PHOTOS: 10 unconventional Iftars this ramadan

There are approximately 30 days of fasting in Ramadan, and as many days to enjoy iftars. Here Hotelier lists our 10 must-try unconventional Iftars and Ramadan treats -- featuring Thai, Vietnamese, French, Indian and many such alternative flavours and ways to break your fast or dine during the holy month: Smoking Doll Smoking Doll will serve an oriental menu, with Thai and Vietnamese influences. To start, diners can opt for dishes including the vegetable spring rolls, fish cakes served with a green mango salad and palm sugar dip, and the Pandan Leaf Chicken, with a portion of Thai pickles on the side. Guests looking for a lighter option can select the Som Tam salad, a spicy mix of green papaya tossed with beans, tomato and chilli, or Bangkok Tom Yam soup, a traditional hot and sour creation comprising lemongrass and lime leaves, with dumplings on the side. For the main course, the restaurant will serve Pad ki Mao, spicy noodles with chilli, holy basil, soy sauce and chicken. Alternatively, the Thai Green Curry is made with eggplant, green beans, red & green chillies and sweet basil leaves, and is available with chicken, beef or tofu and seasonal vegetables. In addition, the wok fried dishes include chicken and cashew nut stir fry and stir fried mushrooms. The main course is accompanied by sides of steamed jasmine rice and a bamboo basket of steamed broccoli, garlic, ginger and sesame oil. The iftar offering is priced at AED 99 person for groups of four or more and AED 109 per person for groups of two.

Junoon Priced at AED 220, iftar at Junoon will include an array of traditional fast breaking food such as dates and buttermilk, followed by a gala-style menu of modern Indian dishes continuously served to the table throughout the meal. Guests will be treated to five courses including signature chaat, succulent kebabs and variations of biryanis and curries.

Eric Kayser Iftar at Eric Kayser will feature a customised four-course offering with a French flair. To begin, diners will be served dates, followed by Lentil soup / vegetable soup, fattoush, mixed grill with marinated chicken, beef fillet and lamb kofta, citrus spiced salmon with pinenut and apricot, cous cous, beef stroganoff with rice, and an Eric Kayser special ramadan dessert. The iftar set menu is priced at AED 95 per person, available from sunset to 9:00 PM.

Mikado Café Mikado Café’s alternative iftar offering include a selection of colourful sushi, hot dishes and freshly baked goods and desserts. It will begin with platters of dates and fresh fruits, followed by sushi, including salmon hossomaki roll, ceviche, tamago nigiri, ebi tempura roll and more. In addition, the set menu includes hot dishes such as yasai gyoza, wagyu hambagao, chicken teriyaki and tempura moriawase. For dessert, guests can choose from the bread pudding and matcha roll cake. Teas and soft beverages will be free flowing alongside the set menu. Furthermore, those looking to for a private setting can book the private dining area. The iftar set menu is priced at AED 195 per person.

Leopold’s of London Leopold’s of London will serve a three course set menu, inspired by seasonal produce. To begin, guests can choose between the crispy calamari served with zucchini and harissa mayonnaise or a UAE inspired salad of chicken & spring onion, pakoras with Haloumi cheese, tomato and purslain. For the mains, guests can choose from sumac-rubbed salmon fillet and slow braised shoulder of lamb served with chick peas, fried eggplant and sumac yoghurt. Dessert featurs iced date Parfait served with a dollop of saffron honey. The Ramadan set menu will be available at all Leopold’s of London outlets daily, from 12PM until 11PM, priced at AED 125 per person.

Solo Bistronomia This Ramadan, Solo Dubai’s chef Corrado Pani showcases a three course set menu comprising an array of signature dishes and lighter options. To start, diners can opt for dishes including the light Insalata del Marcato, Burrata e Salmone and puntarelle or Vitello Tonnato. For the main course, guests will have a choice of Gnocchi di Patate, Pollo alla Diavola, and Broccolini Mandorle e Arancio. Later, diners can sample desserts such as the Mela e Mela, Torta al Formaggio e Cassata Ghiacciata and limpido. The Ramadan Set Menu is available every day from iftar time to 9PM, priced at AED 180 per person.

Ushna Ushna’s set iftar menu includes a selection of appetizers, offering deep fried pastry samosas with spiced vegetable filling, malai jhinga, barbequed shrimps with cream cheese marinade, sarsoon murgh tikka, or charred chicken thighs in a mustard marinade, as well as the aromatic yakhni shorba soup. Main course options include Boatman’s Fish curry and Sookhi mutter paneer, chicken korma, accompanied with dal bukhari, Kashmiri pulao, kulcha and paratha. For dessert, guests can choose either a pistachio & saffron omali or a date and banana brownie. Ushna set Iftar menu is priced at 225 AED.

La Petite Maison This Ramadan, diners will also be able try new additions to the a la carte menu at La Petite Maison, including: Truite Saumonée Finement Tranchée, shimeji mushrooms and keta; Crabe de Palétuvier, Filet de Cabillaud poélé and Risotto à l’ail des Ours et Morilles. The restaurant will also serve complimentary light soup and dates to begin their meal, and the service will be open until 11:30PM.

Fortnum & Mason Dubai Fortnum & Mason’s ‘Feast Menu’ for Ramadan offers a combination of classic British food. It consists an array of salads, small plates, main dishes, and various cheeses and mini cakes. A wide selection of dishes are served on the table, including Fortnum’s prawn & crab cocktail, smoked duck celeriac remoulade, red pepper & basil tart to start, and pan seared sea bass with rainbow chard, mussels & fish cream, roast glen arm rib of beef with boulangère potatoes, truffle beans & thyme jus and artichoke risotto with parmesan shavings & artichoke crisps as mains. Fortnum & Mason Dubai will serve food from Iftar until 3:00AM every day in the restaurant & tea salon and the parlour.

Imperium, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray French restaurant Imperium will put a generous iftar spread this Ramadan, featuring international cuisine. It will be served from sunset until 8:30PM. Guests will have the choice of alcoholic beverages during dinner service; the international buffet is priced at AED235.