On the sixth day of Ramadan, I went to a special Iftar for the press and bloggers in Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana. My husband and I, together with a fellow Pinoy Blogger Doc Gelo, were the first guests to be welcomed. We wanted to take photos of the untouched banquet; hence we were in Liwan restaurant 30 minutes before Iftar time.
It was one of the moments when I had to give myself a pat on the back for being an early bird caused by not having a wardrobe dilemma! We didn't just manage to capture the beautiful food presentation, but witnessed how a glorious sunset signified that it's time to break the fast!
Liwan is a glass-clad all day dining restaurant where guests can watch the world go by through the tall glass windows while having a sumptuous feast. This Ramadan, it is where family and friends can gather, watch the sunset over the horizon and experience the true meaning of the season.
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| sunset at Liwan in Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana |
The spirit of Ramadan can be felt all throughout Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana. The airy, high-ceiling lobby has a majlis tent where hotel guests can have some dates and tea. The contemporary Liwan restaurant is accentuated with a traditional Arabian vibe. Each table is topped with an Arabian lantern and a box of dates, dried apricots and walnuts.
Live Arabic entertainment started at sundown, filling the dining hall with more warmth and joy of the holy month. The spirit of togetherness are captured in the hotel's Ramadan Photo Booth where guests can automatically upload the snaps in social media and can have the chance to win awesome prizes.
Live Arabic entertainment started at sundown, filling the dining hall with more warmth and joy of the holy month. The spirit of togetherness are captured in the hotel's Ramadan Photo Booth where guests can automatically upload the snaps in social media and can have the chance to win awesome prizes.
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| Ramadan table setting at Liwan |
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| Arabian Lamps and Arabic starters |
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| Live Arabic Entertainment |
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| snapped at the Ramadan Photo Booth |
Iftar at Liwan is focused on traditional Arabic cuisines, yet also has some International dishes in the spread. Starters are placed in a richly-decorated buffet counter. I was a happy foodie when I found a maki and sushi bar. Other than the fact that I love Japanese rolls, my palate was extremely longing for the non-traditional Iftar options because I just had a Moroccan feast with colleagues a night before.
Dressed appetizers and Arabic salads are nicely presented in clay pots and glass cups. Pastel-colored fruit smoothies are placed in unique mini bottles. I took two different flavors and immensely loved the creamy, fruity, healthy taste!
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| Japanese Food in Liwan's Iftar Buffet |
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| Arabic appetizers |
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| an array of International starters |
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| grilled vegetables |
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| creamy and fruity smoothies |
A stunning counter with chafing dishes filled with Flavours of Arabia attracted most of the guests. There's also a Shawarma Station, an Indian Bazaar and a giant pan of Lamb Ouzi! Just when I thought I had enough of lamb ouzi because I had it for two consecutive nights, I was tempted to ask for a slice of tender lamb meat and a spoonful of spiced rice. No regrets! The classic Iftar fare at Liwan is exquisitely delish! And besides, Iftar is not complete without ouzi on your plate!
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| Arabic cuisine at Liwan |
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| Shawarma Station |
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| the star of every Iftar spread: Lamb Ouzi |
I missed to pass by the dessert station before Iftar; hence I never got to see the sweets in all its splendor! I bet the spread is as stunning as the others when it was still untouched! A variety of cakes and pastries were offered on one side, and an assortment of Arabic sweets on the other. I grabbed a baklava and a Turkish delight, and happily paired it with a cup of minty Moroccan tea.
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| Turkish Delights |
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| premium dates |
International Iftar at Liwan is reasonably priced at 149 AED per person. Dine and win weekend stays and meal vouchers for two in the daily draw, or win two Turkish Airlines tickets in the grand draw! How awesome is that?
Check out these Ramadan offerings at Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana:
Location:
Liwan
Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana
Deira, Dubai
Contact # 04 293 3000
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