Focus on quality over quantity at iftars could help reduce food waste this year
Hoteliers in the UAE are intent on delivering quality over quantity this Ramadan, as Covid-19 safety restrictions mean grand iftar meals have to give way to more intimate affairs.
Iftar and suhoor buffets served in elaborate tents, so often a staple of Ramadan prior to the pandemic, were cancelled by authorities for a second year in an effort to prevent large gatherings.
Before Ramadan, a-la-carte dining had already replaced the lavish breakfast spreads and brunches.
One of Dubai’s leading hotel groups is now putting the emphasis on table service rather than opulent feasts.
“The health and hygiene requirements for Covid-19 mean we can’t offer the huge buffet type service we used to,” said Adam Tracey, executive chef for Radisson Blu, Dubai Waterfront and Dubai Canal View.
“There is an acceptance among people this is the way it’s going to be this year, but it just means the onus is on hotels to provide quality over quantity.
“There are still traditions we have to observe like making sure the food prepared for iftar is plentiful, but the emphasis is definitely on a la carte this year.”
Mr Tracey said the coronavirus restrictions could help tackle the amount of food waste, and predicted that hotels and restaurants would consider adopting the new practices permanently.
“I would say the future will be something of a halfway house,” he said.
“Some restaurants will no doubt want to go back to the way it was two years ago before the pandemic.
“But others will take a step back and see the value there is from having an a-la-carte offering instead of a buffet.
“What you get at the start of a buffet can be very different than what is on offer a few hours later, in terms of quality.”
The issue of food waste has been a thorn in the side of the hospitality sector and environmentalists in the UAE.
It is estimated that just under 40 per cent of the food prepared in the UAE is wasted, with that figure rising to 60 per cent during Ramadan, according to Dubai Carbon.
The UAE discards food worth close to Dh13 billion each year, with the country estimated to generate between 1.9kg and 2.5kg of waste a person each day. Hilton is another hotel chain making use of a la carte dining this Ramadan.
“We are putting the emphasis on personalised service during the holy month, with many of our restaurants serving food a la carte at the table, as well as offering assisted buffets,” said Christian Gradnitzer, Hilton’s senior director of food and beverage development, openings and operations.
Several restrictions were announced by authorities in the UAE last month to help to reduce the risks posed by the virus this Ramadan.
In previous years, it was not uncommon for hotels to set up tents to accommodate those who wanted to have iftar or suhoor.
But Dubai’s Islamic authority announced Ramadan tents were not permitted in the emirate this year.
Officials in Abu Dhabi also announced Ramadan tents would not be permitted.