Tiroy Benjamin
Food is a focal point during the fasting season of Ramadan. Special dishes are prepared at this time with sweet drinks such as Jellab playing a major role in order to hydrate those breaking fast.
Muslims generally break fast with water, milk and dates. This is in keeping with the tradition created by Prophet Mohammed who broke fast by consuming these foods. Dates especially are given importance for their high energy values and are viewed as a healthy start to breaking the days fast.
This is a favourite drink made out of sheets of apricot which are cut up and soaked in water for a number of hours. It is then blended to form a thick drink that offers instant hydration for those breaking their fast. If you are in Dubai over the holy month of Ramadan fasting, look forward to sampling these delicious desserts and drinks during the break fast period known as 'Iftar'. Iftars or break fast meals are hosted at many top hotels; the best of these belong to the Dubai Marina hotels. Such accommodation options located on the manmade Palm Jumeirah Island home to Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, are known for their extravagant break fast spreads.
Erk soos is a brightly coloured drink that is made from the extracts of liquorice. The drink is very popular in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Palestine. Walk around Dubai and you are sure to come across little kiosks serving this much loved drink come time to break fast.
Tamar Hindi is a tamarind drink that is sold around the Arab nations. It is not reserved for the holy month of Ramadan instead this very refreshing and energising drink is available around the year. It is a wonderfully chilled drink to look forward to on a hot balmy day.
A very popular and very sweet drink that instantly rejuvenates you; this one will be a favourite amongst the kids and adults alike. Jellab is made by mixing grape molasses with sugar and rose water to form a syrup which is then poured over cubes of ice and garnished with pine nuts. You can see why this is a traditional favourite to break fast.
Many types of rice dishes form the main menu of any Ramadan feast. The most popular dishes are Mansaf, Biryani and Kabsaf. These flavoursome rice dishes are not reserved to just the Arabian nation but are a firm favourite in many Asian Muslim countries. A definite must try these are some of the dishes to look forward to during your stay at a luxury Dubai hotel.
Stuffed vegetables better known as Mashi are a firm favourite in Arab nations and Egypt. Zucchinis, eggplant, peppers and tomatoes are the most popular; these are stuffed with vine leaves, deliciously savoury rice and other exotic ingredients.
