Ten dishes to try this Ramadan
Not sure what to eat during iftar and suhoor? The city’s top chefs reveal their favourite seasonal meals for the Holy Month
01 Lamb thareed
A popular dish at Emirati family gatherings, lamb thareed should “always be present whenever there’s an event in any house”, explains chef Abu Halab from Beach Rotana’s Al Nafoura Lounge. Effectively a very hearty soup or a meat stew, the dish features a layer of crispy flatbread topped with a thick, slow-cooked meat soup and is popular during Ramadan – it’s both filling yet light on the stomach.
02 Rayhan tabbouleh
The classic tabbouleh is a Levantine vegetarian salad made of finely chopped parsley with tomatoes, mint, onion and bulgur wheat, then seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. However, during Ramadan, you’ll find variations aimed at those of you who have been fasting also on menus. “This dish is important as a starter, since the main ingredients of the salad will give a boost to the body to regain the energy that was lost during the fasting hours,” explains chef Halab, who has added pineapple and strawberry to his seasonal version to provide healthy sugars for post-fast guests.
Beach Rotana, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6979302. Taxi: Beach Rotana. rotana.com
03 Kunafa
A traditional Palestinian dessert, kunafa consists of crisp cheese pastry soaked in a warm, sweet sugar syrup and topped with pistachio nuts. A favourite of Sambusek’s chef Emad Zalloum, you’ll find different versions all over the city – some use smooth semolina pastry, others thin pastry shreds.
04 Fatteh bil laban
Made with fried Arabic bread topped with tahini-laced yoghurt, then layered with a choice of lamb, chicken or roasted aubergine, it’s a filling starter finished with a topping of boiled chickpeas with pistachios, cumin and paprika. “This dish is popular during Ramadan, due to its composition and softness,” Zalloum explains. “We like to cook this right in front of the guests to keep in all the vitamins and nutrients.”
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 8135550. Taxi: Rosewood. rosewoodhotels.com
05 Dajaj bil batata
Garlic, lemon and olive oil are centrepieces of Lebanese cooking, and they’re put to great use in the traditional dajaj bil batata. Translating, essentially, as roast chicken with potatoes, it’s a common centrepiece on family iftar tables and can be prepared well in advance so it’s ready for when guests show up. “This traditional dish is ideal for sharing with friends and family as a main during the Holy Month,” says chef Jouni Ibrahim from Etihad Towers, who chose the dish.
06 Daoud basha
A wholesome dish found across the Levant region made with lamb or beef meatballs. They’re sometimes stewed in their own juices or with onions, but are most commonly cooked with tomato paste and nuts, and then served with seasoned vermicelli rice as a flavoursome and filling main course.
Jumeirah At Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 8115666. Taxi: Etihad Towers. jumeirah.com
07 Ouzi regag
Cooked using a whole marinated lamb, this classic Emirati dish is a must try if you’re looking to get a real taste of Ramadan. Chef Fayez Al Jamous of Emirates Palace, who selected the dish, says: “The baby lamb ouzi is marinated for over 12 hours with homemade local spices and ghee to ensure that it’s tender and flavourful, then served on a bed of fragrant oriental rice with traditional regag bread. It is definitely a family favourite and a great option for iftar because it is wholesome, filling and extremely delicious.”
08 Asseeda bouber
“Middle Eastern cuisine is known for offering a host of sweet and savoury flavours which are unique and memorable,” explains chef Al Jamous, who recommends the traditional Emirati dessert asseeda bouber, a spiced pumpkin puree infused with cardamom and saffron, as the perfect end to a filling iftar meal.
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6907999. Taxi: Emirates Palace. emiratespalace.ae
09 Chicken machboos
The national dish of Bahrain (made with meat and rice) is a common one on Ramadan menus all over the GCC, and a top pick for Eastern Mangroves Hotel And Spa By Anantara head chef Firas Jawad. Similar in style to a Saudi Arabian kabsa or even an Indian biryani, here, chicken pieces on the bone are cooked with fragrant rice and spices for a filling main.
10 Luqaimat
A dumpling dish flavoured with dates particularly popular during Ramadan. “Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing our guests enjoy their meal amongst family”, says Chef Firas Jawad. “I recommend finishing off your buffets with the date-flavoured juiciness of these freshly made dumplings”.
Eastern Mangroves Hotel And Spa By Anantara, Salam Street, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6561000 Taxi: Eastern Mangroves. abu-dhabi. anantara.com