The problem of going to a buffet is the danger of stuffing yourself with so much good food that you bloat to the size of a baby whale. My iftar experience at Na3Na3 was no different. But anything for good food, right?
Located within The Address Hotel in The Dubai Mall, Na3Na3 offers an authentic Arabic iftar dinner experience. At the entrance of the restaurant, you are greeted by a man wearing a thawb and a keffiyah serving Arabic coffee from a dallah (jug) next to an assortment of dates and dried fruits. The coffee, which is meant to aid your digestion, is strong but flavoursome and I was tempted to ask for a second serving.
A waiter followed soon after, offering us either laban, jallab or fresh juice to refresh ourselves with.
An oud player serenaded the restaurant with soothing traditional music as our hostess guided us to our reserved seats. Initially, I felt the restaurant felt narrow and crowded as we had to weave through large crowds to find our seats, but it probably spoke about the popularity of the restaurant. In between I panicked as I thought I had lost my sister in the massive sea of humans. The crowd however died down as the night wore on.
Much of food was not particularly exceptional and I found some of the meat to be dry. Their lamb with rice was a little bland for my taste. However, their mezzeh and grills such as the lamb kofta make up for this. The different stations are placed oddly so you find yourself walking around in circles. However, the service was wonderful with kind, friendly waiters who would make sure we were always comfortable and even got us certain dishes from the buffet if we requested for them. They made it a point to interact with all of the customers in the restaurant.
The highlight of my night had to be the dessert station. Offering a mixture of both Western and Eastern delights, I found myself stuffing my plate with strawberry macaroons and baqlawas. The kunnafah had the right amount of sweetness and the cheese melted in my mouth. And I just could not keep myself away from the umm Ali; a delicious warm creaminess exploded in my mouth with the first bite.
We were gifted with a chocolate covered date as we left the restaurant as a good way to end our meal.
— Nadia Lewis is an intern at Gulf News
The details:
Where: Na3Na3, The Address Dubai Mall
Price: Dh220 per person
Timings: Sunset until 9pm
Call: 04-8883444.
