Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, has introduced a special menu of traditional Ramadan cuisine at airport lounges, to cater to the needs and preferences of its fasting customers. The menu, which is available throughout the holy month of Ramadan, features a variety of dishes from different regions and cultures, such as Arabic, Indian, Moroccan, and Turkish.
Some of the dishes that are served in the lounges include:
- Hot and cold Arabic mezze : A selection of appetizers, such as hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, fattoush, and cheese rolls.
- Lentil soup : A hearty and nutritious soup, made with lentils, onions, garlic, and spices.
- Lamb ouzi : A festive dish, consisting of roasted lamb, rice, nuts, raisins, and spices, served with dakous (tomato sauce) and coriander mint raita (yogurt sauce).
- Shish taouk : A popular dish, consisting of grilled chicken skewers, marinated in yogurt, lemon, garlic, and spices, served with harissa (red pepper dip) and Emirati ouzi (rice with meat and vegetables).
- Moroccan ksra : A flatbread, made with semolina flour, water, yeast, and salt, baked in a clay oven.
- Moroccan lentil salad : A refreshing salad, made with green lentils, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, parsley, mint, lemon, and olive oil.
- Indian mustard fish : A spicy dish, consisting of fish fillets, cooked in a sauce of mustard seeds, turmeric, chili, and coconut milk.
- Saleeg : A creamy dish, consisting of rice, milk, butter, and chicken or lamb, seasoned with salt, pepper, and cardamom.
What Is Traditional Ramadan Food?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, drink, and other worldly pleasures. The fast is intended to purify the body and soul, and to increase the awareness and gratitude for God’s blessings.
During Ramadan, two main meals are consumed: suhoor, which is eaten before dawn, and iftar, which is eaten after sunset. These meals are usually shared with family, friends, or the community, and are accompanied by prayers and recitations of the Quran.
The food that is eaten during Ramadan varies from region to region, depending on the local cuisine, culture, and traditions. However, some common elements and characteristics of Ramadan food are:
Dates : Dates are the most common and symbolic food of Ramadan, as they are believed to be the first food that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ate to break his fast. Dates are rich in natural sugars, fiber, and minerals, and provide a quick source of energy and hydration.
Soup : Soup is another common and essential food of Ramadan, as it helps to replenish the fluids and electrolytes that are lost during the day. Soup also provides warmth and comfort, and prepares the stomach for the rest of the meal. Soup can be made with various ingredients, such as lentils, beans, vegetables, meat, or noodles.
Bread : Bread is a staple food of many cuisines, and is especially important during Ramadan, as it provides carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. Bread can be eaten plain, or with dips, spreads, or fillings. Bread can also be used to make other dishes, such as fatayer (stuffed pastries), kubbe (meat and bulgur balls), or fatteh (bread and yogurt casserole).
Meat : Meat is a source of protein, iron, and zinc, and is often the main course of the iftar meal. Meat can be cooked in various ways, such as grilled, roasted, stewed, or fried. Meat can also be combined with rice, vegetables, nuts, or dried fruits, to make dishes such as ouzi, biryani, tagine, or kabsa.
Sweets : Sweets are a treat and a reward for the fasting person, and are usually eaten after the iftar meal, or during the night. Sweets can be made with various ingredients, such as flour, sugar, honey, nuts, fruits, or dairy. Some of the popular sweets of Ramadan are baklava, kunafa, basbousa, halva, and qatayef.
When and What Time Do They Serve Them?
The Emirates lounges in Dubai International Airport (DXB) serve the traditional Ramadan cuisine during the hours of iftar, which vary according to the sunset time of each day. The lounges also serve dates, Arabic coffee, and water throughout the day, for the convenience of the fasting customers.
The lounges are open 24 hours a day, and are located in Terminal 3, Concourse A, B, and C. The lounges are accessible to Emirates First Class and Business Class customers, as well as Skywards Gold and Platinum members.
Rianne Motas is a lifestyle travel writer from the Philippines who loves to explore the world and learn from different cultures. She is currently pursuing her degree in economics at a Philippine university. Rianne’s topics of interest includes travel, culinary culture, and lifestyle. She believes that writing is a powerful way to share stories and inspire others to live their best lives.
Email Id: rianne@traveltodubai.ae