Iftar of the day: Layali Al Baraka, Abu Dhabi

As a foodie, nothing gives me greater pleasure than trying out new restaurants and new cuisines. However, in Ramadan, all I am looking for is home-made food that brings back childhood memories. And that’s exactly what I got at Layali Al Baraka, the Ramadan pavilion at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers.

Stepping into the pavilion, we were welcomed by the warm staff, and even warmer aroma of food.

We started our iftar with a classic — lentil soup — which was creamy and so rich with flavour that was only complemented by croutons to add that extra crunch.

The soup served as a promise for the flavours yet to come, and sure enough, the buffet did not disappoint.

Starters included traditional Arabic dishes such as tabouleh, stuffed vine leaves, hummus, battata harra (spiced potatoes), samosa, and kibbeh, as well as mixed greens served alongside freshly sliced vegetables and dressings.

The highlights for me, though, were the potato salad topped with chopped bacon; and a mixture of sauteed mushrooms with sun-dried tomatoes.

The starters were absolutely scrumptious, but be sure not to go for that second serving because the main dishes are even better.

Again, there were Middle Eastern classics like a stand-out chicken makloube (an upside-down dish of chicken, aubergine, and rice); a very succulent chicken stuffed with rice; mixed grill; shish barak (traditional Lebanese stew of yoghurt and meat dumplings); and fata dajaj (layered chicken and yoghurt casserole); among others.

There were also Emirati dishes such as lamb harees; roast lamb with oriental rice; and balaleet (rice noodles topped with omelette); as well as western delicacies like beef bourguignon with shallots and mushrooms; and poached sea food in a bechamel sauce. For me, anything topped with bechamel is guaranteed to please. With the sea food perfectly cooked, and the sauce oozing with cheese, the dish was my favourite.

Vegetarian dishes include Moroccan vegetable stew; honey-glazed carrots; French beans with roasted almonds; tofu with spring onions and bean sprout stew; and potato gnocchi.

If you’re not already stuffed, head over to the dessert corner where you will find freshly sliced fruits, cheese kunafa, baklava, and umm Ali (bread pudding), along with a range of dates.

Mouth-watering home-made food, a live band playing Fairouz music on the oud, and a view of the sparkling blue sea — that’s what you get at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, and it really doesn’t get any better than that.

Where: Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi

Timing: Sunset to 9pm

Price: Dh175 (plus 16 per cent service and tourism charge)

Call: 02/8115666