Iftar at Sambusek | Rosewood Abu Dhabi

“The Lebanese love of life and the best it has to offer is perfectly echoed at Sambusek.” Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Before the holy month comes to an end this week I would highly recommend squeezing in one last iftar at the delightful Sambusek restaurant to finish this Ramadan in style. Located at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island Sambusek’s sumptuous iftar buffet offers diners delicious and traditional Lebanese cuisine, it was so impressive that the other half declared it the best iftar he had experienced this year.

Serving authentic Levantine flavours right here in Abu Dhabi, Sambusek is inspired by the glamour of Beirut, a chic design that combines modern interiors with traditional Lebanese cuisine. In keeping with the rest of this luxurious hotel, the understated elegance of Sambusek’s interior is sophisticated, beautiful light fittings and artwork complement the different areas of this spacious venue that can accommodate large groups as well as more intimate bookings, the piece de resistance is the large waterfront terrace. We were invited to a family iftar before we escape the summer heat and thoroughly enjoyed the fantastic food prepared by Chef Emad Zalloum and his team that was served buffet style.

The whole family have embraced the delights of Arabic food since becoming expats and tucked into dish after dish of Middle Eastern fare. Traditional Lentil soup, Arabic salads, baba ghanoush, fattoush, kibbeh, chicken shawarma, stuffed vine leaves and tabbouleh were devoured and second son aka the vegan enjoyed his specially requested falafel that was prepared for him immediately, nothing is too much trouble at Sambusek. Alongside the vast hot and cold mezzah selections were breads, salads, grilled meats and seafood, notable dishes include the Kofta bel Sayniyeh and the Lamb Ouzi with Oriental Rice, a wide selection of dishes that can satisfy all dietary requirements.

Desserts were equally impressive with international favourites like apple crumble, ice creams and chocolate mousse served alongside the more traditional Arabic delights of assorted Baklava, Knafeh served with syrup and an array of fresh fruit.

We were seated in the air-conditioned summer tent on the aforementioned outside terrace that overlooks the water, a beautiful setting which was just perfect for watching the sun setting over the backdrop of the city. Coloured lanterns of varying sizes set the scene, the service was discreet yet friendly, Ramadan beverages were served to the table and shisha was available for those who like to indulge after their meal. Suhoor is also available from 10:00pm.For those who are unable to make the Iftar or Suhoor fear not as Sambusek will be offering its a la carte and set menus for lunch and dinner over the Eid Al-Fitr holiday. All that’s left for me to say is thank you Sambusek for the fabulous iftar and Eid Mubarak to one and all, I’m off to the airport to catch my flight to the UK.