The holy month of Ramadan is upon us. Depending on the moon sighting, Ramadan should start on March 22 or 23. It means different working hours, different lifestyle and change in food habits as people from Muslim faith observe a month of prayers and fasting to renergise the body and soul from within.

Even though Ramadan is a period of fasting, food is central to Ramadan. Fasting means many people do not eat during daylight hours, which makes Iftar the most special time in the evenings when everyone ends their day spending quality time with family and friends.

Iftar is the time you replenish energy levels so every effort should be made to consume foods from all major food groups: fruit and vegetables, rice and alternatives, as well as meat and alternatives (which include dairy). And F&B outlets in the UAE come out with special offerings to partake in this special occasion for their customers, and themselves too.

Here are some of the offerings we have lined up so far (please visit this space for more deals and details):

MYGOVINDA’S

Ramadan is not all about meat. And so MyGovinda’s, the vegetarian food place famous for its Great India Thali or multi-course meals, is back with an incredible iftar spread. The delectable 5-course set menu for two and four people comes at just AED 89 and AED 179 respectively.

Giving a taste of everything refreshingly light and invigorating and offering fan-favourites such as Greek salad, beetroot hummus, piquant soups, savoury kebabs and sweets, MyGovinda’s is all set to win hearts this Ramadan. What makes MyGovinda’s different from any other vegetarian foodie hotspot is its adherence to the Satvik diet (no onion and garlic as ingredients that presents nourishing soul foods that are great for health.

• Time: 6.45pm to 8.30pm
• Where: Any MyGovinda’s Outlet
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/mygovindas/

BAOFRIEND

Combining the slightly sweet and fiercely tangy with the spicy sizzle of Asian fusion cuisine, Baofriend brings an exquisite iftar spread that is inspired by the bustling food streets. Starting from sundown to 10 pm every evening, Baofriend’s four-course set menu promises to treat the patrons’ tastebuds.

Along with assorted Turkish sweets and dates, the feast includes Bala-Bala, an Asian fritter made out of vegetables and served with tangy and spicy Thai sweet-chilli sauce, Gado-Gado, the well-loved mixed vegetable salad topped with creamy peanut sauce and crunchy crackers, and the miso lentil soup, a hearty and nutritious family favourite, which is sure to gratify customers.

Patrons can then choose a main course from delicious mains such as chicken wok-fried noodles that are cooked to perfection with crunchy mixed vegetables, bokchoy, and oyster sauce, Hambagu rice, one of Baofriend’s top favourites that comes with a succulent Wagyu beef patty, spicy cucumber, and irresistible Japanese slaw. The spread will also offer Kimchi ramen with chicken for those who love a bit of spicy and tangy, handcrafted by Baofriend’s incredible Indonesian chef and served with kimchi broth, bokchoy, and sesame.

Desserts include pisang goreng with crispy fried plantain served with vanilla ice cream and amazingly luscious dulce de leche that promises to transport guests to gastronome heaven. Guests can also get their hands on ‘Es Campur’ a cold Indonesian mixed-ice concoction made with jackfruit, avocado, grass jelly, and more. Head to Baofriend’s Dubai Silicon Oasis outlet during Ramadan for just AED 69 per person.

• Time- Sunset – 10 PM
• Contact- 04 287 5120
• Address- Building A3, Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, UAE
• Instagram – baofrienduae
• Website- http://www.baofriend.com

BELGRAVE

For those in Abu Dhabi, an indulgent treat awaits you at Belgrave. Relish Persian flavours and hospitality from the London-born restaurant at the UAE capital with an ‘All You Can Eat’ offer at an exciting price point. You will love the distinctive amalgamation of delicious Eastern cuisines with a Western twist.

The Iftar feast will begin with a hearty special soup of the day. This is followed by a choice of unlimited main course, a basket of mixed herbs and bread, and a choice of either salad Shirazi or mast kheer. Entrees include rich and succulent lamb koobideh grilled to perfection and containing a wonderful balance of spices and herbs, served with aromatic rice. Guests can also pick from Belgrave’s moist and flavourful chicken koobideh, their signature chicken masti, top favourite chicken zafrani or savoury chicken reyhani, all served unlimited, and grilled to delightful perfection, each complementing the multiple palates and preferences of each patron.

The Belgrave fan-favourites will be available for takeouts daily from 5 pm onwards and for dine-in from 6.30 pm to 2 am. Belgrave’s Ramadan Special Boxes include sunrise meals also, which means these savoury offerings can be relished at home and outside or gifted as well.

• Where: Red Crescent building, 1st Floor – Al Rawdah – Abu Dhabi
• Offer: Unlimited
• Price: 105aed per person
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/belgrave.ad/

LAPA EATERY

Lapa Eatery, a Dubai-based venue celebrating clean eating and well-being, has announced a nourishing Ramadan spread where an array of gluten, dairy and preservative free options to choose from a delectable spread. Its exclusive iftar and suhoor offers include foods that are light and wholesome, rejuvenating the fasting ones physically and spiritually.

Some of the menu highlights include a creamy butternut hummus, pumpkin or balila soups, spicy-savoury shakshuka, creamy eggplant avocado on toast, baked falafels, gluten-free fiery chicken quinoa biryani, Karan beef bowl, and more.

Though Ramadan is for those who are hitting puberty at the start of the spectrum, many children start fasting much earlier. The restaurant’s kids’ menu is a knockout win baked sweet potato chips, margarita pizza with homemade cauliflower and broccoli base, beetroot and carrot-based pancakes topped with caramelised peaches and mixed forest berries.

• Ramadan Suhoor package for one costs AED 110 and only AED 189 for two.
• Ramadan Iftar package for one costs AED 125 and only AED 199 for two.
• Time: 10am – 12am
• Where: Lapa Eatery, Jumeriah
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/lapa_eatery/

If you know of any Iftar deals you think are worth mentioning, send an email to info@headline.ae.

Brrrr, UAE residents! It is winter time and it no secret that cold weather can increase your appetite. It is also time to indulge in a Thali, the Indian version of a multi-dish meal or a readymade buffet in one plate.

Tourists from India, a predominant segment of people visiting the UAE, also prefer to opt for a fulfilling Thali for lunch or dinner. With the stomach sorted, there can be much more time for sightseeing at your convenience.

While there are many options in different price ranges, from the modest to premium, we have chosen three of the best-rated ones in varied locations:

MyGovinda’s Thali Festival

Known for its holistic and healthy vegetarian food in the UAE, MyGovinda’s is all set to host a Thali festival at all their outlets, serving the best regional dishes from the end of January through to March.

At MyGovinda’s, Thali is the ultimate Indian legacy meal. It’s vibrant, wholesome, and fulfilling! Available daily from 12 Noon until 11 pm, each Thali features more than 10 items, from starters to mains and desserts, including a mouth-watering selection of Maharashtran, Gujarati, Sindhi, Punjabi, and Rajasthani cuisine.

MyGovinda’s has always aimed to produce vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes that are tastefully curated, elevating vegetarian cuisine to a level that can satisfy any dietary preference. With the use of hand-picked herbs, spices, the freshest vegetables, and dairy products, the chefs at MyGovinda’s use their exceptional skills to prepare the finest and the healthiest vegetarian and vegan food that will leave you asking for more with every bite.

• Locations: Arjan, Silicon Oasis, Jumeirah Lake Towers & Karama
• Date: 30 January – 5   March, 2023
• Cost:
• Monday – Thursday
• AED 32 – JLT & Arjan; AED 38 – DSO & Karama
• Friday – Sunday (Friday – Rajasthani Thali / Saturday to Sunday – MyGovindas Special Thali)
• AED 34 – JLT & Arjan; AED 40 – DSO & Karama

Maharaja Bhog

Experience a premium Thali experience when you head from Bur Dubai to Karama, taking a right after Ansar Gallery where, ensconced in a corner is Maharaja Bhog.

This restaurant has been operational for over a decade and is very popular for its wide variety of tasty Indian dishes. There is a minor photo-op for your Instagram page also if you fancy sitting on a big regal-looking chair.

For 35, you can enjoy two steamed and fried appetizers each, four Punjabi-style vegetarian dishes, eight chapatis (Indian flat bread), dal, rice, two desserts, salad, papadums, pickle and masala chaas. You can also opt for a small Thali portion that costs Dh25.

To those looking for a minor kick with fusion, there are various flavour enhancers such as the smokey chaas (buttermilk) and Zaffran tea.

• Location: Ground Level, A Block, Hamsah Mall Next to Ansar Gallery – Al Karama – Dubai, UAE
• Reservations: Required
• Price Range: AED 90 for two people

Bombay Bunglow

The Indian restaurant with a twist, is making waves for its irresistibly piquant Thalis and taking Dubai’s food scene by storm. Perfect for both vegetarians and meat lovers, there is an eclectic variety of choices and savory flavours for all palettes.

Available from 12 pm until 4 pm on weekdays only, Bombay Bungalow’s veg Thali includes their signature subz handi, dal, hara bhara kebab, jeera pulao, roti, raita, and masala chaas, along with a dessert. Their smashing hit non-veg Thali is tantalising and irresistible in equal measure with a royal spread containing smooth and creamy butter chicken and savory chicken tikka, served with jeera pulao, roti, and more.

But nothing beats their Tawa King Fish Fry Thali with its zesty and tangy, pop-in-the-mouth flavours, and fish that’s cooked to crispy perfection. It is served with a variety of palatable chutneys, luscious curries, and refreshingly good Indian sauces. Its other well-loved fish Thali contains sherry fish and is served piping hot with delicious curry and aromatic rice.

A gorgeous setting across Ain Dubai and Bluewaters Island, and the picture-perfect, Instagram-worthy interiors ooze endless amounts of charm.

• Time: 12 Noon- 4 PM
• When: Weekdays only (Mon-Fri)
• Contact- 044270758
• Address: The Beach Mall, JBR
• Price range: 250 for two people

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Hurrrray.…the countdown begins.

Global Village has announced its opening date for its coming season. The popular family-friendly destination will reopen on October 25, although little other details are known yet including when exactly it will run until and what will be new. However, on the official website, it says Season 27 followed by the dates “October 2022 — April 2023” which follows the typical dates the attraction usually stays open for.

Last season’s Global Village had a record 7.8 million guests visit during the six months it was operational. This also includes an extended period, which saw the attraction stay open for an extra four weeks until May 7.

The destination marked its 26th season with 26 pavilions representing more than 80 cultures from around the world.

Among the countries and continents represented were: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Afghanistan, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Japan, South Korea, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Yemen, Russia, the Americas, Africa and Europe.