So the time has come to say goodbye to the brunch season for a few weeks as Ramadan gets into full swing. Don’t be too sad though, this is the perfect time to experience the holy month of fasting and take part in the some of the observances taking place during Ramadan such as an Iftar or a Suhur (Suhoor).
What’s an Iftar and a Suhur?
An Iftar is the evening meal after sunset that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan. You will find that many hotels and restaurants will put on elaborate Iftar buffets that everyone is able to participate in. Suhur is the meal observed later, usually early in the morning, before fasting commences the next day and is less buffet more a la carte menu offerings. You’ll find that Iftars generally take place from 6 -9pm, with Suhurs then starting later (usually from 9.30pm/10pm).
Many hotels erect luxurious tents especially for these meals (check out the Palace in Downtown Dubai for instance). If you can’t quite stretch to the cost of some of the more elaborate affairs taking place (although they are pretty reasonable in most cases considering what’s on offer), you can still experience an Iftar by taking advantage of offers available. I’m keen to sample a few of the many Iftar buffets so have been searching through the Entertainer app (I have the Fine Dining one) to help narrow it down for me – although I’m not sure I’ll be getting through them all!!
Note. The below is accurate at the time of writing. I’ll continue to update this document with changes as best I can but please check the app for the most up to date information! Please note this article is completely independent from The Entertainer and purely written for my own research purposes (and because I love a good deal!)
The list of options on the Entertainer by location:
Location: Dubai Marina:
- Counter Culture Cafe – Marriott Harbour Hotel
- Al Wasl Dhow Floating Restaurant
Location: JLT
- La Vue – Pullman Dubai
- Seasons All Day Dining – Pullman Dubai
Location: The Palm
- Blvd on One – Viceroy
- Great British Restaurant – Dukes
Location: Dubai Media City
- Chef’s House – Radisson Blu Hotel
- Channels – Media Rotana
Location: JBR
- BICE Ristorante – Hilton
- Oceana – Hilton
- Seven Sands – The Beach
- Butcha -Steakhouse & Grill
Location: Al Barsha
- Basil & Spice – Flora Al Barsha Hotel
- Ginger Restaurant – Cosmopolitan Hotel
- Amici – Ibis (MOE)
Location: Umm Suqeim
- Ayam Elezz
- Pantry Cafe
Location: International Media Production Zone
- Red Diamond – Ghaya Grand Hotel
Location: Sports City
- The Big Easy – Els Clubs
Location: Business Bay
- Bayside Restaurant and Terrace – Steigenberger Hotel
- Pantry Cafe
Location: Downtown
- KANPAI, Souk Al Bahar
- Bayty – Carlton
Location: Sheik Zayed Road (near World Trade Centre)
- Flavours on Two – Towers Rotana
- Feast – Sheraton Grand Hotel
- Delphine – The H Hotel
Location: Sheik Zayed Road (Al Safa)
- Al Safa – Metropolitan Hotel
Location: Bur Dubai
- Azalya – Melia Dubai
- Kris with a View – Park Regis
Location: Deira
- Asselah – Radisson Blu Hotel
- Glasshouse – Hilton Dubai Creek
- Market Place – JW Marriott Hotel
- QDs – Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
- Gallery Cafe – Hyatt Place Dubai Baniyas Square
- Syke & Walker – Marriott Exec Apartments Dubai Creek
- Tala – Novotel Deira City Centre
- Jigsaw – AVANI Deira Hotel
Location: Al Rigga
- Lounge Cafe – Ibis Hotel Al Rigga
- Gallery Cafe – Hyatt Place Al Rigga
Location: Al Mamzar
- Spices – Movenpick Hotel Apartments
Location: Jebel Ali
- Urban Seafood – The Outlet Village
Location: Dubai Healthcare City
- Sufra – Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek
Let me know if you try any of the above or another Iftar – I’m definitely looking for recommendations!