Ayam Zaman

Lebanese restaurant on the Royal Ascot Hotel with food and entertainment Discuss this article

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From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2009

There are many things that are a little different about Ayam Zaman. First of all, it doesn’t open until 9.30pm. And, with the addition of a Lebanese singer, it becomes more of a club that happens to serve food.

There is a set menu, and it’s the same price if you come with one person or 10. It’s Dhs200 for lots and lots of mezze. It’s all pretty good, and so the cold dishes are enough to fully satisfy, but the waiter will return with a tray of hot mezze that you will struggle to finish, whether it’s tasty or not.

Punctuating the meal are various acts – belly dancing troupes, singers, violinists – many of which are good, if cheesy. Unfortunately, the volume is such that it is difficult to appreciate the talent, or hold any conversations.

At Ayam Zaman, the food isn’t bad, and it could make for a fun, raucous, well-stocked evening out, providing you come with a large group, big appetite, and perhaps some earplugs (trust us, you’ll still hear the band just fine.

• Previous reviews
  • 15 December,2008- reviewed by Daisy Carrington

Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.