For an iftar that is big on variety but doesn’t skimp on flavours the Al Fanous at JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai, is one to try.
The ballroom converted into a massive lounge with gorgeous purple lighting, walls draped in white cloth, and separate majlis areas for a more family friendly setting. Wherever you sit, you’re going to be surrounded by what feels like royal interiors.
The buffet section is a sprawling room with every type of food imaginable. The trouble with massive spreads like this is that the flavours and quality might take a hit, and end up tasting bland. At Al Fanous every dish I tasted could have stood on its own.
The fried starters (everyone’s favourite) were fresh and full of flavour — piping hot kibbe that was spiced perfectly; deliciously salty cheese spring rolls; crunchy, fluffy felafels… the list goes on. Even the salads were worthy trying out.
The selection for mains is massive and no matter how picky an eater you are you will find something to eat. There’s a section for Chinese food, a big sushi station, shelves of freshly made kebabs, a table dedicated to the ever present lamb ouzi, and a table of biryanis and curries.
I had to try a bit of everything and I was not disappointed.
The dessert section was a lot of fun and was crowded every time I passed by it to get to the main buffet. When I did go to indulge in my final course, I was surprised by the range and the inventiveness of the display. There was a particularly well done display made entirely of baklava, which you have to carefully serve yourself from. There was also a section of ice cream (a kid favourite) and a hot dessert section with comforting treats such as Umm Ali, chocolate pudding and date pudding.
Al Fanous is a solid iftar buffet that will satisfy the whole family and keep you entertained.
The details
Where: Al Fanous at JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai.
Price: Dh199 per person.
Timings: Sunset until 8.30pm.
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FIVE OTHER IFTARS AND SUHOURS TO TRY
Where: QD’s, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
What: Suhour at this iconic location comes with amazing views of the Dubai Creek and skuline, featuring all the Ramadan classics.
Price: A la carte
Timings: 9pm to 2am.
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Where: Thanani, Ajman
What: Rich and nutrient-packed food is the focus at iftar at this at new dining destination, featuring all the specials at this time of the year. Warch out for the dessert menu that’s an homage to the date.
Price: Dh125
Timings: 6,30pm to 1am.
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Where: The Majlis, Dubai World Trade Centre
What: While iftar is served at this indulgently-decorated tent, it’s more popular for suhour, due to its lounge areas as well as VIP majlises and gazebos, for those looking for a bit of privacy.
Price: Dh150 per person (iftar). Suhour is a la carte
Timings: Sunset until 9pm (iftar). Suhour is 9pm to 3am.
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Where: Shangri-La Dubai
What: Tradition Arabic cuisine from all over the region as well as all the sweets and desserts is on the menu here at this Shaikh Zayed Road hotel.
Price: Dh175 per person
Timings: Sunset until 8.30pm
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Where: India Palace, multiple locations
What: The Indian restaurant chain’s ‘Chef’s selected tasting menu’ features an unlimited selection served on the table with the dishes changing weekly.
Price: Dh75 for adults. Dh45 for kids.
Timings: Sunset until midnight.
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