Ramadan 2017: our pick of the best suhoors in Dubai

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  Courtesy Sofitel

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  Courtesy Liwan

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  Courtesy Chi-ka

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  Courtesy Qasr Al Sultan

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  Courtesy Burj Al Arab

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  Pawan Singh / The National

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  Courtesy Jumeirah Beach Hotel

We pick out some of our favourite Dubai venues for a spot of suhoor.

Tea nights

Playing on the theme of a traditional afternoon tea, Demoiselle by Galvin along City Walk in Dubai is inviting diners to try its suhoor called ‘Tea Nights’ throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

Tailored menu highlights of the pre-dawn meal include crispy flat bread and harissa chicken served with a refreshing yoghurt and coriander dip. To end things on a sweet note, the venue’s pastry chef will prepare toasted sesame beignets – hollow pastry puffs of dough - accompanied by date syrup as well as a brioche Um Ali with candied roses. All dishes are served with the French bistro’s selection of teas and coffees.

Dh85 per person, 9pm to 2am on weekdays and until 3am on weekends. 04590 5076 demoiselle.meraasapps.com

Armenian fare

Foodies with a sense of adventure should try the suhoor offered by Al Mayass at the Sofitel Downtown Dubai. The restaurant chain, which was originally founded by the Alexandrian family in Beiruit back in 1966, now has venues around the world from the Middle East to New York. A la carte specialties include aromatic Armenian soups, marinated slow-cooked lamb and Lebanese kibbeh bi laban. Proving particularly popular for suhoor is traditional moghrabieh, a pearled couscous spiced with cumin and coriander.

Lighter options available include fresh fruits and a selection of sweets. The venue seats up to 170 people and booking is advised.

Prices are a la carte, 9pm until 3am. 043387772 www.sofitel-dubai-downtown.com

Oud recitals

Located at Dubai’s City Walk 2, vast tents catering to up to 500 guests are part of what’s called the Liwan Ramadan Majlis. Serving authentic Arabic delicacies from live cooking stations during iftar and suhoor, visitors can dine in the privacy of VIP enclosures. There are also luxury areas reserved for dignitaries and royals. What sets the venue apart is the entertainment, which includes traditional folk musicians from the region playing with Arabic oud and tambourine accompanists. Popular renditions this month are the greatest hits of Umm Kulthum and Fairuz. Prayer rooms are also available on-site. Booking is not required.

Minimum a la carte spend of Dh150, from 9pm until 3am. 050 3880088 www.liwantent.ae

Japanese immersion

A thoroughly modern take on a conventional suhour is being staged by Chi-ka in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue this June. Located in Warehouse 68, next to Chi-ka, the kimono shop and art space is blending Japanese cuisine and design with traditional Arabic elements in the form of an Open Tent. It features a bonsai garden, Middle Eastern murals and live oud performances.

A selection of Japanese and Arabic a la carte dishes are served alongside workshops for adults and children including origami, tea ceremonies and poetry recitals. All activities are complementary upon arrival.

Inside the Chi-ka boutique itself, which was designed by architect Takeshi Murayama and designer Manabu Ozawa, will be a display of artwork and kimono-fusion abayas.

Dh110, Wed-Sat 7pm-2am. 056 920-6920 www.chikaspace.com

Desert delights

Qasr Al Sultan in Dubai is striving to immerse guests in Arabian hospitality at its desert location this Ramadan. Designed to reflect the splendour of a sultan’s palace, the venue’s live stations are serving hot and cold mezzes, roasted lamb ouzi, and shawarma for suhour. Deserts include homemade ice cream, baklava and kunafa. An outdoor cooling system allows diners to enjoy suhoor under the stars at the Grand Food Bazaar and Arabic coffee, local dates and shisha will be served throughout the evening to guests relaxing on cushions. To keep children and families entertained Qasr Al Sultan has a traditional souq, play area and live entertainment laid on.

Dh150 per person from 10pm until 2am. 800785826 www.qasralsultan.ae

Seaview suhoor

The Terrace at Burj Al Arab boasts panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s twinkling skyline at suhoor time. Diners can choose from an a la carte menu of modern Californian-fusion dishes available at Scape restaurant and enjoy shisha from 8pm onwards. For a more luxurious experience, up to four guests can savour sharing-style platters, fresh juices, dates, laban and soft drinks in a fully air-conditioned cabana from 8pm until 1am for Dh1,200. Alternatively, a royal cabana suhoor package comprises food and drink – including bottles of Gold Emotion sparkling apple juice with 24-carat gold flakes - for up to six people from Dh2,400.

A la carte minimum spend of Dh150, 8pm until 11:45pm. 043017600 www.jumeirah.com/

Asateer Tent at Atlantis The Palm

The grandaddy of UAE Ramadan scene, the Asateer Tent is viewed as a bonafide social event. The space - decked in various nautical colours such as sandy brown, ocean blue and emerald green is positively luscious with hushed suspended lighting, walls with arabesque designs and super comfy chairs to allow you to spend hours at a time. The food is also of a high quality, the Atlantis Mix Grill will suffice any rabid carnivore while the Ramadan sweets platter is generous and served warm. Reserve early however, as the tent is often booked out.

Open from 9.30pm with suhoor served à la carte starting from Dh160. For booking call 04 426 0800 or email: [e-mail]

Majlis Al Safinah, Jumeirah Beach Hotel

With Al Safinah meaning boat in Arabic, there is definitely a nautical vibe running through this swish Ramadan tent. The major colours here are ocean blue and sandy brown and the whole affair feels like you are dining in a luxurious cruise ship. The food here is solid throughout, with the best mutabel and hummus I sampled throughout the holy month. The seafood platter is also generous (Dh245) and enough to share for two. The two piece, playing a tasteful collection of Khaleeji pop instrumentals, added charm to the occasion.

Shoot is served A La Carte. For details call 04 432 3232 and email [e-mail]