Arabian Nights

This season, the holidays look a little different atthe
Shangri-La.

The hotel has transformed into 1,001 Nights, an Arabian paradise in the
middle of the city running from November 26 to January 5.

In lieu of a traditional tree draped in ornaments and lights, there’s a
souq market instead, selling Middle Eastern wares each afternoon, from
Ayoub’s nuts and dried fruits to traditional jewellery and gorgeous
Persian rugs. For those searching for a different kind of gift to give
this year, it’s the very place to look and barter.

Xi Shi Lounge has revamped their menu into cold and hot mezze offerings
we suggest going with the hummus and lamb kibbeh (tip: spread the former
on the latter). The tomato-slices-on-fried halloumi were another
unexpected but delicious Lebanese culinary combination (we’ve been
craving it every day since).

The best end to an Arabian night? Live music, baklava and belly dancing,
of course, all of which go on in the lounge during the week nights and
weekends.

If only there were magic carpet rides, too.

* Photo credits: Dan Poh and May Globus