When you work with food and food is your passion, it can be hard to think about anything else. Buying it, preparing it, serving it, discussing it, delivering it: when your working day involves being around food and satisfying the appetites of others, you’re likely to be perpetually peckish. So, during the month of Ramadan, what’s it like to work in the food industry? How do you cope if you’re a Muslim chef or waiter and you’re fasting during the day, but still constantly bombarded with the sight and smell of delicious dishes? We met members of the UAE’s fasting food industry workforce to hear about their challenges and experiences.
Abdallah Bin Hussein
Sous Chef, The park bar & grill, Park Hyatt ABu Dhabi
Age: 25
Nationality: Jordanian
Is it hard to be surrounded by food while fasting?
It is definitely tough in the beginning, but with time it actually makes you feel stronger. You feel you can be surrounded by food but your belief will be stronger than the temptation. You learn to detach yourself from it without sacrificing the quality of your work.
What do you do about not being able to taste the food while you prepare it?
It is all about following your standards, using the right measurements and paying particular attention to your sense of smell. However, at Hyatt we make sure every dish that goes out is tasted, so in the absence of my chef de cuisine I have full confidence in my assistants to conduct the final quality check.
Are there any dishes on the menu you find particularly tempting while fasting?
Definitely desserts. For some reason I crave more sugar and cold items during this time. The Gianduja chocolate parfait is my absolute favourite.
What’s your favourite iftar dish?
I am very simple when it comes to eating. I love traditional light food, so my favourite iftar dish is lentil soup. It warms your body but is light. Anyone coming to The Café for iftar should try our shawarmas. They are proving to be one of the most popular items.
The Park Bar & Grill, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas (02 407 1138).
Mirzo Hafizov
General Manager, The Ivy, Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Age: 27
Nationality: Uzbek
How many years have you fasted for Ramadan while also working in the food industry?
I’ve done it for three and a half years, since I first moved to the UAE. It’s much easier to fast in a place like the UAE, where the Holy Month is respected and everyone participates in the spirit of Ramadan.
Is it difficult to fast while working in a restaurant?
Generally it isn’t too difficult because working in a fast-paced environment makes time pass a lot quicker and takes my mind off feeling hungry. As a result, I prefer being at work than staying at home while fasting.
How does your routine at work change?
An average day for me isn’t very different. I tend to work longer during the day in Ramadan and fewer evening hours. I follow the same routine as usual, albeit during our lunch break, when my team and I like to play checkers (I always win, by the way.)
Are there any dishes on the menu you find particularly tempting while fasting?
I’ve always had a sweet tooth, so passing the pastry section is always tempting, whether I’m fasting or not. However, lately I seem to find it difficult to resist the roast monkfish with lobster, potato and mussels created by chef Ben.
What’s your favourite iftar dish?
I love the Emirati fish machboos, which is one of the Arabic dishes on the Ramadan menu at The Ivy this year.
The Ivy, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai (04 319 8767).
Hamid Sheikh
Delivery driver, China Garden Restaurant
Age: 23
Nationality: Indian
How many years have you fasted for Ramadan while also working in the food industry?
Working at China Garden is my first job in the food industry and I’ve been here for a year and half. Working with food during Ramadan doesn’t make a difference to me. I’ve been fasting since the age of 13 and I’ve lived all my life in India, where there are no restrictions on eating food in public, so I’m used to seeing people eat in front of me while I’m fasting.
Have you developed any special techniques to help you fast?
After my morning prayers, I mentally prepare myself for the day. I start by thinking about the delivery locations in my head to take my mind off the food.
Are you busier than normal with deliveries during Ramadan?
It’s a lot quieter, because people normally prefer home-cooked food and tend to order less from restaurants.
Are there any dishes on the menu you find particularly tempting while fasting?
My weakness is the chicken dumplings, so I make sure I stay away from the kitchen when they prepare them!
Where is your favourite venue for iftar?
My employers arrange for iftar at work, so I break my fast at work. If I didn’t, I’d probably head to Ravi’s in Satwa.
And your favourite iftar dish?
Spicy chick peas and harees, a traditional local dish, are my favourites.
China Garden, various locations in Dubai (04 394 3434).
Nejd Souaidy
Chef de Cuisine, Agadir restaurant, Westin Abu Dhabi golf resort & spa
Age: 30
Nationality: Moroccan
Is it hard to be surrounded by food while fasting or are you able to detach yourself from it?
After so many years it’s just a normal thing. I have no particular feelings or cravings while at work and fasting.
What do you do about not being able to taste the food while you prepare it?
I believe that you are allowed to taste and have food in the mouth without swallowing. But some seasonings are known by heart already.
How do you deal with the heat in the kitchen if you’re not drinking water?
In the past it was harder, but nowadays the moder kitchens are equipped with proper air intake mechanisms and air conditioning, so it’s all cooler.
Are there any dishes on the menu that you find particularly tempting while fasting?
Not really, however when breaking fast I need to have my coffee and dried figs.
What’s your favourite iftar dish?
Harira soup is a must in any Moroccan iftar. Also assorted Casablanca-style deep fried seafood, it’s just lovely. And don’t forget the home made mussaman and baghrir – a special bread and Moroccan pancakes.
Agadir, Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa (02 616 9999).
Gulfaraz Ali
Chef De Partie, Jigsaw, MÖvenpick Hotel Deira
Age: 29
Nationality: Pakistani
Have you developed any special techniques to help you fast?
Because we’re so busy preparing the iftar buffet, it’s usually easy not to think about your hunger. It also helps not to look at the clock too much!
What do you find most tempting about the food in the restaurant?
The smell is always there. You can taste the aroma in your mouth but can’t do anything about it.
Are you allowed to taste the food?
No, so we’re partnered with colleagues that can taste the dishes. This way we can still serve consistent food.
Is the kitchen busier than normal?
My hours get shorter, but the days tend to be busier. I prepare the iftar buffet, but I have to do so in less time.
Are there any dishes on the menu you find particularly tempting while fasting?
I find it difficult to cook masala gravy. The smell from the onion and spices makes it hard to resist.
If you’re working during sunset, when do you break your fast?
Our executive chef is very understanding: he fasts with us even though he’s not a Muslim. Chef makes sure we have juice, dates and pakoras on time, regardless of how busy the restaurant is. Once our guests have all eaten, we can then enjoy a proper dinner.
Mövenpick Hotel Deira, Dubai (04 444 0111).
