Iftar review: The Palace Hotel, The Old Town

With some iftars it's the food that stands out; with others it's the setting or the service. At the Ewaan, it is a combination of all of three. Think soft lighting, traditional music and a warm, lively atmosphere which lends itself to lingering chats over shisha in the comfortable private booths.

The selection of the food is excellent with all the traditional iftar dishes as well as a few surprises. For starters, the spinach bil zeit was particularly good, but it was the fresh shrimp cocktail with its zesty but subtle dressing that really won out. Next, you have to try the succulent lamb kofta, cooked just the right amount and served with fluffy vermicelli rice.

But the highlight of this iftar was definitely the dessert — delectable petit fours, melt-in-the-mouth umm ali and divine chocolate mousse... you get the picture?