My experience this Ramadan taught me that one plate of food is often all I need to eat after I break my fast. It’s usually a date, a little bit of protein, some carbs on the side and that’s it. I am full. When I went to the open buffet iftar at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, I had five plates of food. It was that good.
As we walked into the luxury property’s main restaurant, Mezzerie, I could truly feel the warm and familiar vibes of Ramadan. There was an abundance of lanterns, tea light candles and vintage Arabic table cloths all over to add to the festive feeling. Despite the Arabesque decor, the restaurant still maintained an understated elegance that very few hotels exude in Dubai.
The iftar featured live cooking stations, with flavourful Middle Eastern fare, such as hot and cold mezze, Arabic soups, exotically spiced mixed grills and a carving station. There was also a plethora of underrated international options, which I find myself craving quite intensely during Ramadan. These included fresh Italian pasta, made right in front of us. I love when I can dictate exactly what goes into my dish, which is why I was a big fan of the dedicated pasta station. Artichokes, mushroom and cream sauce anyone?
We also enjoyed a cauliflower gratin, homemade pizza, and a sumptuous selection of European dishes such as beef bourguignon, quiches, and puff pastries to name a few of my favourites. A pleasant surprise, was the selection of Indian dishes that made this iftar a special one. The daal was exceptional. The food selection truly does cater to a variety of tastes.
Before moving on to dessert, I made my way over to the cheese table (yes, there is a whole table dedicated to cheese) and picked out a few French cheeses and dried fruits to satisfy a craving that I hardly touch during Ramadan. I loved the selection of warm breads, different flavoured butters and pungent cheeses that made my night.
At the end of our meal, we checked out the huge selection of desserts, which included white chocolate dates and chocolate cookie cheesecake to kunafa and baklavas and of course their signature red velvet cupcakes. We enjoyed a selection of teas with our dessert. The Waldorf Astoria is the place to go if you’re looking for a cosy and family friendly Iftar with high quality ingredients and a creative selection of food.
The details
Where: Mezzerie, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah.
Price: Dh195 per person, 50 per cent off for children aged between 6-12 years old, free for children below 6 years.
Timings: Sunset until 9pm.
