April welcomes the Holy Month of Ramadan, which means that a diverse array of delectable iftars and community-focused events are soon to take place around the seven emirates. Be it a decadent affair or something more quietly sophisticated, take a detour from the city’s typical lavish buffets and head to one of these stunning establishments to break your fast with a difference
Coya, Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Since opening its doors back in 2014, popular Peruvian hotspot Coya has garnered a loyal fanbase of foodies who return week after week for its Latin American small plates and buzzy atmosphere. Now, in celebration of the Holy Month, Coya’s chefs have curated a delectable new set menu perfect for the health-conscious looking to break their fast with wholesome meals, including pumpkin and tomato soups with kale and cucumber salads, mushroom ceviche and grilled baby corn to start. Catering to meat eaters and vegetarians alike, guests can choose from a selection of five hearty mains, such as succulent baby chicken, Peruvian dried potato and cauliflower with rice, beef ribs, chargrilled sea bream fillet, and Chilean seabass, but be sure to save room for a dessert of green tea meringue with pistachio date cream and apricot, which tastes just as incredible as it sounds. The best bit? Coya’s iftar is available for takeaway, dine-in and delivery, meaning you can indulge without having to leave the comfort of your own home. Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach; call 04 316 9600 or visit coyarestaurant.com
Market, The EDITION, Abu Dhabi
Nestled among the waterfront in Abu Dhabi’s sparkling Al Bateen Marina, the first Edition in the Middle East is all about modern, stylish design, and its iftar offerings promise to follow suit. Opening exclusively for the Holy Month of Ramadan, Market at Edition will once more see celebrated Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens in charge of food. However, this time he’s teamed up with renowned Dubai-based chef Mohammad Orfali to create a smorgasbord of contemporary Arabic dishes with a fine-dining twist. Comprising of both live cooking stations and intimate table service in the private dining room, expect everything from zaatar spice-rubbed chicken breast with bulgur wheat salad, to roast cauliflower and chickpea tagine with saffron and black rice. To finish, there’s the exclusive Edition Arabian ice cream collection, which comes served black in colour in a charcoal cone, with flavours including black sesame and activated charcoal, smoked apple, watermelon and chilli sorbet, and toffee popcorn that will ensure any sweet cravings are well and truly satisfied. Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi; call 02 208 0000 or visit editionhotels.com
Cé La Vi, Address Sky View Hotel, Dubai
For divine iftar dishes served alongside some of the most breathtaking views of the city, Cé La Vi should be your first port of call. Bringing over 11 years of culinary experience to the table, the rooftop lounge’s creative new three-course menu, which was imagined exclusively for the Holy Month, is the brainchild of chef Howard Ko, who will be whipping up starters including baby gem lettuce salad with radicchio, radish and edamame, plus winter squash soup with date cream. When it comes to mains, there’s everything from roasted black cod with sweetcorn pudding to grilled baby chicken satay with coconut rice, while a healthy assortment of fresh fruits offers a more virtuous take on traditional desserts. Shisha is available on request, to be enjoyed with family and friends while watching the sun disappear behind the majestic Burj Khalifa. Level 54, Address Sky View Hotel, Dubai; call 04 582 6111 or visit celavi.com
Hutong, DIFC, Dubai
Ticking all the right boxes when it comes to ambiance, décor, service and haute cuisine, Northern Chinese restaurant Hutong is a firm favourite among Dubai’s elite, with immaculately curated dishes that don’t disappoint. For those looking for a unique spin on iftar with occasionally fiery dishes that are perfect for sharing, guests will be welcomed to break their fast with dates before kicking the meal off with a choice of soup, including crab and golden pumpkin and Chinese leek and chilli pepper. Star starters include wild mushroom and truffle bao buns, and prawn and chicken siu mai, while a medley of mains such as wok-tossed beef tenderloin and spiced yuxiang crispy eggplant effortlessly combine both Arabian and Chinese flavours. Dessert comes in the form of date pudding, which can be enjoyed among the bespoke interior design elegantly inspired by the spirit of the Silk Road during the Qing Dynasty. Gate Building 6, DIFC, Dubai; call 042 200 868 or visit hutong-dubai.com
What To Wear
Jewel tones and a touch of print make for the perfect attire for an evening spent at one of the UAE's most opulent hangouts.
