Abu Dhabi: The culinary versatility of the UAE is its best during Ramadan. Check out the feast at Emirates Palace’s Ramadan tent, and you will know what I am talking about.
From Lebanese and Continental to Indian and Italian, the sumptuousness and diversity of the line-up at the tent is sure to tantalise your taste buds. And while we all have our favourite picks, I would recommend you steer clear of your comfort foods, and allow your palate to delve into the Emirati culinary traditions.
Go local
The regular epicurean turn-ons at any iftar - tabbouleh, vine leaves, fattoush, kibbeh, sheesh tawook – were deliberately spurned. And I lavished my attention on the local food station.
It indeed turned out to be a worthy crossover as I discovered some amazingly good flavours. Out of the glorious display of local specialities, I particularly liked fish nachief (fish marinated with saffron and herbs), camel salona (traditional stew), roasted chicken with freekeh (cereal food), lamb medfoun (roasted shoulder) and the saffron-flavoured orange and lemon rice. Try also not to miss the traditional camel biryani and lamp kebabs.
There is plenty to please those who are loyal to Lebanese, orient or continental flavours. The starters and salads are overwhelmingly good, and could fill you up for the evening. For instance, shrimp salad, fire grilled calamari salad, roasted carrot salads, Chinese chicken salad along with the Lebanese favourites like fattoush and muttabel to name a few – are not stuff you want to stop with the first serving.
Traditional grills and meat from the carving station are especially delectable with the warm fluffy Arabic break that is served oven-fresh on your table.
Time to explore the mains. It doesn’t take long before coming to a conclusion – rosemary chicken, tortellini pasta, veal with mushrooms and truffles are must haves.
You may have call it quits but for the irresistible call of desserts – pastries, dry fruits, mousse, macaroons, ice-cream and another enticing line-up of oriental delicacies.
The temptations to stay put are one too many at Emirates Palace. With sheesha, good conversation and board games set at a separate segment of the tent, the nocturnal activities just stretch longer.
It is no surprise the ‘You will never want to leave’ marketing tag line of the luxury hotel rings true and louder at their Ramadan tent.
DETAILS:
Price: Dh265++ per person
Location: Emirates Palace Ramadan tent
Call: 02-690 7999
We recommend: Traditional grills, Fish Nachief
