If you’re looking for delicious family-style meals to break your fast over this weekend, look no further than this round-up of some of the best iftars in Dubai.
Andaliman
Photo: Courtesy of Andaliman
Located in Dubai’s exciting new hotel One&Only One Za’abeel is Andaliman, which is welcoming guests for a unique Indonesian iftar experience. Named after a local pepper, the restaurant is a must-visit for those who want to put a refreshing spin on their iftars this month, as it celebrates Indonesia’s culinary richness through traditional flavors and contemporary techniques. The family-friendly four-course iftar set menu begins with sharing-style Satu and Takjil, crunchy Papaya Sayur Masam, Bakwan Sayur Goreng fritters, and Kolak with braised sweet potatoes and banana in coconut and sugar. This is followed by Lontong Sayur, a coconut milk soup, that is served individually, and for mains, Tongseng Kambing, Opor Ayam, and Nasi Bakar Ikan. The dessert offerings include more shareable dishes, such as Es Pisang Hijau and Dadar Gulung. The restaurant also features an immersive ambiance with water, frangipani trees, and vibrant interiors that aim to transport guests to the world’s largest island country.
04 666 1777, Oneandonlyresorts.com
HLK by Reif Othman
Photo: Courtesty of HLK by Reif Othman
Those on the hunt for an unconventional iftar this month can’t go wrong with a visit to Hoe Lee Kow by award-winning chef Reif Othman. The restaurant is celebrating its first Ramadan with a mouthwatering iftar menu that brings together the best of Korean and Middle Eastern flavors. Designed to be shared by a minimum of two people, the meal begins with a variety of delectable starters and side dishes or banchans, such as Bulgogi Ssambab (Korean Rice Lettuce Wraps), HLK Cabbage Salad, Shrimp Egg Rolls, and Veggie Mandu, alongside Korean Chicken Soup (Dak Gomtang), and an indulgent Korean Garlic Bread with cream cheese and chives. The main course offerings feature the deeply flavorful Deep Fried Seabass in a gochujang tomato sauce topped with mozzarella cheese, and Braised Lamb Ribs served with kimchi fried rice, while the dessert brings palettes back home with the comforting HLK Umm Ali.
AED 228 per person
04 255 5142, Reservations@hoeleekow.com
Ewaan
Photo: Courtesy of Palace Downtown
A mouthwatering buffet of Arabic and Oriental favorites is a classic every Ramadan, and Ewaan at Palace Downtown excels at just that. Every day through the holy month, the picturesque restaurant is inviting guests to savor an iftar featuring the best of Middle Eastern cuisine against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. Accompanied by the soulful sounds of the oud, guests can dine on an extensive spread including everything from traditional Arabic bread and soups to various hot and cold mezze. The buffet also features a seafood counter, live culinary and grill stations, as well as Indian, and International main courses. The hearty meal is complemented by refreshing Arabic juices, and indulgent Ramadan desserts.
AED 295 per person; AED 150 per child
04 428 7961, Dineatpalacedowntown@palacehotels.com
Banyan Tree
Photo: Courtesy of Banyan Tree
The recently launched Banyan Tree Dubai has joined forces with Shimis Yoga Center to bring a one-off, and one-of-a-kind experience that aims to take Ramadan wellness to a whole new level. On Sunday, March 24, the resort is hosting an immersive yoga and sound healing session by instructor Lauren Ruttle, followed by a hearty iftar by the beach. The evening will kick off at 5pm at the Banyan Tree’s Wellness Deck, with a Vinyasa Yoga session, which combines breath, movement, and mindfulness techniques, followed by Sound Healing, which combines different healing sounds, music, and sound healing instruments to improve participants’ multidimensional well-being. The resort’s culinary team has also curated a mouth-watering iftar menu, which can be enjoyed with the breathtaking ocean views as the backdrop, making for the perfect end to a relaxing evening.
AED 390 per person
04 556 6401, spa-dubai@banyantree.com
Terra Eatery
Photo: Courtesy of Terra Eatery
Selected in Dubai’s 2024 Michelin Guide, Terra Eatery is a must-visit this Ramadan for its calming ambiance and soul-warming iftar menu. The brainchild of restaurateur Rashed Al Tayer, Terra Eatery prides itself on celebrating locally grown ingredients and produce in its dishes. For iftar, the restaurant’s culinary team has curated a menu that begins with sweet dates and nourishing soups, followed by refreshing starters such as watermelon salad with heirloom tomatoes, feta and jalapenos, sweet potato croquettes with aubergine and sweet pepper chutney, and wagyu meatballs with yogurt and a tomato sauce. For mains, choose from executive chef Ibrahim Guner’s juicy lamb chops with smoked eggplant harissa, stuffed peppers with rice, almond and yogurt, or salt-baked sea bass accompanied by a crunchy fennel salad. Dessert comes in the form of the
traditional kunafa roll that one simply can’t go wrong with.
04 388 8582, Terra-eatery.com
La Maison Ani
Photo: Courtesy of La Maison Ani
This Ramadan, renowned chef Izu Ani’s La Maison Ani is offering a thoughtfully curated iftar menu of comforting favorites. Accompanied by the stunning terrace views of Downtown Dubai, and the Dubai Fountains, guests will be treated to nourishing Lentil Soup and homemade bread to begin with, as delightful appetizers like Fattoush Salad, Hummus and Tzatziki, and Baked Feta follow. Next, the restaurant serves up an indulgent Mixed Grill to share, with a choice of roasted seasonal vegetables or aromatic sumac rice, and for dessert, the rich Um Ali with homemade croissants, Sticky Date Pudding, and a refreshing fruit platter.
044561989, Reservations@lamaisonani-restaurants.com
Read Next: Healthy Iftar Recipes: 10 Delicious Ideas To Try In Ramadan 2024
