For someone who’s fasting during Ramadan, Iftaar is a special moment, and what makes it more special is the company of some new-found friends over a spectacular culinary experience. I was graciously invited to a bloggers’ Iftaar at Liwan, one of several restaurants at Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana, and I almost didn’t go before actually deciding to; turns out, it was a good decision.

Even though this is a photo-blog, not a restaurant review, I will not hesitate to mention that the tantalizing dessert selection is by far the best around.

Let the feast for the eyes begin!

A mouth-watering assortment of sweets

The Indian Bazar

(non-alcoholic) Drinks, anyone?

Chocolate mousse

Date and nut truffles

Trifle

An authentic Arabic Iftaar experience

Meringue with berries

Grilled vegetables galore

Meringue with berries

Enjoying their meal

Hand-crafted chocolates

Appetizers, appetizers

Sesame seed crackers

Dinner’s served

The beautiful Turkish tea stall

Refreshing watermelon nectar

Banana chocolate cake

Pistachio cookies

Poppadom

The fruit, salad and sushi bar

Berries and cream

A selection of picked middle-eastern delicacies

Up-close and personal with spinach and pine nut samosas

Mamool

Dates aplenty – take your pick

Unknown drink in adorable milk bottles

A little surprise on every table

Last-minute prep

Poppadom cones

Fruitilicious selections

Chefs preparing the buffet

Traditional lanterns

Happy diners

Turkish tea, anyone?

Louqmat