Dubai-based Emirates will debut a new limited-time inflight menu this week to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al Fitr. The airline said passengers will be presented with an array of regional flavors onboard, along with special dishes in its airport lounges and new Arabic inflight entertainment.
In addition to new savory offerings, Emirates will also feature several sweet delights for dessert as sugary treats are traditionally savored following a month of fasting during Eid al Fitr. The carrier plans to offer new decadent desserts across all cabins.
In celebration of the end of Ramadan
In a statement, Emirates said the new dishes will be offered for three days this month.
“From the 21 – 24 April, Economy passengers departing Dubai will be treated to the flavoursome favourites of Eid including chicken mandi in traditional spices, served with rice and crunchy fried onions, fish harra- a baked dory with spiced tomato sauce, accompanied by ghee rice and roasted pistachios, braised lamb with jameed, served with rice, roasted cashew nuts and almonds, or a seafood machbouse marinated in a myriad of Middle Eastern spices.”
The airline will offer four main dishes for passengers flying in premium economy, business, and first class. The fish matfy consists of Middle Eastern-style fish in tomato sauce served with basmati rice. The Chicken tahata features Emirati spices and is served with dill rice, roasted potatoes, aubergine, and carrots. The roasted beef madfoon is prepared with classic spices and vegetables and is served with aromatic rice. And the Gulf-style braised lamb is a tender selection with vegetables and fragrant basmati rice.
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Fit for a sweet tooth
The airline also shared what its dessert offerings will look like.
“Emirates will be offering passengers plenty of delicious desserts, such as warm date pudding garnished with fresh berries, dates and pistachios in First Class, a fluffy vanilla sponge cake with white chocolate and hibiscus cream in Business and Premium Economy Class, and Batheetha – a sumptuous saffron date crumble, or a sweet pumpkin Asseda, topped with roasted cashew nuts in Economy Class,” the airline said.
In the lounges on its Airbus A380 aircraft, a selection of Emirati pastries and decadent slices of Arabic coffee cakes topped with fresh berries, dates, and pistachios will be offered.
“All passengers will also receive an additional mini treat of ashta sfouf with their meal wishing them ‘Eid Mubarak,’ – a sweet turmeric and sesame cake with cream,” the airline explained.
Meals at the airport & entertainment in the air
Lounges at Dubai Airport will also feature a wide range of food beginning on April 21st. In addition, passengers will be offered a selection of mocktail creations.
In the first class lounges, some offerings include Arabic coffee, jallab and kamarruddin juice, hot and cold Arabic mezzeh, and lamb ouzi or Emirati ouzi served with dakous and coriander mint raita. The lounge will also feature the all-time favorite kunafa with pistachio and baklava ice cream.
For the Eid mocktail creations, the airline said first class passengers will be invited to try the ‘Sumacgroni,’ which is a mixture of red grapes, orange juice, bitter syrup, sumac powder, and Zaatar leaves, or the ‘Coco Sahlab,’ a combination of coconut cream, almond, and agave syrup, sprinkled with pistachio powder.
A classic shish taouk with harissa red pepper dip will be featured in the business class lounges and other mocktail creations such as the ‘Runman Cooler’ and the ‘Mint Blossom.’ Sweet deserts will be offered throughout the day as well as the carrier’s old-fashioned ice cream cart, where travelers can enjoy homemade Baklava and Arabic coffee ice cream specially made for Eid celebrations.
In addition to the variety of food and beverage choices, Emirates plans to feature a plethora of content that passengers can consume during their flight.
“A variety of content will be available on the award-winning ICE inflight entertainment for those traveling over Eid al Fitr, including more than 100 Arabic films, including new releases,” the airline said.