This Ramzan, Chennai offers Arabic, Hyderabadi and vegetarian iftar boxes

Abid’s

Executive Chef Mohammad Nizamuddin has introduced some new items for Ramadan such as Turkish Lamb Adona Kebab, Russian Cutlet, Chicken Cheese Cigar and Peri Peri Grilled Chicken. Arabic-style kebabs and snacks are popular items. “This year we are also providing vada with nombu kanji as it is a popular combo in Tamil Nadu,” says restaurateur Abid Zahid. They continue to offer an Iftar buffet as well as a spacious prayer room. The Abids say that every year, they sell more than 500 kilograms of haleem per day during Ramzan. This creamy mutton haleem is so popular that people buy it in party packs of three kilos. Abid says, “Till recently, we used to call cooks from Hyderabad to prepare Haleem and Hyderabadi food. But now, we have a team of cooks from Hyderabad permanently. Our signature Mutton Haleem is prepared by Chef Mojahid Khan under the supervision of our Executive Chef.” They also have Iftar takeaway boxes. Finish off with their Marassi Arabic pancakes made with honey and dates. In keeping with tradition, they continue to offer an Iftar buffet (₹699 per person) as well as a spacious prayer room, separate for men and women.

The Abides is on Spartan Road. For pre-booking Iftar Buffet and ordering take away boxes call: 9841284703

Ambur Canteen

Ambur Canteen, which showcases home-style Ambur food, has joined the ranks of places serving special iftar in the city. “The menu that has been prepared is exactly what families in Ambur break their fast with,” says Mohammed Sami, one of the co-owners of Ambur Canteen. The menu includes Mutton Keema Kanji, Mutton Biryani, Ambur Bade (Vada), Chicken Roll, Chicken Cutlet, Bread Halwa and a mocktail. The price of all these is ₹500.

Ambur Canteen, Habibullah Road, T Nagar. Call 8925142541 to pre-order.

Hatimi’s

Famous for its Iftar breakfast for over 10 years, Hatameez draws huge crowds every evening during this season. “Of the 28 items on our menu, the Crispy Chicken is the best-selling item, followed by the Chicken Candy Kebab and the Chicken Paneer Sandwich,” says owner Mohammed Patel. The price range starts from ₹35 and goes up to a maximum of ₹150. Mango Halwa is the most popular dessert in its menu. Try to avoid the crowd and reach there early.

Hatameez, Mannadi Street. Iftar breakfast is available from 3pm to 11.30pm. For details, call 9790952531

Taiyaba

Tayyaba sells Haleem not just during Ramadan but throughout the year, offering it in quantities of 200g, 400g and 1kg tubs throughout the month. They have been in the city for five years and have a special Ramadan Iftar snack menu called Talan which includes dishes like Chicken and Mutton Keema Samosa, Chicken Chutney Kebab, Russian Kebab and more. “We have put up a display of all the snacks outside the outlet from 3pm onwards for customers to choose from. We also prepare chicken and mutton biryani for the season,” says restaurant manager Riyaz Razzaq.

Taiyaba, Egmore. Available from 3pm onwards. To order, call 8828360426

olive signature

Ramadan Nights at Zaitoon Signature offers a tranquil hangout spot with a cup of masala chai. their a la carte The menu is quite extensive with over 110 items including Haleem, snacks, tea, Malabar snacks and some signature Zaitoon dishes. They have live counters for fried chicken with mac and cheese, roasted ghost loaf, Kanthari shrimp skewers, gnocchi and more, says operations manager Shamir Hamidali. Their iftar box contains milk shake, tawa roll, chicken Kizhi Porota and more

Zaitoon Signature Ramzan Night is open from 4.30 pm to 1 am at its Nungambakkam outlet. Iftar boxes are available only at other outlets in the city from 4 pm to 7 pm and are priced at ₹550. Call 7092322223

Palmshore

Palmshore, Anna Nagar’s recently opened outlet, offers a lavish Ramzan buffet. The menu includes dishes like Haleem, nombu kanji, tari kanjiLike Juice, Salad, Malabar Snacks Kai Pola, Mutta Pathil, Chattipathri, Varieties of biryani and mandi, a wide range of breads and sweets. Their Iftar Take Away Box (₹649) includes Mutton Mandi, Idiyappam, Chicken Biryani, Mutton Samosa. nombu kanji, Mutton Haleem, DJ wrap, Dejaz Al-FahmFruit mocktail, cut fruits, fruit custard and water bottle.

Palmshore, Anna Nagar. Buffet is from 6.30pm to 8.00pm. The buffet is priced at ₹849 plus taxes. Iftar Box is available from 3pm to 7pm and is priced at ₹649. For pre-booking of buffet, Call: 9176442244

fish

For the first time this year, popular vegetarian restaurant Matsya is offering a Ramadan buffet and will feature 24 Arabic dishes. “Our chef Boo Kannan, who was trained extensively in the Gulf region for many years, re-imagined popular Arabic dishes and made them vegetarian,” says Ram Bhatt of Matsya. Chef Kannan says it will have something more than just Arabian coffee or Kahwa nombu kanji Also a meze platter, falafel, and a vegetable market. Try arbi dal, sabzi salan and a variety of arbi breads like sesame bread, coconut raisin bread and kuboos. For dessert there is saffron rice kheer.

The Arabic Food Festival is going on till March 24 at its Adyar and T Nagar branches for lunch and dinner. The buffet costs ₹680 per person. For details, call 8610171993

eco-life

Jignesh Pujara, founder of Ecolife, has created a vegan iftar box for Ramzan. Jignesh says, “We introduced Iftar boxes two years ago and received a good response during Ramzan. Seeing the growing demand, especially from non-vegetarian individuals wanting a vegetarian option, we expanded our offering. Our Iftar boxes are a popular choice for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.” The box contains 12 items and the highlights are PBC Tawa Biryani (made with plant-based chicken), Tzatziki, PBC Drumsticks, Falafel, Cous Cous Salad, Whole Wheat Pita Bread, Eggplant Curry and Thandai Shake.

is on eco-life Anand RoadAlwarpet is available from 4 pm onwards. The Vegetarian Iftar Take Away Box (for two) is priced at ₹999. To pre-order, call: ₹9840021892