The ‘Muram buffet’ at this Chennai eatery offers a feast of iftar snacks

The Zaitoon Signature restaurant in Nungambakkam is celebrating the season of Ramzan by offering a splendid variety of iftar snacks and dishes. They have started a special counter called the ‘Ramadan Nights’ to serve their unique dishes. From traditional snacks like irachi pathiri and unnakkaya to Arab, Mughal and North Indian dishes, Zaitoon beckons foodies to enjoy its Iftar delicacies. Interestingly, their ‘Muram buffet’ (traditional sieve made with dried bamboo leaves) with a delectable spread has already caught the attention of food lovers.

Iftar snacks

The idea to introduce the ‘Muram buffet’ struck in the minds of the owners before the Ramadan began. The customers could pick up a ‘muram’ or the traditional sieve and then fill it with their favourite snacks that are neatly arranged in the special Ramadan counter.

You need to pay only for the snacks that you pick. Besides chicken and mutton samosas, you could also try the Arabic and sea food samosa. Kilikoodu, kaipola, irachi pathiri, chatti pathiri and their special dates tempura are some of the popular items.

Veg ‘chicken’

The vegetarian ‘chicken’ drumstick is a super hit item here. This tasty dish, however, is made with potatoes. Meanwhile, vegetarians could also try the thread paneer and the veg spring roll.

There are takers for the Hyderabadi haleem and kunafa too. Lots of people throng Zaitoon to taste the mutton haleem that is cooked for hours. The customers could purchase haleem in 250 ml and 500 ml packets. Meanwhile, kunafa is available with classic cream, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, Nutella and pistachio – cashew fillings.

Chicken and mutton shami kebabs taste best with a glass of hot tea. You could also try their special juices. It was noted Tamil film maker Ameer Sulthan who inaugurated the Ramadan Nights counter at Zaitoon. The counter will be open from 4 pm to 1 am until the thirtieth day of Ramadan. The adjacent restaurant is open from 11.30 am to 11.30 pm.