Getting into Ewaan at The Palace Downtown Dubai was easy. Getting out not so much.
Ewaan’s Ramadan preview reminded me of a fair, only instead of acrobats and other such acts, there were hypnotic platefuls of food, traditional refreshing Ramadan drinks and smiling servers weaving their way through crowds that kept pouring in.
We were also shown the majlis area — which was awaiting permission to become active — and the space was impressive enough for us to recommend you go here just to see and revel in it.
I walked past the lentil soup and slurped instead the lamb broth — a lovely light flavourful concoction that teases the appetite and signals that it’s time to get your food on.
Next up were tables laden with traditional lamb ouzi — yes, we went back for just the meat and piled it high on our forks — a meaty sambousek (with a thin wrapper) and crepes made fresh.
Near the crepe makers stood the pasta station — this is a bit of a hit and miss; my pink gravy came doused in cream and with not enough tomato to balance the flavour — and near that the roasting pans. The roasted beef and chicken had been seasoned just so and begged eating, and even the roasted vegetables looked crunchy and fresh.
We also ambled on over to the barbecue station, which had skewer upon skewer of fish, lobster, meat and chicken kababs; try the traditional fare, it beats the fusion offerings. (Their garlic cream is a perfect accompaniment.)
The centrepiece of this labyrinth of delicacies was a table with favourites such as saffron prawn curry and vine leaves in a bath of laban. The end was a sweet mouthful. Besides the usual treats such as Umm Ali and Basbousa, there were western bites such as caramel custard and chocolate mouse.
Like I said, getting to Ewaan is easy, leaving, now that requires some willpower.
What: Ewaan
Where: The Palace Downtown Dubai
Price: Adult (12 years and above): Dh255 per person; Children (aged six - 11 years) get a 50 per cent discount.
Timings: Sunset until 9pm
