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!

Berries and cream

Fruitilicious selections

Pistachio cookies

Chocolate mousse

Sesame seed crackers

Dates aplenty – take your pick

Refreshing watermelon nectar

An authentic Arabic Iftaar experience

Hand-crafted chocolates

Last-minute prep

Poppadom cones

The fruit, salad and sushi bar

Turkish tea, anyone?

Poppadom

Chefs preparing the buffet

Appetizers, appetizers

Mamool

A little surprise on every table

Meringue with berries

Banana chocolate cake

A selection of picked middle-eastern delicacies

(non-alcoholic) Drinks, anyone?

Up-close and personal with spinach and pine nut samosas

A mouth-watering assortment of sweets

Enjoying their meal

Traditional lanterns

Louqmat

Grilled vegetables galore

Dinner’s served

Meringue with berries

Unknown drink in adorable milk bottles

Happy diners

Date and nut truffles

Trifle

The beautiful Turkish tea stall

The Indian Bazar