Brasserie Boulud’s Arabesque Iftar: Flair Meets Tradition

Where French elegance meets the spirit of Iftar

There’s something special about Iftar in Dubai – the sense of togetherness, the breaking of the fast, and, of course, the feast that follows. But not all Iftars are created equal. Some lean too heavily into sheer volume, while others miss the mark on warmth and quality. Brasserie Boulud at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk strikes a balance that feels both thoughtful and refined. Their Arabesque Iftar menu blends French culinary craftsmanship with the region’s rich traditions, creating an experience that is at once familiar and refreshingly new.

A Setting That Invites You to Stay
Stepping into Brasserie Boulud, you’re immediately greeted by a sense of space and light. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with a golden glow as the sun sets, while minimalist chandeliers cast a soft ambiance that complements the elegant, understated decor. One of the biggest wins? The tables are generously spaced apart. You can actually enjoy a conversation with your dining companions without feeling like the table next to you is part of it.

A Fresh Take on Iftar Dining
The meal begins, as tradition dictates, with dates and laban, a simple but grounding ritual before moving on to the soup station. Here, lentil velouté and French onion soup set the tone for what’s to come – classics executed with finesse.

Next up: the mezzeh and salads. While the selection is generous, what makes it stand out is the emphasis on freshness and vibrant flavors. Candied beetroot meets whipped zho goat’s cheese, while a particularly intriguing edamame hummus with crème fraîche surprises in the best way possible. Locally produced burrata, piquillo peppers, and smoked shatta-spiced freekeh salad round out a selection that bridges tradition and innovation seamlessly.

Then, the real showstopper – the classic mezzeh station. Unlike most Iftars where salads and mezzeh sit on a buffet, here the tabbouleh and fattoush are freshly tossed by two chefs, right in the middle of the dining floor. It’s a small but impactful touch; watching your salad being made to order adds an element of theater and guarantees crisp, bright flavors with every bite.

The hot appetizers, served to the table, include kibbeh, mint yogurt, and spinach fatayer. The kibbeh, in particular, is pure comfort – crisp on the outside, warmly spiced and perfectly tender inside. The fatayer, with its flaky pastry and rich spinach filling, is another highlight.

A More Thoughtful Approach to the Main
EventOne of the biggest challenges at many Ramadan buffets is balancing variety with quality. It’s easy to go overboard, both as a diner and as a chef, leading to excessive waste and subpar dishes sitting on warming trays. Brasserie Boulud takes a different approach. Rather than overwhelming diners with heaps of food sitting out for hours, hot mezzeh and charcoal-grilled meats – like chicken shish tawouk, lamb kofta, beef brochette, and vegetable brochette – are brought directly to your table. Made to order, perfectly grilled, and served piping hot, they allow you to pace yourself and truly enjoy each bite.

At the serving stations, the experience is just as personal. Braised short rib with potato gratin dauphinoise, salmon “Saumon à l’oseille,” ratatouille, braised lamb rack, chicken tagine roulade, and stuffed chicken breast are all served by chefs who don’t just plate your food – they talk you through the dishes, their inspiration, and their flavor profiles. This level of engagement is rare in a buffet setting and adds an element of care that sets this Iftar apart.

Sweet Endings Done Right
If you saved room for dessert (and you should), you’ll be rewarded with a spread that showcases both classic French and local specialties. Standouts? The crêpes Suzette, topped with fresh orange zest grated over the caramel-covered crêpes, and the Umm Ali, rich, warm, and deeply satisfying.

More Than Just a Meal
What makes this Iftar special isn’t just the food- it’s the philosophy behind it. Sofitel’s Executive Chef, Russell Impiazzi, was on hand to explain the thought process behind the experience. Rather than simply offering an endless buffet, the restaurant has taken a more mindful approach, serving mezzeh and grills to the table, reducing waste, and ensuring freshness.

In a city where dining can often feel excessive, Brasserie Boulud’s Iftar feels personal, intentional, and full of heart. Whether you’re breaking your fast or simply gathering with friends and family to experience this cherished tradition, this is an Iftar that respects both Brasserie Boulud’s French heritage and the local customs that make Ramadan in Dubai so special.

Final Verdict: A beautifully balanced Iftar that celebrates both tradition and innovation – and one that we’ll be coming back for again.

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