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!

Date and nut truffles

Meringue with berries

Dinner’s served

Dates aplenty – take your pick

Refreshing watermelon nectar

Poppadom cones

Fruitilicious selections

A mouth-watering assortment of sweets

Poppadom

The beautiful Turkish tea stall

A selection of picked middle-eastern delicacies

The fruit, salad and sushi bar

Chefs preparing the buffet

Turkish tea, anyone?

Banana chocolate cake

An authentic Arabic Iftaar experience

Appetizers, appetizers

Up-close and personal with spinach and pine nut samosas

Mamool

Meringue with berries

Unknown drink in adorable milk bottles

Enjoying their meal

Sesame seed crackers

Trifle

Traditional lanterns

Louqmat

Berries and cream

Pistachio cookies

Happy diners

(non-alcoholic) Drinks, anyone?

A little surprise on every table

Grilled vegetables galore

Hand-crafted chocolates

The Indian Bazar

Last-minute prep

Chocolate mousse