Zouk’s Ramadan buffet is a flavourful feast for the senses

I was eager to visit Zouk’s Ramadan buffet in Manchester and try out their fabulous offerings.

Almost everyone I mentioned it to, (including my Uber driver on the way) had said how amazing the selection of food there is and what a treat I was in for.

I arrived at the restaurant on a drizzly Wednesday evening but was immediately warmed by the welcoming staff and the delightful aromas of the restaurant. 

The chef was attentively laying out the incredible-looking Lamb raan, special rice and potato that had been slow cooking away for the majority of the day as we walked through a bustling restaurant filled with people excited to break their fast and get stuck into the great selection of food.

On entry, me and my colleague were gifted with a box of stuffed dates, fruit chaat, traditional Medjool dates, and jugs of chilled water.

It was a lovely gesture and set the tone for the rest what was a delightful experience.

As I made my way to my table, I couldn’t help but notice the vibrant and festive atmosphere of the restaurant.

Families and friends were gathering together, enjoying each other’s company and looking forward to breaking their fast.

The staff at Zouk were attentive and welcoming and made sure everyone felt comfortable and taken care of.

And the buffet was a sight to behold.

The  selection of food was diverse and included a mix of Zouk’s most popular dishes and traditional Ramadan fare.

I started off with some of the salads, including the refreshing mango salad and the fragrant tabbouleh. The mix of sweet and savoury flavours was a perfect start to my meal.

Next up were the starters. I couldn’t resist trying a bit of everything, from the vegetable samosas to the mixed vegetable pakora.

The Seekh kebab was particularly flavourful, and the chicken 65 had just the right amount of spice.

The dhai balahi was also a standout dish, with its creamy texture and tangy flavour.

Moving on to the mains, I tried the chicken handi and lamb and potato dishes.

Both were cooked to perfection, with tender and juicy meat and rich, flavourful sauces.

The dall makhana and vegetable pilau rice were excellent accompaniments, and the assorted fresh naan bread was the perfect vessel for soaking up all the delicious flavours.

The chutney and raita were also well-balanced, adding a nice touch of heat and freshness to the meal.

I couldn’t resist trying the carvery station, where Roasted Lamb Raan with Chef’s Special Rice was being expertly sliced by the chef.

The meat was succulent and tender, with a beautiful crispy exterior. The chef special rice was also a highlight, with its blend of aromatic spices and herbs.

This was without doubt the highlight and the showstopper of the buffet. It was excellent.

For dessert, I sampled a selection of freshly made sweets.

The Gulab jamun was a particular favourite, with its syrupy sweetness and soft texture.

The kheer was also delicious, with its creamy rice pudding and hints of cardamom and saffron.

Throughout the meal, I sipped on the refreshing mango lassi, which was the perfect accompaniment to the spicy and savoury dishes.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with Zouk’s Ramadan buffet.

The variety and quality of the food was excellent, and the atmosphere and service were top-notch.

It was clear that the restaurant put a lot of thought and care into their offerings, and the charitable donations to support Manchester’s homeless was a great touch that really do make Zouk a great pillar of the community.

The Ramadan buffet is £25 per person for adults, £12.50 per child (under 12s) and free for children under 5

You can find out more at Zouk’s website here.