The ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar,
Ramadan is a deeply spiritual time. This year, depending on
the sighting of the new moon, it is expected to fall on July 20 and end on August 18, during which time Muslims will seek to become closer to God through prayer and fasting.

This daily abstinence is demanding, especially during the hot summer months, but come sundown an often lavish iftar with an array of delicious Middle Eastern cuisine is served. Here, we chat to three Rotana chefs about what Ramadan means to them and which tasty treats you can expect to find on their menus throughout the Holy Month.

SOUPS AND SALADS
Name: Chadi Salloum
Position: Executive chef
Hotel: The Cove Rotana Resort – Ras Al Khaimah

What does Ramadan mean to you?
Ramadan is an opportunity for physical and spiritual purification when people are equal and there are no rich or poor.

Where will you be serving iftar at The Cove Rotana Resort?
We will host our iftar buffet in Cinnamon restaurant. Dishes will include a mix of traditional Arabic cuisine such as lamb ouzi, shawarma and grilled and traditional mezzeh as well as trendy new recipes such as shooters of tomato shrimp salsa, crab avocado temple and mini sako tuna Nicoise salad.

Which soups and salads will you serve during Ramadan this year?
We will serve a huge variety of soups and salads. These will change every day, but they will all consist of Arabic food from North Africa to the Gulf using only fresh ingredients. There will be the hugely refreshing and nutritious Moroccan harira soup, thick and a meal in itself. There will also be beetroot and cheese salad and a wide variety of other tasty appetisers.

Will you put any modern twists on your soups and salads?
As the weather will be hot, we will prepare some great cold soups and melon shooters – perfect for summer dinner. They are all simple and quick to make. We will also serve mini salads to help diners control their portion sizes.

MAIN COURSES
Name: Chef Ali Ajami
Position: Oriental chef
Hotel: Al Bustan Rotana Dubai

What does Ramadan mean to you?
Ramadan is a holy month that every Muslim needs to observe sincerely. It is a time for prayer and building a stronger relationship with Allah. It is a time to look into our hearts and become better people, to be generous and help those less fortunate.
I observe the Holy Month through prayers, hosting and visiting family and friends. I love how people gather for iftar. The meal brings every Muslim family closer together.

Where will you be serving iftar at Al Bustan Rotana and why should we attend?
In our all-day-dining restaurant, Choices. The buffet will also be extended into the lobby. There will be Arabic decorations and big tables so families and friends can enjoy iftar together.

What dishes will you serve and which is your favourite?
We will be serving countless main courses, from an oriental mixed grill, kofta and vermicelli rice to dawood basha, chicken with oriental rice and lamb ouzi. My favourite, however, has to be hot dolmades with lamb shank.

What makes a great iftar main course?
Primarily the taste brought about by the quality of ingredients and the skills and passion of the chefs. I also believe presentation is key as a great dining experience starts with the eyes.

DESSERTS
Name: Marwan Nawaf Madi
Position: Oriental chef
Hotel: Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

What do you like most about iftar?
I prefer traditional Lebanese food such as hommous, fattoush and lentil soup with grilled lamb or fish.

Where will you be serving iftar at the Beach Rotana?
Iftar will be served at Essence restaurant. For dessert, guests can choose between the traditional Ramadan selection and international dishes such as apple pie, Broadway ice-cream sundae or creamy chocolate mousse.

What is your favourite iftar dessert?
My favourite is halawat al jubn, a traditional Lebanese tripolitan speciality. It contains semolina, cheese, sugar syrup, rose water and the Arabic dessert filling kashta. Another favourite is qatayef or ‘Arabic pancakes’, filled with sweet cheese or nuts, then fried or baked. It’s really delicious.

Which desserts will you serve during Ramadan this year?
We will serve a range of desserts including baklava, basbousa and kunafa bel jeben.Sweet and flaky, baklava is easy to make, Basbousa is a semolina cake with almonds. Like baklava, syrup is drizzled over the top. Kunafa bel jeben is made from shredded filo pastry, sweet cheese and syrup.

Will you put any modern twists on your desserts?
Yes, we will serve dishes such as rosewater cupcakes, mahalbiya mini-desserts and kunafa mini-cakes.

For more inormation on iftar at Rotana, visit https://www.rotanatimes.com/offers/3446 at Rotana, visit https://www.rotanatimes.com/offers/3446