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!

Dinner’s served

Banana chocolate cake

Mamool

Meringue with berries

Poppadom cones

Last-minute prep

Chefs preparing the buffet

An authentic Arabic Iftaar experience

Enjoying their meal

A little surprise on every table

Chocolate mousse

Date and nut truffles

Poppadom

Up-close and personal with spinach and pine nut samosas

Hand-crafted chocolates

Dates aplenty – take your pick

Happy diners

Trifle

Unknown drink in adorable milk bottles

The Indian Bazar

(non-alcoholic) Drinks, anyone?

Louqmat

Refreshing watermelon nectar

Appetizers, appetizers

Fruitilicious selections

A selection of picked middle-eastern delicacies

Sesame seed crackers

Traditional lanterns

Meringue with berries

The beautiful Turkish tea stall

Pistachio cookies

The fruit, salad and sushi bar

Berries and cream

Turkish tea, anyone?

A mouth-watering assortment of sweets

Grilled vegetables galore