If there was one place to break your fast this Ramadan, it had to be The Ned Doha. Set by the pool at Malibu Kitchen, the setting alone made for a spectacular evening—twinkling lights reflecting off the water, the soft hum of conversation filling the air, and a buffet so well curated that even the most seasoned Iftar-goer found themselves overwhelmed. From the moment doors opened, it was clear this wasn’t just another Ramadan tent; it was the tent of the season. High bookings every night meant a constant buzz, a seamless blend of locals and expats navigating the spread with equal parts excitement and indecision—because, truthfully, where did one even begin?
The rotisserie station was impossible to ignore, golden-skinned roast chickens slowly turning, the scent of caramelized drippings pulling in even those who had sworn they’d start light. Then came the South Asian section, where two dishes alone could have made the night: a butter chicken so rich and velvety it deserved its own standing ovation, and pani puri served just as it should be—crispy, delicate shells cracking under the weight of tangy tamarind and spiced potatoes, a perfect nod to tradition.
From Kaia, the Beef Koshi and Beef Oyster Sauce delivered a deep, umami-packed punch, making it impossible to decide which was the better of the two. Cecconi’s, meanwhile, kept things simple and perfect, sending out fresh pizzas straight from the oven, their charred crusts and bubbling toppings disappearing almost as soon as they landed. Over at Hadika, Beef Tagine was slow-cooked to absolute tenderness, while the Okra Salona—silky, rich, and full of depth—proved that this often-overlooked dish could hold its own against the night’s heavier contenders.
Of course, some things at The Ned are non-negotiable. Sushi from Kaia, the staple that’s become a must-order every visit. The Electric Burger from Electric Diner, indulgent, messy, and exactly what you need when you think you can’t possibly eat another bite—but do anyway.
And then came the dessert section, an entire kingdom of sugar and nostalgia. Cotton candy spun fresh to order, date pudding drenched in warm toffee sauce, ice cream melting over just-baked cakes, and—because indulgence has no limits—candy bars stacked alongside traditional Ramadan sweets. It was a final course designed to take you straight back to childhood, where the only concern was how much you could fit on your plate.
By the end, one thing was clear: at The Ned, there was no such thing as restraint. Every dish was a temptation, every station a detour. This was an Iftar that didn’t just celebrate tradition—it redefined indulgence.
