The post Hitchki | Mirdif City Centre appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>
From the thali, we loved the truffle labneh, haleem, mutton samosas and chicken cutlets.
My favourites were the mutton kabuli biryani and chicken korma. I would have definitely loved a little more of the korma along with some bread but we were too full with the variety on the thali.
The ambience of the restaurant is lovely and I would certainly want to go back to try out more of their dishes.
Hitchki Mirdif
Location: Level 1, City Centre Mirdif, Mirdif, Dubai
Contact: +97145464199 | +97145464200 | +97145464198
View this restaurant on Zomato
The post Hitchki | Mirdif City Centre appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>The post Entre Nous Novotel WTC | Iftar Listing 2019 appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>
Fancy a traditional yet affordable iftar in the heart of the city? Then you should definitely try Entre Nous Restaurant at Novotel World Trade Center. Offering classic Arabic cuisine in a buffet setting, the iftar includes a selection of Ramadan drinks, delectable dates, healthy raw and cooked salads, a wide variety of continental mains and mouth-watering Arabic dishes, lamb ouzi, tempting Arabic sweets and scrumptious international desserts.
What I loved the most about this iftar was their fish, navratan korma and bread. Yes, their bread rolls were heavenly! Available from sunset until 11pm, this Iftar falls in line with perfectly traditional Arabian hospitality. It is priced at only AED 139 per person and includes food, water and Ramadan juices. Don’t leave the kids home for this one, for children under 12 receive a 50% discount and children under 6 dine for free.
Entre Nous
Iftar Type: Buffet
Venue: Entre-Nous Restaurant, Novotel World Trade Centre, Lobby Level, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area, Dubai
Dates: Daily throughout Ramadan
Time: From sunset to 11 pm
Price: AED 139 per person
Children: Ages under 12 receive a 50% discount | Ages under 6 dine for free
Offers: Special coupon discount downloadable on https://www.novotel-dubai-world-trade-centre.com/offers/myramadan/
Contact: +971 4 332 0000 | H5261-FB1@accor.com
The post Entre Nous Novotel WTC | Iftar Listing 2019 appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>The post Ramadan in Dubai | 50+ Iftars, Suhoors, Staycations, Spas & more appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>
What Ramadan really offers is the opportunity to reflect on your sins, ask for forgiveness, practice tolerance and convey gratitude to your family and friends, while observing the month long fast to weed out everything negative from your life. Ramadan in Dubai is even more special. Proudly standing at the crossroad of global cultures, Dubai is one of the few cities in this world that creates a welcoming atmosphere for non-Muslims to follow Ramadan just like their Muslim friends and colleagues do. Whether it is observing fasts from sunrise to sunset, learning to pray, performing good deeds like distributing food to the poor, or even as little as refraining from eating, drinking or abusing in front of those who are fasting – people from different faiths love being a part of Ramadan in UAE.
Since we are referring to Dubai, there is one more thing that sets this city apart from the rest – Iftar! From quick AED 10 Iftar box meals to lavish Iftar buffets upward of AED 300, when it comes to breaking the fast, this city caters to every taste and pocket. So while we focus on the Holy aspects of the month that highlight religious observance, self-reflection, and refrain from everything bad and impure, we also can’t wait to start the fasting and feasting.
Just like every year, hotels and restaurants across UAE are all geared up to embark the Holy month by hosting Ramadan tents, Iftars and Suhoors in Dubai along with some great offers for spa and staycation for residents and tourists alike. What’s important to know is that these options cater to both Muslims and non-Muslims, locals and expats, and are completely in sync with the multitude of cultures that call Dubai their home. This guide will take you through a collection of best Iftars in Dubai and UAE. Read on to shortlist your favorites >
DUBAI
Address Boulevard
The Restaurant - AED 220⌄
Group Rates - from AED 195⌄
Address Downtown
The Restaurant - AED 210⌄
The Lounge - AED 180⌄
The Secret Garden - AED 160⌄
Address Dubai Mall
Chic City Iftar at Cabana- AED 195⌄
Group Rates⌄
Address Dubai Marina
Ramadan Sawa - AED 199⌄
Address Montgomerie
Aquaviva - AED 185⌄
Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah
Khaymat Al Bahar - AED 195⌄
Pai Thai - AED 270⌄
Aloft City Centre Deira
The Canteen - AED 149⌄
Amwaj Rotana
Horizon Restaurant - AED 139⌄
Angelina Café & Tearoom
Angelina - AED 139⌄
Armani
Armani/Ballroom - AED 250⌄
Armani/Amal - AED 250⌄
Atlantis
Asateer - AED 220⌄
Hakkassan - AED 288⌄
Kaleidoscope - AED 215⌄
Bab Al Shams
Al Hadheerah - from AED 265⌄
Bice Mare
“La Famiglia” menu - AED 195⌄
Bombay Bungalow
Bombay Bungalow - AED 110⌄
Cassells Al Barsha Hotel
Cassells Al Barsha - from AED 33⌄
Centro Barsha
c.taste - AED 89⌄
Chicken Cottage
Ramadan Meals - from AED 35⌄
Dish
Ramadan Nights by Dish - AED 200⌄
Dubai Hills Golf Club
Hillhouse Brasserie - AED 155⌄
Dukes The Palm
The Great British Restaurant - AED 185⌄
Khyber - AED 185⌄
Fairmont Dubai
Cascades - AED 184⌄
OPA - AED 195⌄
Four Points by Sheraton
Purani Dilli - AED 95⌄
Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah
Coya - AED 250⌄
Scalini - AED 265⌄
Gia Ristorante
Gia - from AED 39⌄
Grand Millennium Dubai
The Atrium - AED 199⌄
Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay
Al Waha Restaurant - AED 95⌄
Gunaydin
Gunaydin - AED 230⌄
Gürkan Şef
Gürkan Şef - AED 149⌄
Habtoor Palace, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Ramadan Tent - AED 165⌄
Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Jadaf Culture Village
Somaya - AED 99⌄
Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City
Sirocco - AED 115⌄
Ibis Dubai Al Rigga
Lounge Cafe - AED 69⌄
Ibn Al Bahr
Ibn Al Bahr - AED 125⌄
Intercontinental Dubai Festival City
Anise - AED 215⌄
The Fish House - from AED 190⌄
JA Ocean View Hotel
Le Rivage - AED 145⌄
Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Al Nafoorah - AED 195⌄
Flow - AED 98⌄
JW Marriott Hotel Dubai
Market Place - AED 99⌄
Bamboo Lagoon - AED 175⌄
Kaftan
Kaftan La Mer - AED 190⌄
Kaftan Jumeirah - AED 190⌄
Karak House
Karak House - AED 109⌄
La Ville Hotel & Suites
Chival - AED 239⌄
La Petite Maison Dubai
La Petite Maison - AED 240⌄
Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts
Lapita Hotel - AED 175⌄
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina Dubai
Bounty Beets - AED 120⌄
M Hotel Downtown by Millennium
Lemon Pepper Restaurant - AED 110⌄
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
The Bay - AED 265⌄
Spa: Revitalise - AED 975⌄
Spa: Refresh - AED 925⌄
Spa: Restore - AED 925⌄
Manzil Downtown
The Courtyard and Boulevard Kitchen - AED 195⌄
Masti
Masti - AED 150⌄
Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
Loumi - AED 169⌄
Eid at Loumi - from AED 199⌄
Da Vinci’s- AED 120⌄
Eid at Da Vinci's - AED 120⌄
Private Iftar - from AED 130⌄
Millennium Atria Business Bay
Laguna Restaurant - AED 110⌄
Movenpick Hotel Apartments Al Mamzar
Spices Restaurant - AED 99⌄
Movenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai
Fountain Restaurant - AED 120⌄
Chutney’s Restaurant - AED 110⌄
Muchacha’s
Mexican Iftar - AED 149⌄
Nando’s
Ramadan Meals - from AED 119⌄
Novotel & Ibis Dubai Deira City Centre
Tala - AED 105⌄
Novotel Suites & Ibis Dubai Mall of the Emirates
Deli Boutique - AED 99⌄
Novotel World Trade Centre
Entre-Nous - AED 139⌄
Palace Downtown
Ewaan Ramadan Tent - AED 255⌄
Asado - AED 225⌄
Thiptara - AED 225⌄
Buhayra Lounge⌄
Fai⌄
Group Rates⌄
Spa & Suhoor⌄
Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel
Kris with a View - AED 149⌄
Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre
Medley - AED 209⌄
QD’s
QD's Tent - AED 170⌄
Queen Elizabeth 2
Majlis Al Malika - AED 195⌄
Majlis Al Mulook - AED 195⌄
The QE2 Spa - AED 169⌄
The QE2 Heritage Trail - AED 170⌄
Culture Vulture Stay Packages - from AED 530⌄
F&B venues at QE2 open during Ramadan⌄
Ramada Jumeirah
CuiSines - AED 99⌄
Renaissance Downtown Hotel
Iftar at BHAR - from AED 195⌄
Roberto’s Restaurant and Lounge, Dubai
Special Dinner - AED 275⌄
Rove Hotels
The Daily - AED 99⌄
Ramadan Staycation Package - from AED 149⌄
F&B venues at Rove Hotels open during Ramadan⌄
Sah El Nom
Sah El Nom - AED 145⌄
Seven Sands
Seven Sands - from AED 155⌄
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Public Iftar - AED 185⌄
Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers
Hatta Restaurant - AED 149⌄
Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel
Besh - from AED 111⌄
Private Iftar - from AED 145⌄
Sofitel Dubai Downtown
Les Cuisines - from AED 159⌄
Group Rates⌄
Ramadan Stay Package - from AED 555⌄
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Segreto - AED 150⌄
Studio M Arabian Plaza
Level M - AED 109⌄
Swissotel Al Ghurair
Liwan Restaurant - AED 169⌄
Shayan Restaurant - AED 199⌄
Taqado
Ramadan Bundle - AED 99⌄
The Coffee Club
The Coffee Club - AED 85⌄
The H Dubai
Eat & Meat - AED 185⌄
The Meydan Hotel
Meydan Ramadan tent - AED 199⌄
The Ritz Carlton DIFC
Ramadan Tent - from AED 179⌄
The Ritz Carlton JBR
Amaseena Majlis - AED 205⌄
TRYP by Wyndham
Staycation - from AED 180⌄
V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton
Namu - AED 155⌄
Vida Downtown
3in1 - AED 180⌄
Walnut Grove
Walnut Grove - AED 129⌄
Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi
Serdaal Ballroom and Terrace - AED 155⌄
Wyndham Dubai Marina
Staycation - from AED 230⌄
ABU DHABI & AL AIN
Al Raha Beach Hotel
Sevilla - AED 219⌄
Saraya Tent - from AED 90⌄
Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi
Ingredients - from AED 199⌄
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island
Ramadan Day Visit- from AED 245⌄
Bab Al Qasr Hotel
Al Tasamoh Tent - AED 180⌄
Beach Rotana
Essence - AED 230⌄
COYA Abu Dhabi
Coya - AED 199⌄
La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi
La Petite Maison - AED 240⌄
Mercure Grand Hotel Jebel Hafeet
Le Belvedere - AED 120⌄
Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan
Pepper Restaurant - AED 139⌄
Novotel & Ibis Gate Hotels
Gabbiano Italian Restaurant - AED 139⌄
Project Warehouse by Festember
Project Warehouse - Ramadan Pop-up⌄
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Sambusek Tent - AED 240⌄
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
Sofra BLD - AED 250⌄
Spa: Arabian Cleansing Ritual - AED 800⌄
Spa: Gift of Relaxation - AED 399⌄
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Oléa- AED 275⌄
Sontaya - AED 425 for 2⌄
Spa: Organic Detox - AED 850⌄
Urban RetrEAT
Set menu - from AED 50⌄
NORTHERN EMIRATES
Bahi Ajman Palace
Traditional Majlis - AED 129⌄
Four Points by Sheraton Sharjah
Yasmina Restaurant - AED 99⌄
JA Hatta Fort Hotel
Ramadan Tent - AED 145⌄
The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach
Shore House - AED 175⌄
The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
Kaheela - AED 195⌄
Moorish- AED 195⌄
Rainforest Ramadan Offer - from AED 1000⌄
MEAL PLANS, DESSERT OFFERS & MORE
Avocado
Avocado Ramadan menu - AED 1850⌄
Basiligo
Ramadan meal plans - from AED 99⌄
Biryani platter - from AED 180⌄
Corporate gifts - from AED 30⌄
L’ETO Caffe
Discount on cakes - 30% OFF⌄
The post Ramadan in Dubai | 50+ Iftars, Suhoors, Staycations, Spas & more appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>The post Ewaan Ramadan Tent at Palace Downtown | Iftar Listing 2019 appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>
We were invited for a media preview of the Iftar and here’s what we loved about it:
Generous selection of Middle Eastern and International dishes
Saying that the Ewaan Ramadan tent covers all varieties of food would be an understatement. Right from your favorite chicken biryani and lamb ouzi, to seafood and sushi station, salad bar, shawarma, grills, curries, and everything you could possibly think of, is on offer at the buffet. And the desserts are at a whole new level. With a never ending selection of sweet treats, your taste buds will thank you throughout the month.
Dates for every date
Don’t miss the towering pyramid of dates at the Ewaan Ramadan tent. Offering a variety of dates stuffed with different dry fruits, these will be perfect for breaking your fast.
Tanoura dance
As you enjoy your grub, you will be treated to an exciting performance by the Tanoura dancer who by the way, loves to interact with the diners through his dance form. Keep your cameras ready guys!
Ramadan drinks
You can never go wrong with the classic drinks in Ramadan. Including the likes of Laban, Tamer Hindi, Vimto and my all time favorite Qamar al din, these make the best options to hydrate yourself after the fast. Plus they go along great with all that food.
Traditional set up
There’s always something special about dining at Ramadan tents. The brilliance they bring in with their Middle Eastern atmosphere and (almost) Arabian nights vibe, makes the Iftar experience all the more special.
Here are some more pictures from the Iftar preview followed by all the details you need to know
Please note: All photos are courtesy of Palace Downtown and asda’a bcw, and are being published on this website with their permission.
Iftar at Palace Downtown
Iftar Type: Buffet
Venue: Ewaan Ramadan Tent
Dates: 5 May to 4 June 2019
Time: From sunset to 9 pm
Price: AED 255 per person inclusive of buffet, Ramadan juices and water
Suhoor Type: Arabic Buffet
Venue: Ewaan Ramadan Tent
Dates: 5 May to 4 June 2019
Time: Weekdays – 10 pm to 2 am | Weekends – 10 pm to 3 am
Price: AED 170 per person inclusive of buffet and water
Early bird offer: 25% off when you dine or book during the first week of Ramadan
Contact: +9714 888 3444 | dine@emaar.com | mydubairamadan.com
Offering a sense of enchantment, the Ewaan Ramadan tent is highly recommended for large groups of family and friends. Looking out across Burj Lake, nestled amidst tall palm trees, this beautiful resort has all the charm and mystery of a Middle Eastern icon.
The post Ewaan Ramadan Tent at Palace Downtown | Iftar Listing 2019 appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>The post Ramadan Sawa at Address Dubai Marina | Iftar Listing 2019 appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>
We were invited for a media preview of the Iftar and here’s what we loved about it:
Extensive variety of every cuisine you can imagine
The Iftar spread boasts of a lavish buffet with live cooking stations that offer everything from breads, salads and soups to grills, carving stations, Arabic delicacies, Asian counters, Indian curries, and an incredibly decked up selection of all the desserts you could possibly want
Dates and dry fruits
Just like every year, Ramadan Sawa at Address Dubai Marina welcomes you with an exceptional set up of dry fruits that includes multiple types of dates, candied fruits, figs, apricots, Turkish delights and more
Live music
While you dine on your favorite Iftar fare, you will be treated to some lovely traditional tunes by a live music duo placed in the center of the ballroom
Ramadan drinks
Right from the traditional classics to Jallab and Kamardeen to all time favorites like Orange and Mint Lemonade, keep yourself hydrated with a wide selection of Ramadan drinks that are served to your table. And if that’s not enough, a traditional Ramadan drink served in the most authentic style will be a great way to end your meal
Brilliant set up
Flaunting purple hues with a hint of blue, the Constellation Ballroom is decorated in a contemporary style. Offering very soothing vibes, it gives you a sense of calm as you break your fast and feed your soul. Moreover, it accommodates over 400 people, so this will certainly make a good choice for corporate or group iftars as well
Here are some more pictures from the Iftar preview followed by all the details you need to know
Please note: All photos are courtesy of Address Dubai Marina and asda’a bcw, and are being published on this website with their permission.
Iftar at Address Dubai Marina
Iftar Type: Buffet
Venue: Constellation Ballroom
Dates: 5 May to 4 June 2019
Time: 7 pm to 9 pm
Price: AED 199 per person
Children: Ages 6 to 11 receive a 50% discount | Ages 5 and under dine for free
Contact: +9714 888 3444 | dine@emaar.com | mydubairamadan.com
An elegant way to embrace the true spirit of Ramadan with friends, family, and colleagues, we highly recommend visiting the Iftar in Constellation Ballroom at Address Dubai Marina.
The post Ramadan Sawa at Address Dubai Marina | Iftar Listing 2019 appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>The post Suhoor goals at Villa Beirut appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>
Villa Beirut is not just any other pretty place. Gorgeously designed inside a villa with pretty yellow walls, floral accents and a very country vibe, this is one spot you’ll want to keep clicking pictures at, so make sure your phones are fully charged. Read on to find out what we tried at Villa Beirut and what I recommend the most.
Cold Mezzeh
Their cold mezzeh selection included all the Lebanese favorites. Among these were:
– fattouch – with its crispy khubz pieces
– hummus chmandar – flaunting the deep pink hue with its beetroot content
– classic hummus – which was perfect with the warm bread
– beetroot salad – because nothing beets a healthy salad
– al raheb – much like baba ganoush, but with bell peppers, onions and tomatoes
– moutabal – creamy and fine
– tabouleh – with the classic vinaigrette and parsley taste
Hot Mezzeh
Not my usual ones, these hot mezzeh at Villa Beirut were quite a surprise for me:
– moudardra – featuring lentil and rice, this kind of reminded me of koshari, very wholesome
– burghul bil banadora – this one came with fresh tomatoes and was quite filling
– falafel – beautifully crispy, these were my favorite of the lot
– sawda djej – although I am not a big fan of chicken liver, my friend loved these garlicky pieces served with pomegranate sauce
– aliyet dalia – another one of my favorites, this dish had meat sausages cooked with onions, tomatoes and pine nuts
Manakish
From their bread selection, we opted for the zaatar manakish which was made hot and fresh. Friendly tip though: eat it while it’s still hot and you won’t know how you’ll end up finishing the whole thing in an instant.
Mixed Grills
Like at all other restaurants serving Lebanese fare, this part of the night was my favorite at Villa Beirut. For the mains, we were offered mixed grills which came with a mix of shish taouk, kafta and grilled meat cubes. While I am not a big fan of meat cubes, the kafta and taouk were my favorite. These two, combined with the garlic dip and fries made for a filling meal.
Dessert
If you love cotton candy and ice cream, this dessert is just perfect. Hidden beneath a cloud of cotton candy, the sweet vanilla ice cream was a refreshing surprise, and unexpectedly light. It was the perfect way to end our suhoor.
Villa Beirut
-
Food
-
Drinks
-
Ambience
-
Pricing
-
Service
#RashidaReviews
Restaurants located in villas have always been my favorite. Which is why I visited Villa Beirut. While their ambiance in itself makes the restaurant worth a visit, the food their doesn’t disappoint either. My recommendations include beetroot hummus, aliyet dalia, candy floss ice cream and mango passion fruit juice.
Location: Near EPPCO Petrol Station, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
Contact: 0507593267
View this restaurant on Zomato
The post Suhoor goals at Villa Beirut appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>The post Quintessential Lebanese fare in Bay Square – BouBouffe appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>
While we broke our fast with dates and apricots, we were completely in awe of everything that followed.
Stay tuned to find out all those delicacies at BouBouffe that will definitely make you want to go there.
P.S. These dishes are not exclusive to Ramadan. You can get the same ones off their a la carte menu as well. So don’t despair if you missed it.
Mezzeh
Most of my iftars last month started with hummus, and why not! Hummus is not only healthy, but the chickpeas that it’s made with, offer so much nutrition, it is just perfect to give you that instant boost of energy after a day long fast without filling you up.
We opted for the Hummus Beyrouthy at BouBouffe, that came along with cooked fava beans. While this was a part of the cold mezzeh, the lentil soup and stylish salad served their roles for a satiating start.
The fattoush salad came with a tangy lemon dressing while the brown lentil soup, made with onions was perfectly spiced and utterly comforting.
Which is your favorite Lebanese salad? Fattoush or Tabouleh?
Rose Syrup Water and Watermelon Juice
When you fast, your internal body heat increases, especially in these summer months. Since the time I was little, we were told to cool off our body at Iftar with lots of water and hydrating fruits.
This rose syrup water and watermelon juice are perfect for that. Not only do they hydrate you instantly, but the soothing properties of rose and the water content in watermelon replace all the liquids in your body that you lost over the day. They quickly replenish your system by cooling off the heat.
In addition to these, BouBouffe also offers fresh fruit juices in a variety of flavors and Ramadan drinks like Jellab and Kamardin.
Batata Harrah
When it comes to hot mezzeh, there’s never a better option that spiced potatoes. Often referred to as Batata Harrah, these little cubes are deep fried and then coated with a coriander, lemon, garlic and chili dressing. The mixture of tanginess and spicy flavors makes them the perfect side.
And as far as I’m concerned, give me these with some pita bread, and I’ve got myself an entire meal. BouBouffe definitely makes these really well. Just look at the picture. Don’t they look tempting? In my opinion, ignore the regular fries and opt for this instead.
Chicken Shawarma
BouBouffe is famed as the house of charcoal shawarma. And this shawarma chicken platter simply justifies that claim.
Charcoal grilled tender chicken stuffed between a fresh pita bread is served along with garlic sauce, pickle and fries. If you don’t know this yet, you should know that shawarma chicken and garlic sauce make an amazing combination. Moreover, the garlic sauce makes a great dip for the fries by balancing the saltiness with its tangy flavor.
Arayes
Arayes is quite synonymous to Lebanese food and although my tummy was against it, my taste buds decided to delve into this Levant favorite.
Kafta Arayes came in a mighty portion (much to my appetite’s despair), and was filled with delicious kafta stuffing. The hummus and yogurt on the side played the roles of perfect dips for this flatbread sandwich.
Oriental Chicken
This rice dish at BouBouffe is not only delicious, it also offers a very rich flavor, thanks to all those dry fruits.
A part of the mains, this Oriental Chicken comes with fragrant rice served alongside a beautifully tender steamed chicken. Dotted with pine nuts and almonds the oriental rice is enhanced with a dense gravy that intensifies its flavor and adds a savory touch to the dish.
Achtalieh BouBouffe
The Achtalieh BouBouffe dessert is essentially a creamy milk pudding garnished with almonds and pistachios.
Classic, simple and definitely sweet (with all that sugary syrupy goodness), this one makes a light yet delicious end to the meal.
And you can’t possibly imagine how much time and effort it took to compose this shot!
Meghle
Another bowl of sweet goodness, the Meghle at BouBouffe is worth a try. While I chose it mainly for the coconut powder garnish, this halwa like dessert is made with rice powder as its main ingredient.
Apart from dried coconut powder, this too is garnished with walnuts, pistachios and almonds. The dry fruits give the dense texture of this pudding a rich flavor and a’crunchy meets creamy’ experience in every bite.
BouBouffe
Location: Bay Square, Building 4, 7 Al Asayel Street, Business Bay, Business Bay, Dubai
Contact: 800268268333
The post Quintessential Lebanese fare in Bay Square – BouBouffe appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>The post Logma – Where new is better, and new is tastier appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>
Logma doesn’t just offer food. It offers an experience. And this unrivaled experience is what makes you keep you going back for more. They not only stuck to the tradionalities of Iftar, but went a step further with a platter of delicious dates, fresh figs and appetizing apricots that were pre-plated and ready on our table as soon as we arrived. These dates were probably the best ones I have had in a long time. Juicy, fleshy and sweet, if I could, I would go back to Logma just for these.
Karak
For me, breaking the fast calls for a lovely cup of hot Karak. I’m literally having my homemade cuppa while writing this post. We all know how amazingly Logma does Karak Tea. So as soon as we got to placing our order, like a little child, I jumped up asking for Karak first. And our friendly server happily noted that and brought us this piping hot Karak in no time.
Now I’m very particular about tea, especially this kind. I don’t like saffron in it, it hurts my throat. Even the cardamom has to be limited to a bare minimum. And needless to say Logma’s version was perfect, just the way I love it. Make sure you don’t miss out on this one, no matter how hot it is outside.
Chicken Samboosas
We got to Logma right at the brink of Iftar and the crowds were plenty. Yes, that did make their service a tad bit slow, but I wouldn’t mark them down on that, for all the popularity that engulfs this restaurant is not for nothing. The food that followed quickly made up for the lost time.
A part of their new menu and gladly there are these Chicken Samboosas. When I think of a chicken Samboosas, I imagine chicken mince with onions, peppers, chillies and spices. But that’s the Indian in me used to that filling.
Logma, however, begs to differ. These Samboosas come with shredded herbed chicken that mixes up with cheddar, peppers and basil sun-dried pesto to bring about a creamy textured filling. The deep fried Samboosas are dusted with what I would call chicken stock powder, you know the ones you get with noodle packets.
Every single bite is a delight. And four pieces were just too little for me. I would strongly recommend they add a half portion and full portion to their menu. Or better just order two of these 
Jumeirah Blues & Dubai Nights
We needed a break between the Karak and these coolers, which the Samboosas very aptly stepped in to fulfill. But there was definitely no leaving Logma without trying out their new specialty mocktails.
Jumeirah Blues, offering a very classic minty lemonade flavor, is jazzed up with blue lagoon for its fresh look.
Dubai Nights is an intense combination of blackberry, lychee and cranberry juices that come together to give off a very refreshing taste.
I liked Dubai Nights slightly more than the former, simply because of the creativity that went into making sure these ingredients blend well with each other. And they did!
Chicken Tikka Paratha
Another new item on Logma’s menu is this paratha. In fact, there are more than half a dozen options, but given my love for chicken, we opted for the chicken tikka paratha. Served like fusion tacos, these were different, and quite contemporary from what I had imagined them to be. They weren’t rolled or wrapped up and covered with paper tissues.
Their taco like plating got me giving the presentation a lot of points, and the taste quickly exceeded once we dug in.
The chicken tikka pieces, coupled with tomatoes, onions, coriander and mint sauce were just like you would expect – hour and spicy, juicy, creamy and tender in all the right spots. And the paratha didn’t give a never ending guilt feeling, which a more traditional version of this dish otherwise would.
The other favorites from the paratha variety on my radar are Crispy Chicken and definitely definitely Chips Oman.
Halloumi Salad
Nothing complements good food like a good salad. And this one is a new entry on Logma’s menu.
Usually I don’t opt for salads. I’d rather go for an additional starter. But there was something about this one – the halloumi, the pomegranate, the pine nuts and those fresh veggies, I was instantly attracted to it.
The Halloumi salad features mixed baby greens as a base, topped with cucumbers, baby tomatoes, fennel and my favorites – grilled halloumi, pine nuts and pomegranate seeds – all these dressed in a Logma dressing with pomegranate molasses.
If you are a salad person, you should definitely try out the salad variety at Logma. They have an amazing collection of chicken, falafel, freekeh salads and more.
Chicken Biryani
You would never expect a biryani to be this good. Especially when it comes from a non-Indian restaurant. But that’s the thing with Logma. Their cultural exchange reflects so well in their fusion dishes, that you get the best of both, Emirati and Indian cuisines.
Uber that paratha hood, the chicken pieces cooked with all those Biryani spices in a bed of basmati are to die for. And the toasted cashews make the garnish just perfect while adding a lovely crunch.
Highly highly recommended. Whether you order a chicken variant, or a meat or seafood one, or even vegetarian, the biryani is a must have.
Nutella & Banana Paratha Crepe
Have you ever imagined a paratha crepe? Logma already owns it with this extremely chocolaty Nutella & Banana Paratha crepe which again is a new addition to their menu. This crispy paratha is really abundant at Logma. It holds the chicken tikkas, covers up the biryani and here, is stuffed with creamy Nutella and fresh bananas for an unbearably sweet fruity taste.
Adding a little Middle Easten vibe to this dessert are the crushed pistachios that share the garnish with the more crepe friendly icing sugar.
If you are a fan of crepes, Nutella, bananas, or even parathas, try this out!
Lugaimat
Sweet cravings? Chocolate cravings? Lugaimat cravings? There’s one answer to all of them: Logma
Lugaimat has always been like the Emirati version of Gulab Jamun for me. This time, however, they decided they don’t want to be called that anymore. These little fluffy dessert dough balls rose up to the challenge and managed to define their very own personality in my books.
Lugaimat is offered with tons of toppings. You can have them plain or with the classic honey syrup. But who are we to follow classics.
We directly dove into newness and ordered a mix of milk chocolate and salted caramel toppings. While the former comes with biscuit crumbs, the latter is garnished with my fav pecan nuts! These are worth a try. You can also opt for berries, lotus, white chocolate, Oreo and Nutella toppings. In fact, order two or three portions with mixed toppings because one definitely won’t be enough!
Logma
Location: BOXPARK, Al Wasl Road, Al Safa, Dubai
Contact: 80056462
The post Logma – Where new is better, and new is tastier appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>The post Tresind wowed us again – Iftar 2017 appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>
While we were waiting to break our fast, we were served a refreshing concoction of Almond Lassi. Perfect combination of nutrition and hydration, this chilled drink makes a good choice to cool down an empty stomach. Loved how they have covered the glasses in banana leaves to give it a little rustic touch.
Iftari Amuse Bouche
I have loved the welcome Zaatar bread at Tresind ever since I first dined at the restaurant. Although the bread has gone through generations, all the way from pav to foccacia, this pre-starter has never lost its charm.
We started with a lovely Iftari Amuse Bouche that was set up on every table so those who are fasting can instantly break their fast without any wait.
Accompanying the Zaatar foccacia was hummus which had a unique gritty texture. This, in my opinion, made it even more perfect with the foccacia.
The date candies stuffed with popping sugar added a dense bite while balancing it with the sweet crunchy feel. These were quite similar to what Tresind had last year in their Ramadan Amuse Bouche, but the dates this time around were slimmer and came wrapped in a transparent rice paper giving them the look and feel of a candy.
The olives and sweet peppers stuffed with cheese were great for an instant creamy rush while we waited for the next surprise.
Dragon fruit chaat
Along with the dates, foccacia and hummus, the Iftari Amuse Bouche also featured this refreshing contrasting salad platter of sorts.
The Dragon fruit chaat plated beautifully within the half of a Dragon fruit cake with mini watermelon, grape and Dragon fruit scoops – all topped with a spicy tangy tamarind and chaat masala mix.
On the other hand, the Caesar salad canapé started with a large chunk of romaine lettuce as the base, topped with spicy pesto and creamy Caesar dressing.
I would have loved to repeat these, since they were honestly so good, but I also knew there’s a lot more coming our way, so we resisted the temptation and decided to move on with kebabs.
Kebab Platter
Over the last few years, Dubai has seen an influx of restaurants that have turned Indian cuisine into an art. While every restaurant has its own unique flavor that adds a feather to Dubai’s dining hat, Tresind is one of the few that risked by venturing out into the unknown with the then unheard of molecular gastronomy.
These kebabs, while very simple in nature, pack a punch in terms of presentation and taste.
The Iftar set menu offers a choice between one of these four meaty kebabs, but since we were there for a tasting, we ended up trying all.
The first one is a luscious and cooked to the bone tandoori lamb chop, topped with rosemary reduction and plated ever so beautifully over an arty green chutney.
Followed by that is a crunchy portion of tandoori prawns, delicately placed over an English muffin and served alongside hollandaise foam.
Chicken seekh kebabs come in next over a smoked platter, the mince grilled to a smooth consistency that simply melts in every bite.
Skewered Wagyu Boti kebabs, served smoked in a pot with a piece of burnt charcoal, offer a tender closure to the appetizers platter.
Tangy onions and a spicy mint chutney make the perfect accompaniment for these last two.
I honestly can’t pick a favorite, because each one of them was perfect. But if I really had to choose one, the prawns and seekh kebabs would land at a tie on the first spot.
Palate Cleanser
An apricot sorbet came in next to break our appetizers and mains.
Lava Lamp
The Lava Lamp has always been of the classics at Tresind. Scroll down all the way to my last year’s Iftar tasting at Tresind and you will find this in there.
So much is my love for this creative mocktail, that I happened to receive the exact same flavor I tried last year, and trust me, I wasn’t complaining one bit.
Why, because it was a mix of my favorites – passion fruit and mango flavors.
This interesting drink starts off with dry ice, followed by a blend of passion fruit and mango juice. Then comes passion fruit seeds, berries and lots of theatrical appeal. It’s simply amazing to watch the dry ice smoke add enough bubble effect to make those berries appear like they are bouncing within the lamp.
And the flavor, well, let’s just say if I could drink only one drink for the rest of my life, this would be it. Perfectly chilled, perfectly presented and perfectly refreshing.
Swipe left to watch the video of the making of this drink and for more pictures.
Curries
After kebabs, it was time for curries in this Mughlai extravaganza at Tresind. While we opted for the non-vegetarian menu, they have one specifically for vegetarians as well, so don’t cut it off your list yet. This meaty menu however, offers a choice between Rajasthani Laal Mass, Butter Chicken and Kerala Fish Moilee.
Laal Mass, the most authentic type, featured extremely tender meat that made it a gravy delight.
Butter chicken, in all its classic glory, came with tender chicken pieces, finished with a perfected gravy.
Kerala Fish Moilee, although not my first choice in terms of meat, had the fish done so beautifully, I instantly fell in love. The live was slightly biased though, towards the coconut based broth dotted with dried coconut pieces, and steamed vegetables including broccoli, zucchini, beans, carrots and more.
All these were accompanied with freshly baked, warm and soft lachcha parathas.
Even though this would come as a surprise, I highly recommend the fish Moilee. The fish melts in your mouth just like cotton, and is spiced really well.
Biryani
This one here was really special. You know how Biryanis have always been really special to me right, so we opted for not one, but two Biryanis from Tresind’s Iftar menu. Well, they had three options on offer, but three would be an overkill. Moreover, we were so stuffed with all the kebabs and curries, even two seemed like a Herculean task, but thanks to take-away, all that leftover Biryani came back safe with me.
We went ahead with the boneless Chicken Biryani (obviously), and the Shrimp Biryani (again, duh!), leaving the Lamb variety for a later occasion. Cooked in a heavy pot, these biryanis were presented in a unique style with the hot and spicy meat marinade gravy spread over the fragrant Basmati rice and garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
Served alongside the classic burhani boondi raita, these cooked to perfection. Moreover, they instantly made their way to a really high spot in my Biryani Love List.
Even if I would have managed to finish them, it would have been quite a task to relish each and every grain. So yes, as I mentioned in the start, I packed these and brought them back home to savour them for my Iftar the next evening. And they stayed just fine, the tender chicken and shrimp pieces, the spicy masala, the aromatic rice, and… well you get the idea.
Secret: there was one more reason I didn’t want to stuff myself with the Biryanis. Because of what was coming up next.
Mithai Thali
The grand surprise at Tresind’s Iftar menu was this Mithai Thali.
Let’s do a quick round up of everything this dessert platter holds.
* Gulab Jamun
* Baklava
* Chocolate coated Jalebi
* Tresind’s famous Daulat ki chaat
* Ras Malai placed on a Shahi Tukda
* Boondi Laddoo with Shrikhand
* Ghevar
* Nitrogen Kulfi
So many of them! This was a true representation of everything Tresind is – extensive variety, artistic appeal and delightful flavors.
Which is your favorite dessert from these?
Paan Candy Floss
The end was in the classic Tresind style with the paan flavored cotton candy. These fluffy clouds presented in a miniature van have been my favorite ever since my first visit to Tresind. And just to give you perspective, this one was my 4th.
Tresind
Location: Level 2, Nassima Royal Hotel, Sheikh Zayad Road, Trade Centre Area, Dubai
Contact: 04 4489523
The post Tresind wowed us again – Iftar 2017 appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>The post The Vintage Room – for a 60’s appeal appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>
While their Iftar menu focuses mainly on Indian cuisine, barring one pasta, the restaurant otherwise flaunts a lovely mix of Indian and Italian specialties. This means you can enjoy a biryani alongside a pizza, both authentic in their own right.
Take a quick look at the restaurant while you scroll down for the food details.
Check out the water brand they have partnered with. Perfect to replenish your body after a day long fast, Monviso Water, with its low sodium content, is the ideal choice of hydration.
Drinks & Dates
Breaking a fast is something really special and The Vintage Room does it right.
Fresh orange or watermelon juice is presented along with dates and cut fruits that not only add a lot of water and nutrition to your dehydrated body, but also stay light on your stomach so you don’t feel bloated or stuffed just after the fast.
We also tried their Spicy Pomme which was a refreshingly spicy and fizzy blend of green apple, green chillies and ginger ale.
Cheese Fatayer
The starters from the Iftar menu at The Vintage Room don’t fail to impress.
Adding a very subtle Middle Eastern touch to the experience, we start off with Cheese Fatayer. Crunchy pastry stuffed with creamy cheese mix makes a wonderful satisfying appetizer.
Murgh Malai Tikka
This is followed by the classic Mughlai Murgh Malai Tikka. These were my favorite off the starters, because of two main things – the taste of marinade and the tenderness of meat. The garlicky cheesy flavor that coats the perfectly cooked juicy chicken is a total treat for chicken tikka lovers.
Dahi ke kebab
Next we try out the not so conventional Dahi ke kebab. While the filling in these is quite close to the tempered yogurt served along with Indian rice and curries, the crunchy crumbed patty is what sets it apart.
Which one do you like the most? Tell me in the comments below 
Chicken Tikka Masala
The mains from the Iftar menu at The Vintage Room highlight Indian Mughlai cuisine at its best.
The spicy chicken tikka masala served along with buttered naan features melt-in-your-mouth chicken pieces.
Lamb Biryani
Following this beautiful gravy is the fragrant and utterly classic Lamb Biryani, enriched with tender mutton and topped with crunchy onions and cashews. This one is paired with a Burhani raita, which is dotted with burnt garlic pieces.
Pesto Tagliatelle
But there is a little Italian twist on their choice of mains. You can also opt for the Pesto Tagliatelle which comes tossed in the creamiest pesto sauce.
Which one would you order?
Dessert Platter
These were the lovely desserts we ended our Iftar with at The Vintage Room. Although the Iftar menu offers only Seviyaan, we were glad to have been presented with this mixed dessert platter that came with their bestsellers.
The red velvet kulfi, a combination that I had never come across before this, is essentially a dry fruit kulfi with lots of red velvet crumble garnish. The red velvet does add a cakey flavor.
The mini gulab jamuns were such a delight. Not too sweet, just how I like them, these little jamuns had a doughy dense centre which made them all the more delicious. I wouldn’t mind having more of these!
Seviyaan, the classic Iftar dessert, came with a creamy mix of vermicelli in thickened milk with dry fruit garnish.
And my all time fave, Ras Malai was the winner of the platter. Absolutely creamy and flanked beautifully with saffron, the rabri had the perfect consistency – not too thin, and not too thick. The scrumptious Ras Malai dough inside was like a cloud.
Despite being a little heavy, I could really not have said no to more. After all favorites are favorites for a reason.
The Vintage Room
Location: Ground Floor, Century Plaza, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Contact: 04 4489539
The post The Vintage Room – for a 60’s appeal appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>