Essential Holy Month dishes
Ten ways to break your fast, picked by the city’s top chefs
01 Shorba Lentil soup seasoned with lemon and cumin is essential at an iftar feast, says Lebanese restaurant Al Nafoorah’s chef Ali Fouad. “This is the perfect dish to break the fast, as it is easy on an empty stomach and prepares the body for the large meal to follow,” he explains. “It plays a key nutritional role, it’s a big star dish and it’s a must-serve, especially during Ramadan.” 02 Lamb ouzi Described as “the king of the Ramadan table”, this marinated lamb with aromatic rice can be found at most iftar and suhoor feasts. Chef Ali adds: “It’s designed to be shared in the middle of the table when you’re home with family.”
aJumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3198760. Metro: Emirates Towers. jumeirah.com
03 Fattoush
A feast of healthy salads is a must on any iftar table, and fattoush is an essential feature, argues Middle Eastern chain Abd el Wahab’s chef Michel Aoun. “No one can resist the tangy taste of a fresh batch of fattoush, let alone during iftar, when it is a healthy way to break the fast, thanks to fresh ingredients such as cucumber, tomato, radish, watercress and lettuce.”
04 Batengen kabab
A favourite on Abd el Wahab’s menu, these skewers of aubergine, spiced meatball and tomato are tasty and light. “These are designed to leave stomachs and taste buds very satisfied,” explains chef Michel, “using a combination of healthy and flavourful ingredients, which is just what you need when breaking your fast.”
aVarious locations including Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4230988. Metro: Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall
05 Dawood basha
“This is a special dish prepared only for certain occasions, such as Ramadan – people like it then because it is one of the oldest dishes in the region,” explains chef Nicola Kadmos from JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. He says the meal, featuring beef or lamb meatballs simmered in a tomato sauce, is a seasonal staple, adding, “It is also rich in protein and interestingly enough, thanks to the tomato sauce, keeps people full and hydrated, which means it does not require a lot of drinking water after eating it. This is of benefit to those who are fasting.”
06 Shish barak
A traditional dish of tiny, meatstuffed dumplings cooked in a flavourful plain yoghurt-based sauce. It’s time consuming to make, but commonplace on many an Emirati iftar table. “Local families like to prepare this dish in the month of Ramadan and invite a lot of friends to share it, enjoying quality time together while the dish is being prepared,” explains chef Nicola Kadmos. “Also, the yoghurt makes it easily digested, meaning it’s the perfect dish to enjoy during the Holy Month.”
aJW Marriott Marquis, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4143000. Taxi: JW Marriott Marquis. jwmarriottmarquis dubailife.com
07 King fish machboos
Machboos is a special dish made of rice cooked with meat or fish, which is eaten during Ramadan, explains chef Bassel Ibrahim of Seven Sands Emirati Cuisine & Lounge. He uses king fish in his version, describing it as “a tribute to Dubai’s beginnings as a sleepy fishing village”. Long the preferred catch of Emirati fishermen, the fish can be shared among as many as ten people, making it ideal for an iftar table. “It is nutritious,” chef Bassel adds, “which makes it a great dish to help replenish the body.”
08 Aseeda bobar
“People are often surprised to hear that pumpkin is used in traditional Emirati recipes, but it has been grown in the region for generations,” explains Seven Sands’ chef Bassel, who says this dish is one of his Holy Month must-haves. “Pumpkin often features on iftar menus because it’s low in calories but rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which makes it a nourishing and delicious way to break your fast.” Here, a warm, sweet pumpkin purée is served flavoured with cardamom, local saffron and Emirati ghee.
aThe Beach opposite JBR, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5516652. Taxi: Hilton Jumeirah Beach Residence. sevensandsrestaurant.com
09 Kibbeh
“So many of us still yearn for flavours that are deeply rooted in our childhood,” says chef Ali El Bourji from Lebanese outlet Ayamna, at Atlantis The Palm, who insists kibbeh must feature on his iftar table. Made of freshly ground meat stuffed with minced onions and an array of Middle Eastern spices such as cinnamon, the croquettes can be deep fried or baked and are often served as a mezze or side dish.
10 Puff pastry ouzi
A signature dish from chef Ali El Bourji, this update on the traditional lamb ouzi sees an aromatic mix of rice, vegetables, chicken and lamb wrapped in puff pastry, to be cut open at the communal table. “This dish is a perfect hearty meal and its ceremonious cutting makes for a seasonal delight.” Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4261000. Taxi: Atlantis The Palm. atlantisthepalm.com