Iftar review: Qbara at Wafi

Iftars in Dubai are synonymous with massive buffets, four or five sections, lavishly decorated tables, and tray after tray of steaming food — it’s all very flashy. So when I got the chance to visit Qbara at Wafi city for their sit-down iftar set menu I was excited to actually relax, chat with my dining partner and let the food come to me.

First of all, this contemporary Arabian restaurant has one of the more beautiful interiors I have seen. Expansive, but cosy, everywhere you look there’s something new that will intrigue you. (Look up for a very cool Arabian-style door installation.)

As we sat down we were quickly asked about our drinks — they have three special Ramadan drinks and other soft beverages — and our soup selection.

Then came the starters, so many that they had to brought in by two people. There was the usual selection of hummus and baba ganoush, a chunky butter bean and feta cheese mash, tangy labneh, and olives and fresh bread.

I loved the baba ganoush, which was dotted with juicy pomegranate seeds.

I love a good hearty soup so I was very impressed by both the harira and lentil soup. The harira was very hearty, with lentils and meat adding to the earthy flavours. The lentil soup was as comforting and delicious as could be.

Next, warm appetisers were brought to the table. The chicken and leek skewers were light and flavourful — the slight bitterness of the leek and the sweetness of the honey glaze worked well together. The crab wraps with garlic and harissa were crispy and flavourful.

The mains — the course I was looking forward to the most — rounded off the savoury part of the menu very well. The slow-cooked lamb was accompanied by a tangy, aromatic lemon sauce that helped cut through the very fatty, soft meat. My friend quickly cleaned off the plate of grilled sea bass, which was flaky and delicious.

For a sweet, sweet ending, we were brought three divine dishes. The warm chocolate katayef (chocolate dumplings filled with cream) were rich and gooey. The muhalabiya brulee was made with camel milk and was a visual treat — it had a layer of pink raspberry jelly running through it. But my favourite was the umm ali, milky and comforting.

If you’re looking for a different take on Arabian food and are willing to splurge on a unique experience, Qbara is definitely worth a visit.

Details:

Price: Dh245 per person.

Timings: Sunset to 8.30pm.

Call: 04-7092500