RIYADH: In a setting fit for royalty, the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh welcomes guests to its Ramadan tent, Al-Khaimah, whose theme is inspired by Eastern and Arab culture. Upon arrival, guests are greeted warmly by the hotel staff.
Iftar is held in one of the hotel’s huge ballrooms. Each table is prepared with an abundance of Ramadan specialties, including dates, Arabic coffee, and appetizers such as hummus and baba ghanouj.
One of my favorite treats was the hotel’s unique cocktails that were distributed as soon as the call to prayer was heard. My preferred drink was the Taif Rose, made with pomegranate juice, sparkling water and a hint of rose essence — it truly is a refreshing, floral drink.
Al-Khaimah boasts delicious international cuisine in a beautiful, massive buffet. “We serve and cook with love,” said Saudi chef Sokayana Ali.
The 13 female chefs who work under her “have exquisite taste and cook with love,” she added.
“On a daily basis we cook traditional food for iftar and suhoor, but we add our own touches. That’s what makes it unique.” Each national cuisine is headed by a chef from that nationality.
The buffet promises to satisfy all, and options range from typical Saudi dishes to Chinese, Turkish and Indian fare.
The Saudi dishes they serves were spectacular, ranging from all the Kingdom’s regions, but made to an outstanding level of quality. It seemed that the jareesh — a popular Najdi dish consisting of boiled, cracked, or coarsely-ground wheat, mixed with meat — won the hearts (and stomachs) of many as the staff kept having to refill the platter.
The desserts were particularly popular, with a wide array of gloriously sticky, stuffed baklava on show, as well as the usual Middle Eastern favorites.
Prices range from $105 per adult to $53 for children between the ages of six to 12. Kids under the age of six dine for free.
If you are bringing the little ones along, you needn’t worry about things getting too loud or boisterous as the hotel offers a dedicated children’s area in its Strike Bowling Alley, where kids are treated to a program of activities, including face-painting, book-reading and a host of child-friendly movies.
