If your idea of breaking fast this Ramadan is by indulging in a lavish spread of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, you’d be well advised to head to Flow Kitchen at the sprawling Fairmont The Palm.
Senior Arabic Chef Rober Salloum and his team have conjured up a generous, yet innovative buffet style iftar at Flow Kitchen whose vast expanses guarantee both a quiet dining experience for families as well as options for large corporate groups. The restaurant has also put up an air conditioned outdoor tent for guests who wish to have their iftar enjoying unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf or by watching football action from giant TV screens.
For those of you opting to dine indoors, expect to be regaled by live kanoun (string instrument) and tabla performances.
My partner and I were welcomed with karkade (hibiscus flower tea), qamar al deen (apricot juice) and jallab (made from dates and grape molasses), all refreshing drinks on a humid evening.
For starters, I’d suggest you skip the Arabic staple, lentil soup, and instead sample the Harira soup, the traditional Moroccan soup made from lamb, parsley, chickpeas and vermicelli.
The hot and cold mezze options are extensive. Skipping the traditional favourites, I’d recommend going for the pumpkin and beetroot moutabel, the muhammara, a hot dip made from bread crumbs, pomegranate, pines, molasses and a dash of olive oil, and the Arabic classics — sambousek (the cheese and meat ones are delectable) and kebbehs.
There are also live shawarma (alternating between chicken and beef) and mannakesh cooking stations and a wide variety of cheese for your pick.
With 11 main courses to choose from, you are spoilt for choice and I’d suggest you pace your iftar well or may end up stuffing yourself. The succulent lamb ouzi and grilled hammour ooze flavour and are justifiably a hit with diners. Other options include grilled beef with cous cous, lamb in yoghurt sauce and prawns machboos.
After the sumptuous mains, it was time to venture to the dessert island. Apart from the regular sweet treats such as ice creams, pastries, cakes and fresh fruits, save space for some traditional Arabic delicacies such as the katayef (folded pancakes), awamat (doughnut balls), Muhalabiya (milk custard) or Umm Ali.
The Flow Kitchen iftar is a safe gastronomical bet with a twist and offers good value for money for Arabic food lovers.
