tabloid! checks three places to end your fast

No words in the vernacular can begin to describe the sight that greets guests at Al Majlis, Madinat Jumeirah. A word of caution though — ensure you don't trip on the red carpet as your gaze gets transfixed to the mammoth 12-star chandelier that lures you into the ballroom.

The word Majlis in Arabic is a term used to describe a gathering of people and the iftar at Madinat ensures you remember it as one of the best, at least until next Ramadan.

As an Indian from Hyderabad, I have always taken great pride in the hospitality extended by my community, especially when someone is invited for a meal. However, the Arabs could put even this characteristic Mughal trait to shame — a fact that was proven true as the evening progressed.

What I really liked is the fact that despite an international guest list, the organisers stuck to their roots — the cuisine was mainly Middle Eastern and concentrated on the best dishes from this part of the world.

My favourite pick for the evening was the Sherrin pulao — an Iranian delight with seven rows of spiced rice varieties sitting pretty atop a pink chicken layer. The meat is so tender, you'd be forgiven to think it was steamed fish. The different textures of raisins, nuts, buttery rice and chicken create a delicious symphony of an unusually light yet exquisite main course.

The hamour charmoula — with its unique blend of spices, garlic, olive oil, lemon — is a great alternative to the regular, fried version of the fish. The meat is firm but tender and breaks away at the touch of a fork. I walked away with a new favourite way to cook the fish.

There's a separate station serving momos in chicken, shrimp and vegetable variations too. The popularity of the steamed dumplings, particularly in chicken, can be gauged from the fact that the baskets would empty even faster than they were restocked. Served with a red chilly sauce, the result was a lip-smacking combination of fresh-meets-fiery.

At the dessert station, which served only Arabic sweets, the baklava and umm ali more than make up for the limited variety — I've never tasted a better version of both, particularly the bread pudding.

Follow this up with a round of shisha — I'd recommend the grape mint or double apple — and I assure you the few hours spent at this gathering will not go up in smoke.

Where: Al Majlis, Madinat Jumeirah

Price: Dh195. Children below four years of age eat for free.

Call: 04-3666730

Ramadan tent, Kempinski Hotel Ajman

The Ramadan tent at the Kempinski Hotel in Ajman may just be one of the most warm and welcoming iftar meals in the UAE. Decorated with shimmering chandeliers and larger-than-life Dallah's or Arabic coffee pots spread across the makeshift white tent, the room is filled with families and large groups of friends.

Located by the private beach, the iftar buffet is filled with Arabic and Indian delicacies. After breaking your fast with some dates, quench your thirst with the refreshing fresh Apricot juice or jallab, a cool Arabic drink made of grape molasses and rose water, before heading to the soup and salad station. The salads are mainly vegetarian, with a couple of non-vegetarian options. Load up on your veggies here, as what will follow is a meat feast.

Biryanis, kebabs, lamb stews and baked hammour take over the next part of your meal. But the best part of the experience would be the delicious Yemeni favourite and a must at most iftar meals, Mandi — a flavourful rice cooked with spices topped with succulent lamb cooked in a tandoor. Another highlight at this meal is the live saj station serving freshly made flat bread stuffed with minced meat, a Syrian favourite.

If you haven't already stuffed yourself with all the amazing dishes on offer, which maybe unlikely, indulge in a bowl of piping-hot awamat, a Lebanese classic — deep-fried pastry balls soaked in sugar syrup. The classic umm ali makes an appearance at this buffet alongside some lovely tarts, mousses and fresh fruits.

End your meal with a shisha and some Arabic tea or Kahve and sit back and enjoy the sound of the waves in the distance. Steering away from its neighbouring emirates' flashy iftar buffets, the Kempinski Hotel in Ajman is the perfect place to enjoy a lovely, home-style meal with your family and friends where you can try out some amazing delicacies from all over the Middle East.

— Karen Dias, Staff photographer

Where: Kempinski Hotel Ajman

Price: Dh125

Contact: 06-7145585

Ramadan tent, Fairmont Bab Al Bahar, Abu Dhabi

Iftar at the end of a long, summer day, is always best in a soothing environment, and the splashing waters at Fairmont Bab Al Bahar's Ramadan tent add just the right touch.

Since my partner and I were looking for a smoke-free zone, we chose to be seated within the adjoining CuiScene restaurant. This, too, had its own advantages, as the expansive spread was arranged in stations all around us.

The Ramadan drinks were flavoured right till the last sip, and we were especially enamoured with the extensive salad bar. Stocked with the customary Arabian salads and tabouleh, the seafood choices like steamed prawns and smoked salmon kept us occupied for quite a while. In addition, the sushi choices were light and delicious, and I spent most of my meal savouring them.

The range of choices for the main course meant I only had enough room to try a spoon or two of most of the dishes, but the creamy potato gratin in mornay sauce still tingles my tastebuds. The Arabian fare, especially the lamb-based dishes like bameuh bil lahem (chunks of lamb with okra, also dipped in red sauce), ouzi and the grilled chicken were also outstanding.

The mee goreng, a Chinese noodle-based dish with veggies and chicken, was surprisingly not greasy, and the chicken Manchurian tasted perfect.

Being a little wary of the excessive spices and oil in choices like the prawn biryani, I was not too impressed with the Indian dishes. But the saj station provided grills and light saj choices for those looking for a lighter meal.

Despite the choice of international recipes, dessert left quite a bit to be desired in terms of taste. But one can always settle for a delicious crepe, or treats from the chocolate fountain.

— Samihah Zaman, Staff Reporter

Location: Ramadan tent, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi

Price: Dh195, exclusive of taxes

Call: 02-6543238