ramadan is the time of spiritual reflection, improvement, increase devotion and worship.

For those who are not fasting let's be respectful. As a reminder, here are some of the do's and don't during Ramadan
DO...
dress appropriately
be patient and observe self-control
give something to the needy
increase prayer time

DO NOT...
eat or drink in public during the hours of fasting
wear revealing clothes
play loud music
curse, lose temper
over eat

My Yellow Bells

Carla is a lifestyle blogger based in Dubai who's thankful to call this ever-evolving city her second home. The pages of this blog are filled with stories about her expat life in the sandpit. It features dining and travel adventures in and around the city and beyond. It also features food recipes, parenting tips, and fashion style.

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Carla

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