FIVE SUHOORS TO TRY
With the first half of Ramadan often dedicated to catching up with family and friends over meals at home, the holy month’s remaining days find suhoor tents in full swing. Here are five to try.
Hawa Beirut, Traders Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Situated on a private stretch of beach within the hotel in the Qaryat Al Beri complex, the Hawa Beirut tent is an utterly relaxing experience. Tastefully decorated with dark fabrics, oriental chandeliers and purplehued lighting, the tent feels very spacious. The food is on point: those looking for more than mezzes should check out the international menu, particularly the tasty, tangy chicken wings and quesadilla. For reservations, call 02 509 855
Byblos Sur Mer, InterContinental Abu Dhabi
A firm favourite on the Abu Dhabi Ramadan scene, this gourmet Lebanese restaurant continues to deliver a luxury suhoor experience. While it boasts comfortable couches, hushed oriental music and slick service, the star of the show is the food. The menu doesn’t pack too many surprises, but the hot and cold mezzes are fresh and done so well that this tent deserves regular visits. Suhoor requires a minimum spend of Dh150. For more information, visit www.diningintercontinental-ad.ae
Saraya Tent, DIFC, Dubai
Suhoor and the city – that sums up the theme of this tent in the heart of Dubai’s financial district. However, the venue doesn’t ape the slickness of its surroundings. Instead, with its soothing colour scheme, spacious setup and super-comfy couches, it aims to act as welcome respite from the daily hustle and bustle. The food is decent, with the kibbeh and cheese pastries a particular standout. Best of all, the tent also boasts a decent-sized car park, which is a rarity in DIFC. For reservations, call 050 306 0628, or email saraya@eanddrepublic.com
Sofitel Dubai, Jumeirah Beach
Despite being held in a ballroom within the hotel, the suhoor here isn’t a stuffy experience. This is another place to go when you are looking for the staples done well: a relaxed vibe, strong service and solid menu. When it comes to the latter, the hotel boasts a slightly wider food selection than most, with the addition of Moroccan and Turkish dishes into the mix. As a result, those with a sweet tooth are in for a treat. For reservations, call 04 448 4848, or email restaurants.dubaijbr@sofitel.com
Kahraman Tent, Ajman
Those taking a trip to the northern emirate shouldn’t pass up on a chance to visit the Kahraman Tent. Nestled within Al Zorah Marina, the tent resembles a coastal retreat, decked out in Turkish and Arabic decorative elements, and mixing the traditional and the modern. Each evening offers an array of tasteful musical performances, with the usual assortment of hot and cold Arabic dishes. For reservations, call 056 422 6521, or email reservations@kahramantent.ae