WITH Ramadan now underway you’ll be hard pressed not to find a Dubai dining outlet that isn’t hosting an Iftar buffet or menu of some type.
And while a few places clearly cater to the masses, Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah has found a good balance between catering for a crowd, while maintaining intimacy.
And while a few places clearly cater to the masses, Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah has found a good balance between catering for a crowd, while maintaining intimacy.
LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT: Everyone can enjoy this part of the holy month
The palatial property on the West Crescent has gone the route of several hotels and installed a temporary outdoor structure for the holy month, but it’s Layali ‘tent’ is imbibed with a layout and fixtures that incite calm rather than the feeding frenzy delivered in some venues.
The glass panels have been cannily erected to the rear of the hotel’s main dining area and then the structure narrows to extend down towards the pool. Tables line either side with views of the Kempinski’s lush gardens.
Water features and vibrant fountains are also enclosed beneath the veiled ceiling to add visual and sound effects to a warm experience engineered by subdued lighting, coloured lanterns and traditional music.
And then, of course, there is the food.
Chef Kasem Alkhobi appears to have gone for a well-conceived blend of traditional Iftar fair and modern additions, such as baked on-the-spot pizza beside the shawarma and carving stations.
The offering is of the high quality level you would expect of this premium European hotel brand, but is not overly lavish; there’s a generous choice, but the selection is not overwhelming.
Water features and vibrant fountains are also enclosed beneath the veiled ceiling to add visual and sound effects to a warm experience engineered by subdued lighting, coloured lanterns and traditional music.
And then, of course, there is the food.
Chef Kasem Alkhobi appears to have gone for a well-conceived blend of traditional Iftar fair and modern additions, such as baked on-the-spot pizza beside the shawarma and carving stations.
The offering is of the high quality level you would expect of this premium European hotel brand, but is not overly lavish; there’s a generous choice, but the selection is not overwhelming.
HELP YOURSELF: Kempinski's Iftar blends tradition and modern choices
That said, it would be easy to fill up on the enticing salads alone – dare you not to fall for the mustard potato mix – the cold cuts, moist kibbeh and spinach fatayer and cold mezzeh, including a perfect moutabal.
But space should be left for the roast quail and fish in lemon butter sauce, two of our favourites from a preview night that showcased selections from six Iftar menus prepared by Alkhobi and his talented kitchen.
The dessert selection isn’t over-facing either; beside an inspired ginger crème brulee you’ll find a moreish Umm Ali and a Warbat that isn’t quite as naughty - but is just as nice - as the delicate chocolate mousse cake.
All this can be washed down with a colourful range of refreshments, including a decadent Jallab (carob, dates, molasses, rose water), Laban Ayran, Tamer Hindi (tamarind drink) and juices of orange and lemon mint.
The only thing left to do after that is to decide which of the 30 flavours of shisha you wish to puff on as your digestive system deals with the delights it has been treated to.
But space should be left for the roast quail and fish in lemon butter sauce, two of our favourites from a preview night that showcased selections from six Iftar menus prepared by Alkhobi and his talented kitchen.
The dessert selection isn’t over-facing either; beside an inspired ginger crème brulee you’ll find a moreish Umm Ali and a Warbat that isn’t quite as naughty - but is just as nice - as the delicate chocolate mousse cake.
All this can be washed down with a colourful range of refreshments, including a decadent Jallab (carob, dates, molasses, rose water), Laban Ayran, Tamer Hindi (tamarind drink) and juices of orange and lemon mint.
The only thing left to do after that is to decide which of the 30 flavours of shisha you wish to puff on as your digestive system deals with the delights it has been treated to.
INTIMATE: The sound of water inside the Layali Ramadan Tent
The overall result is a special experience, both in terms of food and atmosphere, and an Iftar option that is far from lost on anyone who is not fasting during the holy month.
It is certainly a very good reason to pay a visit to one of Dubai’s more distinctive hotels this summer.
DETAILS:
The Layali Tent will serve its Iftar buffet until July 19.
The cost is 185AED per person. A crab and lobster feast is available for a supplement on request.
To make your reservation, call 04 444 2000 or visit www.kempinski.com/palmjumeirah
It is certainly a very good reason to pay a visit to one of Dubai’s more distinctive hotels this summer.
DETAILS:
The Layali Tent will serve its Iftar buffet until July 19.
The cost is 185AED per person. A crab and lobster feast is available for a supplement on request.
To make your reservation, call 04 444 2000 or visit www.kempinski.com/palmjumeirah
