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Ewaan, The Palace, The Old Town

A popular Ramadan place for some time now, the Ewaan didn’t disappoint this time either. With a huge spread of traditional Arabic fare — from cold and hot mezzeh to the ubiquitous ouzi and a myriad of sweets, any diner can be spoilt for choice.

While my friend enjoyed his lamb brain salad with soft fresh focaccia bread, I dug into the tabouleh and muttabal with my khubz. The tomato soup I was looking forward to was unfortunately out of a tin and left on the table untouched. However, we made up with generous helpings of sambousek and grilled chicken and lamb before heading to the ouzi station. In case you are not in the mood for Arabic fare, live pasta and tandoori stations offer a change of taste.

The service was impeccable, with constant checks on whether we were comfortable and needed anything. “Have you had dessert yet?” inquired a friendly helper, as we shook our heads. “Please do. We’ll be shifting service to suhoor in a little while.”

Not something we wished to miss, we filled our plates with flaky Arabic pastry-based sweets, umm ali and Western fruit tarts and glasses of mousse. Especially the mango tart.

If you miss the iftar, the Ewaan also hosts an à la carte suhoor from 10pm-2am (3am on weekends).