Hidden among the high-rises opposite Emirates Palace is the dry hotel, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana.
At the back, adjacent to the pool, is the recently rebranded Arabic restaurant, Kamoon – which means cumin in Arabic.
While the interior lacks character, the outdoor area is spacious with views of the water.
The menu features Arabic mezze including salads, hummus and stuffed vine leaves as well as grilled meat and seafood.
We start by sharing some with our guest. A platter arrives with bowls of fattouche and tabbouleh, pastries including spinach fatayer and cheese sambousek, hummus and moutabbal, vine leaves, kibbeh – deep fried balls of minced lamb, bulgur wheat and pine nuts – and a spin on the traditional baba ghanouj dip made with avocado instead of eggplant. Nothing is greasy, although we would prefer freshly baked bread.
For the main course, we tuck into a generous portion of fattet Kamoon – chickpeas, grilled eggplant, pine nuts and croutons pulled together with a kick of cumin.
Our guest enjoys four tender lamb chops that are well presented with slices of grilled Arabic bread topped with tomato paste, onions and parsley. The chef’s speciality, kebab bitinjan, features triangles of marinated minced lamb stuffed with pine nuts, grilled eggplant and red pepper.
There’s a selection of traditional sweets for dessert, including halawa bil jibn, a cheese pastry filled with ashta cream, and knafa nabulsiyeh, soft white cheese topped with flaky dough and syrup. We settle on mohalabiya, a more-ish milk pudding that’s infused with rose water and topped with ground pistachios.
The entire meal is laidback thanks to the casual service and quiet oud music playing through speakers.
Kamoon is a good option for a meal with friends or relaxed date.
DETAILS
Location: Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, opposite Emirates Palace
We say: Try the Arabic desserts
Cost: AED 400 for two with soft drinks
Opening times: Sat-Wed noon-4pm and 6pm-11.30pm, Thu-Fri 6pm-12.30am
Contact: 02 657 0000 [email protected] www.rotana.com
Rachael Peacock
