Overall Rating
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8.0 / 10
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For sometime now, Dubai restaurants are in full fledge preparations to witness the Holy month and achieve the hospitality affair! Delphine Restaurant at the H Hotel also takes the initiative in serving an extravagant full course meal for Iftar and Suhoor.
I was one among the few to receive an invite from Sept and the City Company in Dubai, to indulge and experience the lavish spread during the Iftar preview launch last week at Delphine Restaurant. The spread comprised of diverse Middle Eastern flavors reflecting the Arabian vibe. Delphine served Moroccan, Syrian, Lebanese, Egyptian, Turkish and Emirati cuisine. Delphine is located on the ground floor of the H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road opposite Dubai World Trade Centre. This elegantly set up outlet is segregated into restaurant and bar, specially known for the sugar-chic weekend brunches and seafood dinner nights. The elegant and contrasting interiors displayed a royal appearance of the outlet, with live jazz performance; the tables were well adorned with fresh flower vase and candles lit. Another section of the restaurant depicted a timeline of pictures from the past with wooden walls and flooring; and spot lights highlighting the venue. The open view to the live cooking station was another resemblance of high-class hospitality and service |
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The 5-course spread started off following the etiquettes of Ramadan with Dates and assorted dry fruits. The meal started off with three unique flavors of juices with unusual names. They served Kamaruddin (Apricot), Jallab (Rose) and Tamar Hindi (Tamarind). My personal favorite among the three was Kamaruddin, with pure flavors of apricot and no extra additives. I felt that the Jallab was extremely sweet and not of my taste. Although, Tamar hindi was also a good pick.
Following, the Cold Mezze we had options of Hummus, Hummus Beyrouti (parsley blended with hummus), Moutabel, Fattoush (chopped leafy vegetables with bread), Tabouleh, Muhammara (hot pepper dip), Beetroot moutabel, and Jarjeer Salad (rocket leaves and lemon flavoring). Every item was prepared from the finest ingredients especially the Hummus and Moutabel which was blended into fine paste with rich flavors of olive oil. Along with the cold mezze, a basket of freshly baked assorted breads and flatbreads was served
A while later, warm crispy fritters and baked hot mezze was served. The platter consisted of veg and non-veg snacks like the Lamb Sabousek, Cheese and Spinach Fatayer, Lamb kibbeh, Cheese rolls, Chicken liver, falafel, and much more. My personal favorites from the hot mezze were the Cheese-y snacks with warm and yummy melted cheese filling. Also, the Zaatar manakeesh baked up to right point with crispy crust and fresh zaatar flavoring. The lamb platters were not really of my taste although my guest suggested the seasoning was flavorful and cooked to the right perfection
For soup of the day, there was Golden Lentil Soup with lemon wedges and pita croutons. The thick and creamy soup was served hot, with traditional Arabic flavoring and a pinch of relishing touch. Following, waiters on serving trolleys served thirteen varieties of main courses on to the table one after the other.
First served was the Moroccan Bastiyalla, a famous and traditional baked chicken pie with crispy-crusted pastry coated with sweetened almond topping. The chicken filling was cooked with minced chicken and cooked with authentic Moroccan seasoning mixed with spicy omlette. The dish was garnished with caster sugar and cinnamon flavoring.
The Arabic mixed grill platter was served with a variety of chicken and meat grills. For chicken, there was well-cooked shish tawouk and grill chicken. For meat, there was lamb chops, and mutton kabab. My personal favorite was the shish tawouk, although I felt the mutton kebab lacked flavors and was not well cooked. The lamb chops was perfectly done and had a juicy flavor. The grill platter was served with grilled vegetables.
My personal favorite from the main course was the grilled shrimps with mild lemon and herb seasoning. The shrimp was surely a WOW element to the mouth and tummy since it retained the juicy and crunchy texture since it was mildly flavored yet, very rich.
My personal favorite from the main course was the grilled shrimps with mild lemon and herb seasoning. The shrimp was surely a WOW element to the mouth and tummy since it retained the juicy and crunchy texture since it was mildly flavored yet, very rich.
The Vegetable couscous, was yet another authentic Moroccan dish cooked with about seven vegetables. The dish was cooked in rich authentic flavors and served with steamed balls of semolina and vegetables prepared as stew. Vegetable couscous was served with Lamb Tajine. The Tajine was served in traditional earthenware pots to retain the juicy delectable flavors. The meat was slow cooked in stew and seasoned overnight.
Dawood Basha, another popular Egyptian dish with meatballs (Lamb koftas) cooked in tomato sauce was served with steamed Vermicelli white rice. The soft and tender meatballs were soaked in flavorful gravy.
Another personal favorite was the Chicken Molokhia. The main ingredient of this traditional Egyptian dish was the bitter Mulukiyyah leaf, cooked up to a thick consistency stew. The tender chicken pieces are then added to this thick gravy. The steamed vermicelli white rice complemented the chicken molokhia stew.
The Local lamb Ouzi, a typical Emirati dish (famously known Arabic version of biryani), usually offered at most local affairs was the center of attraction at this preview launch too. The aromatic and flavorful dish comprised of an overnight marinated and grilled lamb with Arabic seasoning, served with spicy Kabsa rice. The dish was beautifully garnished with plenty of pine nuts, cashews, raisins, golden brown fried onions and mint leaves.
The last attraction was the local Samak (Fish) Shneyia with Harra sauce on side, the popular snapper fish and Ibrahimi was grilled in mild and juicy herbs flavoring. Then, glazed with olive oil and lemon zest. The servers served the whole fish on trolleys; with lemon, herbs and Harra sauce as condiments.
Lastly, moving to the desserts, as the saying goes, there’s always a room for desserts; Delphine ensured to serve the most amazing range of desserts. The array included Karakada tiramisu, Kamaruddin cream tart, Rose macaroon, Date cheesecake, fudges, Baklava and much more…
My most personal favorite was the Karakada Tiramisu. The tiramisu was beautifully prepared and presented dessert with a unique blend of authentic Egyptian Karakade flower (flower from the hibiscus breed) with tiramisu flavors. The blend complemented each ingredient with a sweet and sour taste. The delicate presentation was very relishing to the eye.
Even the Date cheesecake and Kamaruddin cream tart was a yummy treat to the tummy. The date cheesecake was a delicious preparation of soothing date cream with mascarpone cheese, garnished with a cherry.
The Kamaruddin cream tart was a chilled serving of crispy-crusted tart base with rich apricot filling and garnished with apricot chunks and whipped cream.
My guest mentioned the Rose macaroon was a hit! The rose flavor on the outside was soft and delectable with creamy filling although the crust was exceptionally sweeter than expected.
Priced at Aed 170, the marvelous Delphine buffet is the perfect pick for iftar with an amazing décor, soothing and calm atmosphere and live background music. The amazing culinary journey encourages family time for iftar and suhoor (ala carte).
My most personal favorite was the Karakada Tiramisu. The tiramisu was beautifully prepared and presented dessert with a unique blend of authentic Egyptian Karakade flower (flower from the hibiscus breed) with tiramisu flavors. The blend complemented each ingredient with a sweet and sour taste. The delicate presentation was very relishing to the eye.
Even the Date cheesecake and Kamaruddin cream tart was a yummy treat to the tummy. The date cheesecake was a delicious preparation of soothing date cream with mascarpone cheese, garnished with a cherry.
The Kamaruddin cream tart was a chilled serving of crispy-crusted tart base with rich apricot filling and garnished with apricot chunks and whipped cream.
My guest mentioned the Rose macaroon was a hit! The rose flavor on the outside was soft and delectable with creamy filling although the crust was exceptionally sweeter than expected.
Priced at Aed 170, the marvelous Delphine buffet is the perfect pick for iftar with an amazing décor, soothing and calm atmosphere and live background music. The amazing culinary journey encourages family time for iftar and suhoor (ala carte).