During his tenure with the Three Lions he helped them win the ODI tournament in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022
There was Indian chaat rubbing shoulders with nigiri sushi, an 'Olive Bazaar', a 'Pickle Station' (with Arabic cheeses), and a 'Raw Bar' (forget the tuna, it boasted of seriously winsome exotica - like sundried tomato fennel): how can that not be deeply satiating, something to gorge on after a day of fasting? Special mention for the desserts: jaw-droppingly good and incredibly varied.
And finally, when we were a bit jaded with "occasion food", someone suggested dal-chawal. The simple yellow dal, infused with lasoon (garlic), was just terrific. Kind of gratifying when five-star hotels get home-style so stunningly well. So there I was, wrapping my iftar mains in the most unusual manner:
having something I usually cook on weekends. At home.
Taste
Almost impossible to score top points for an industrial-size iftar spread, but this one keeps food quality several notches above most others. Lovely cheese and charcuterie section, the sushi was great, and I was most impressed to spot a Beijing Duck in the Oriental section.
Ambience
Navigation is easy, and the way the stations are laid out ensures you don't have to huddle around for too long. One standout observation was the lighting: it was quite perfect. Seasonal Tastes is sprawling, but you don't feel cramped thanks to the layout.
Service
Again, difficult to gauge service levels at a buffet, but it was decent enough. General operations - like clearing plates, getting your juice, etc - were a bit slow. And maybe the cooks at the live kitchen can be encouraged to smile a little more.
Presentation
A treat for sore eyes! While the food you carry back to your table will be a pile of grub, the buffet setting is colourful and spatial. There is attention paid to details: something as simple as the complements to each dish are placed strategically so there's no need for a scramble.
Value for money
At Dh185 per pop, this, I thought, was fantastic value for money - for the quality and the range of food (and the five-star setting). If you are fasting and likely to be hungry, it's a great opportunity to sample global cuisine without feeling deadbeat.
Overall rating: 4/5
Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road
Reservations:04 4355577
Timings: From sunset to 11pm daily, during Ramadan
Cost per head: Dh185 (children aged 5 to 12: Dh95; below 5: free)
sushmita@khaleejtimes.com
During his tenure with the Three Lions he helped them win the ODI tournament in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability
The number of workers walking off the job during the first-ever simultaneous strike against the Detroit Three automakers has grown to 25,000
The Crown Prince met with the Serbian President as well Hungary's Prime Minister
A week of heavy torrential rains have triggered the flooding in the city
The authority urged residents to secure valuables and install surveillance cameras
Marking World Heart Day, doctors say success rate of heart transplantations reaches up to 96 per cent, thanks to the advances in the field
The supermoon is also called the 'Harvest Moon' because of its occurrence at the start of autumn