Nar and Hail: Cultural treat, value for money

DUBAI: A ‘Noheato Mojito’? No kidding. Well, it’s a mojito without white rum. But everything else (and more) is there: fresh mint, lemon juice, syrup carbonated soda water – with lime wedges and ice.

The taste? This is a higher-end one, with the freshest mint around but without the kick.

A bit tangy, perfect to wash down a healthy and trouble-free lunch (especially if you’re driving back to work afterwards). Another variant of this halal cocktail, which my dining partner had, is the Sahara – made of coconut milk cream, pineapple juice and banana syrup (Dh25).

Welcome to the Nar and Hail, the Arabic-themed resturant at the only Sharia-inspired hotel in New Dubai, the Tamani Marina.

The outlet is in the 50-storey hotel which serves international cuisine – a good mix of Asian, Arabic, Italian, Chinese and continental food.

Follow the season

The ambience at Nar and Hail, which seats 120 people, is strongly Moroccan with a modern flair, fitted with colourful lanterns hanging from the ceiling and Arabic calligraphy adorning the walls.

The menu changes with the season and the theme of the day was Chinese – with dumplings, noodles and spring rolls dominating the menu. We tried the steamed fluffy dumplings, which warmed us right down to our toes before going along with the head waiter’s suggestions.

It was pan-fried hamour fillet, with sautéed vegetables and butter sauce, for me and chicken tikka for my partner.

As the dish arrived it didn’t take long for me to conclude the hamour was prepared just right for me, giving room for salt and pepper to taste, but the presentation was no less impressive. Devouring it made me feel a little guilty. The portion – including the veggies – was handsomely generous and should have been good for two, but I just made more room for myself and finished it with Arabic bread - and some rice. Lest you get it wrong, let me put the record straight: it’s not a heavy meal, but not light either – but sure is healthy. It’s my kind of seafood flavoured lunch.

Meanwhile my partner had no issues with the tikka – which came boneless and tender.

On special Islamic holidays the restaurant offers Khabsa (a rice-and-meat dish popular in Saudi Arabia) and majboos (an Arabic rice dish with lamb or chicken) too.

For a five-star quality property, Nar and Hail food is good value for money, with soup and juices starting from Dh20 each.

For dessert we had a chocolate fondant, a bite-size delight that melts on your tongue. Not too sweet and had just the right consistency.

Besides being “dry”, the hotel is big on Sharia compliance. It serves only halal food, there are Quran copies and prayer mats in each room.

The staff is conservatively dressed and there are separate recreational facilities for men and women. There’s appropriate entertainment – which means no nightclubs attached or found within the property.

It’s no surprise Tamani Hotel Marina is a big draw for Gulf clients.

“There are those who look specifically for Sharia-compliant hotels,” said Walid Al Awa, Tamani’s general manager. “While we have them in mind, we also see a growing number of Western tourists who simply want a quiet, family-oriented place.”

DETAILS

Meal for two: Dh150 to Dh200

Location: Dubai Marina, Sufouh Road (opposite Media City)

Timings: 6.30am to 11pm

Contact: 04-399 2500