Thankful and fortunate, I was invited along with fellow bloggers and people from mainstream media, to preview Iftar buffets in premier restaurants of 5-star-hotels here in Dubai. Second on my list of invitations this year came from Liwan Restaurant in Al Ghurair Rayhaan Hotel by Rotana.
Flashback when I was living in Penang, Malaysia from years, 2010 to 2013, I was able to experience Berbuka Puasa or breaking of the fast of our Muslim brothers and sisters, observing the Holy month of Ramadan. There were a lot of Pasar Malam or public night markets out in the streets that offer various dishes, drinks and delicacies at dusk.
Here in UAE and I guess most Arabic countries, they call the breaking of the fast, Iftar. With only language difference, Iftar is basically the same, observed when the sun sets at the end of the day during the month-long observation of Ramadan. Traditionally, three dates are eaten to break the fast, usually done either as a community or in small groups with friends and families.
Iftar celebration in Liwan Restaurant is festive, tasteful and impressive. Not only a gastronomic offering but a sensory feast! Musicians rendering tunes with traditional instruments, decors and ornaments that echo Islamic culture and local flavours, and of course, an overwhelming buffet spread of Arabic cuisines, and surprisingly, Japanese and other Asian favourites and specialties.
Beef Thai Salad served in cute, little cups.
There’s California maki and a few other variety of sushi!
Lamb Ouzzi is always a hit at Iftar offerings.
I wasn’t able to capture the abundance of variety of dishes on the buffet spread. However, one thing’s for sure -at a rate of AED 149 net per person, diners get more than their money’s worth at Liwan Restaurant in Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana.
With my fellow bloggers here in UAE, together with Ferry from Rotana (5th from left. Thanks, Ferry!)
If you are in Dubai or visiting UAE during this time, what’s waiting for you at Liwan Restaurant when you dine there for Iftar?
- Be one of Liwan’s daily lucky winners with weekend stays & meal vouchers for 2 or win the grand prize of 2 airline tickets from Turkish Airlines.
- Enjoy Ramadan Photo Booth at Liwan
- Special 50% OFF Ramadan Iftar Coupon Promotion. A coupon entitles 1 diner for an Iftar at Liwan for only AED 79 (Originally priced at AED 149). Simply follow these steps:
- #RamadanAGR Photo Competition.
For more details, or for reservations, kindly call T: (+971) 4 293 3000, F: (+971) 4 293 3555, Email: fb.alghurair@rotana.com
