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Strawfire’s iftar at Emirates Palace offers a Japanese twist on tradition

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On March 6, 2025

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When it comes to iftar, the classics never fail but what if you infused them with bold Japanese flavours? That’s exactly what Strawfire has done, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. Hosted at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, this limited-time dining experience merges elegance, tradition, and innovation against the stunning backdrop of Qasr Al Watan and the Abu Dhabi skyline.

First impressions

Dining at Emirates Palace always comes with an air of grandeur, and this iftar was no exception. Set within The Majlis by the Sea, the ambiance was immaculate – there was soft lighting, high arches, and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, offering both intimacy and spectacle. But the real highlight? The food.

The feast begins

The chicken miso soup was a comforting start, delicate yet rich, with a depth of umami that set the tone for the meal. The vegetable kakiage was crisp, light, and addictive, especially with that tangy tendashi and a squeeze of fresh lemon. But the sweet potato gyoza? That was the surprise star of the starters. The feta and ponzu created a contrast of creamy and citrusy flavors that worked beautifully together.

The sushi selection

A good sushi platter can make or break an experience, and Strawfire didn’t disappoint. The California rolls, made with blue swimmer crab, avocado, cucumber, and tobiko, were fresh, well-balanced, and indulgent. The prawn tempura maki packed a punch, with the crisp tempura and that silky amarillo mayo adding the perfect touch of richness.

The main event

The Australian Wagyu MB 4-5 striploin was cooked to perfection; it was tender, juicy, and enhanced by the deep, smoky sweetness of the Japanese BBQ sauce. It was accompanied by a crispy vegetable hot stone rice, which had layers of texture, from the crunchy bits at the bottom to the luscious onsen egg melting into the mix. The green beans, tossed in a bold tobanjan sauce and sesame dressing, were a surprisingly standout side, offering just the right kick of spice.

A sweet finish

By the time dessert rolled in, I was already impressed but the Strawfire dessert platter took it to another level. The date pudding was moist and indulgent, while the baklava monaka added a unique Japanese-Middle Eastern fusion twist. Seasonal fruits balanced out the sweetness, making for a perfectly satisfying end to the meal.

Final verdict?

Strawfire’s iftar at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. The balance of traditional flavors with Japanese finesse is executed with precision, making it one of the most unique Iftar offerings in Abu Dhabi this Ramadan. At Dh350 per person, it’s a splurge, but one that’s absolutely worth it.

Would I go back? Without a doubt.