If you’re looking for an iftar with a twist, head straight to Al Andalus Tent at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. True to its pitch, the offerings embody modern Arabian cuisine, and are markedly different from those offered at most other venues around town.
The decor of the tent echoes Andalusian architecture, and the views of Al Maqta channel provided an especially pleasing backdrop to our meal.
Among the starters, the mushroom soup was a departure from the usual, and having opted for it, I felt rewarded with the taste and aroma. Right next to the soup station were the fresh breads, and the delightfully swirled butter that I could not pass up on.
Before I could move on to the salads, the sushi bar got in the way. I say this because I ended up gorging on the delicious sushi without a care, and really had no room for much else afterwards. In my defence, there was just so much variety to choose from, including a delicious tuna uramaki, a flavourful shrimp tempura uramaki and a tasty California maki.
Afterwards, the pasta salad left a mark, and the shrimp pineapple salad was refreshing.
As I write this review, I realise that seafood made up a big portion of my iftar. Because the first dish I had from among the main courses was the comforting seafood lasagne, followed by grilled shrimp scampi. The Bengali — style chicken biryani was also a must-try, as were the little shawarma rolls.
Afterwards, I sampled a creamy lamb dish and some oriental chicken curry, and enjoyed a few bites from the Arabian grills. The rotisserie chicken looked appetising too, but I decided to move on to dessert instead.
While the baklava was delicious, it was the chocolate mousses, the crepe and the ice creams that I really enjoyed.
In the background, there was live music, adding an Arabian touch to our evening, and the staff were perpetually welcoming to our requests.
A hot cup of mint tea later, we were on our way home. But I awoke the next morning, regretting deeply that I had not been able to savour more of the lavish iftar at the Fairmont.
The details
What: Al Andalus Tent at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Where: Al Maqtaa area, Abu Dhabi
Price: Dh225 ++ per person
Timings: Sunset until 9.30pm.
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FIVE OTHER IFTARS TO TRY
Where: Catch, Fairmont Dubai
What: Surf’s up with these seafood specials, with an iftar feast offering delicacies such as freshly cooked lobster rolls and crispy shrimp.
Price: Dh200 per person.
Timings: Sunset until 9pm.
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Where: Olea, St. Regis Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
What: Tuck into an Arabic-infused, continental iftar, while you soak in panoramic views of the ocean.
Price: Dh220 per person. (50 per cent off for children between 6 to 12).
Timings: Sunset until 9pm.
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Where: Baker-Finch Room at Arabian Ranches Golf Club
What: This clubhouse-themed eatery is the ideal destination to get a blend of authentic Arabian cuisines and contemporary European food.
Price: Dh180 per person
Timings: Sunset until late.
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Where: Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah
What: Try this family-friendly iftar at Mezzerie restaurant, with live cooking stations and specials that include spiced mixed grills and a carving station.
Price: Dh195 per person. (50 per cent off for children between 6 to 12 years).
Timings: Sunset to 8.30pm.
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Where: Citymax Hotels (multiple locations)
What: Bespoke buffet set up at City Cafe, perfect to be enjoyed with family and friends, without burning a hole in your pocket.
Price: Dh69 (Citymax Bur Dubai), Dh59 (Citymax Al Barsha) and Dh55 (Citymax Sharjah)
Timings: Sunset until 11pm.
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