Member of The Guild of Food Writers
Member of The Guild of Food Writers

Dubai’s top Ramadan Suhoor experiences

Ramadan KareemDubai; With Ramadan in full swing, every hotel and restaurant in Dubai entices with lavish and often overwhelming Iftar buffet feasts, but we don’t often hear about Suhoor. Which is what exactly?

Our Muslim friends fast from dawn to dusk breaking their abstinence with Iftar when the sun has set for the day at Maghrib prayer time. Suhoor is the meal eaten before dawn when the fast starts again. Fellow food blogger Arabic Zeal shares a hugely evocative rendition of her family’s Suhoor experience. However luckily for us, we can also enjoy this fabulous tradition from as early as the evening before (this year from 9/10ish onwards) at many an Arabian tent around town, where one can choose from an à la carte menu of Middle Eastern delights. Here’s FooDiva’s hot picks this year:

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray - Mehteran MajlisJumeirah Zabeel Saray – Mehteran Majlis

This may be marketing puff, but a hugely relevant quote from Jumeirah truly epitomises all things Ramadan, “the month of Ramadan is not just one of patience, spirituality and humility, but also of celebrating fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities.” This year’s Ottoman experience at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah allows you to do just that. Languish in the stunning Mehteran theatre and show centre which has been transformed into a tiered majlis – allbeit Turkish-style.

A la carte Suhour with a minimum spend of AED 95 per person excluding shisha. Nightly 9pm – 3am. T; +971 4 4530444. E; JZrestaurants@jumeirah.com

Atlantis The Palm - Asateer Ramadan tentAtlantis The Palm Dubai – Asateer tent

Once again Atlantis’ Asateer Ramadan tent right on the Palm beachfront makes the cut for FooDiva – if you’re after grandeur and opulence then this is most definitely the tent to head to. Just take a glimpse at this video to see for yourself – after the Gulfie celebs have had their say. It’s not only about exceptional and authentic Arabic food here, but with plenty of entertainment from many a board game right through to oud players stringing Arabian classics – oh and free Wi-Fi too.

A la carte Suhour with a minimum spend of AED 100 per person excluding shisha. Nightly 9.30pm – 2.30am. Quite bizarrely but perhaps brilliantly, under 21’s not allowed. T; +971 4 4260800. E; asateer@atlantisthepalm.com

The Palace The Old Town - Ewaan Ramadan tentThe Palace The Old Town – Ewaan

The Address’ Palace hotel at Souk Al Bahar has converted the terrace of all-day dining restaurant Ewaan to a Ramadan tent serving traditional Arabian delicacies. A simple yet cosy setting. 

Suhour à la carte with a minimum spend of AED 150 per person. Weeknights 10pm – 2am and until 3am on weekends. T; +971 4 4287806 E; Dine@thepalace-dubai.com

Almaz by MomoAlmaz by Momo – Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates

A year-round FooDiva favourite, this Moroccan gem hidden at the top of Harvey Nic’s comes alive during Ramadan. You’ll find yourself entrenched in a beautiful riad down a back street alley in Marrakesh. Certainly no need for transplanting an Arabic tent here – Momo’s is bubbling with character already. The harissa soup and kofta tagine with baked egg are must-try dishes.

For Suhoor simply choose from the regular à la carte. Shisha also available. Nightly 9pm – 1.45am. T; +971 4 4098877.

What does Suhoor mean for you and your family? Where’s your favourite Suhoor experience around town?

A bientôt.

FooDiva. x

  • Posted under
    Dubai, Foodie Happenings, Hotels, Ramadan, Suhoor

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10 Responses to “Dubai’s top Ramadan Suhoor experiences”

  1. Grace @ Sandier Pastures July 26, 2012 at 10:45 am

    I won Iftar (not Suhoor) passes to Asateer in Atlantis via this fab blog last year and really loved the ambiance! (and of course the food)

    Ewaan in your post photo looks amazing too!

    • FooDiva July 26, 2012 at 12:28 pm

      Indeed you did Grace! More vouchers coming your way after Ramadan 🙂 Let me know if you try any of them out.

    • nadia July 26, 2012 at 1:06 pm

      Grace, did you write about your experience? I love reading your reviews!

  2. Holly July 26, 2012 at 12:11 pm

    What a great write-up of Suhoor options. I never thought of having suhoor at Al Maz by Momo–even though it’s one of my favorite restaurants in town…. At our house we normally eat suhoor of simple foods at home. However, sometimes my husband and son pick up some fresh fatayer from Al-Reef Labanese Bakery on Al-Wasl Road, which is apparently open at suhoor time during Ramadan.

    • FooDiva July 26, 2012 at 12:30 pm

      I used to frequent Al Reef Bakery years ago – a firm favourite for manakeesh in the early hours of the morning (but not Suhoor!)

  3. nadia July 26, 2012 at 1:08 pm

    What a great list of Suhoor options! My husband and I went to the preview of Asateer Ramadan tent and were very impressed with everything (but specially the food!).

    • FooDiva July 28, 2012 at 2:27 pm

      Glad to hear Nadia – they do put on a good spread 🙂

  4. IshitaUnblogged July 28, 2012 at 12:30 am

    Wow! I’ve never ever had a Suhoor experience for sure though have had many Iftar Buffets. Well, just ogling this time:)

    Fabulous pic of The Atlantis…

    • FooDiva July 28, 2012 at 2:29 pm

      Oh my Ishita you must – next year then…

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