The UAE celebrates all cultural events, and the Shangri-la hotel in Abu Dhabi is best poised to host the Lantern and Moon festival this and every season because of not one but two Asian award-winning restaurants: Hoi An and Shang Palace, who can whip together a masterful street food festival for the occasion, presented centrally at Sofra bld!

The depth and width of the variety of foods on offer are astounding, and only a five-star operation can support such a number of live stations, with such class and charm.

Details focus on the Asian moon festival,

and the festival expands beyond the majestic buffet to span several days of fun activities!

While we were there, there was a Traditional Chinese Medicine live demonstration and lecture with Ram Dev at Shang Palace (covering Moxibustion, Cupping, and Tui Na demonstrations).

More activities are planned, but time is short, so you would need to move fast to have the chance to participate!

However, besides the cultural aspect, weekend brunch or a lovely weekday dinner, is an elaborate affair at Sofra bld – with a mind-boggling array of the freshest ingredients at your fingertips.

Arabian cuisine:

Seafood cooked as you like it:

Asian specialties, naturally:

Sushi bar:

And desserts paradise, from chocolate waterfalls

to the most decadent and delicious baked or chilled cakes:

Plus, you and company have the whole resort at your disposal!

In conclusion, it is a celebration for all, and missing an extra excuse to delight in the Shangri-la Qaryat Al Beri, is just unforgivable – the festival ends on the 24th of September, but the weekend brunch buffet goes on forever!