Hotel Iftars and Ghabgas have become such a hallmark of the holy month of Ramadan in Bahrain, that it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between the ocean of them that floods our social calendars at this time of the year.
A few, however, like the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, manage to add unforgettable new touches to their spread every year, and this Ramadan, the buffet, along with the five-star property’s peerless service, rose once again to the top of our list.
Feeling a penchant for tradition this year, I craved an experience that truly embodied the spirit of the holy month. Stepping inside the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay’s Ramadan Tent, I knew I’d found it.
The entrance was like stepping into a luxurious Arabian Nights dream. Soaring ceilings adorned with intricate geometric patterns dazzled me, and the gentle murmur of conversation and clinking silverware created a warm, inviting atmosphere.
It felt instantly welcoming, a perfect space to reconnect with friends and families over a special meal.
But at the media iftar hosted by the hotel last week, the true magic unfolded at the food stations.
Forget your average, predictable buffet! This was a global culinary adventure waiting to be devoured. One minute, we were savouring the melt-in-your-mouth ouzi from the dedicated Bahraini station, the warm spices transporting us straight to the heart of the suq, while the next, we were diving into the ocean with sublime, spicy and sweet ceviches and sushi rolls.
This year, they even added new live cooking stations, tempting us with piping hot bowls of ramen, crispy nachos and tacos, as well as sizzling Moroccan tajines. My taste buds went around the world many times over in the more than 80 dishes on offer, with no dearth of where to explore next!
From traditional tastes such as Lebanese mezze, fatteh, Egyptian koshari, chicken kabsa, shawarma, and lamb mansaf to international crowd-pleasers such as freshly made pasta and pizza, as well as pav bhaji and chicken tikka from the Indian sub-continent, there was truly something for everyone, no matter how picky their tastes. Amongst the new additions this year were the Octopus Takoyaki, Nachos and Tacos, as well as the ramen station, and each was as carefully prepared as the next.
No Ramadan feast is complete without dessert, and the Four Seasons didn’t disappoint. I indulged in executive pastry chef Imad Boukli’s delectable chocolate souffle, topped with dark chocolate ice cream, because if there’s one thing I learned from Willy Wonka, it’s that there can never be enough chocolate.
Although I was quite full from my world tour, and detour to the chocolate factory, I had to restrain myself from going on for the playful Ice Cream Teppanyaki, though I did pause to watch the skilled chefs create a masterpiece of swirling ice cream and toppings.
As we rested after a hearty Iftar, the hotel’s public relations and marketing communications director Tugce Goksel told us about the Ramadan Tent’s Premium Experience, available during the Ghabga starting at 9pm.
“We designed the Premium Experience for our guests who want to enjoy a full table-waited service with a Four Seasons Butler,” she explained.
“Every evening, executive chef Leonardo Di Clemente designs set menus showcasing the best of Arabic dishes served in elegant tableware at the premium experience tables.
“This elevated experience also enables the guests to choose any additional items from the extensive buffet selection to be served at their table by their butler.”
At the end of the day, Ramadan is about community and it is astounding how the servers, staff and chefs at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay come together every evening to make sure each one of their guests has an amazing experience. And that’s no small feat, considering there can be anywhere from 400 to 800 guests at the tent on a nightly basis!
The hotel’s Iftar is served daily from sunset to 8pm, priced at BD36 per person, inclusive of water, soft drinks and juices at the buffet, as well as Arabic coffee and Moroccan tea on the table.
Ghabga starts daily at 9pm, running until 2am for BD39 per person, and also offers live entertainment.
Children aged six to 12 dine for BD19 for either Iftar or Ghabga, while kids aged six years and under are welcomed with the hotel’s compliments.
The premium experience is available daily from 9pm to 2am, starting at BD55 per person, and these tables must be booked for a minimum of four guests.
For details and reservations, email diningreservations.bahrain@fourseasons.com or call 1711 5070. Special rates are available for group bookings of 30 or more. For group inquiries, email catering.bah.dst@fourseasons.com.
