Meet the Chef

Passionate about cooking from the tender age,Executive  Chef Shaik Mohammad Sultan has gone a long way as far as cooking is concerned. With more than a decade of cooking experience in the Kingdom, Chef Sultan undoubtedly perfected the meticulous palate of the Arab world as well as the International taste of the Hotel’s regular guests.

So when did you start being passionate with food?

I began being passionate with food from my school days. I did my schooling in a boarding school. Just like any other boarders, I left with no choice..You know, one tends to dabble in cooking to get away from the well meaning Matrons’ Stew.
Where and when did you start cooking as a profession?
I first joined as a Chef Trainee with the Taj Group of Hotels in India, while completing my Hotel Management studies
How many years  have you been working for Elite? How is it working in Bahrain?
I have been with  Elite for more than a decade now. Bahrain is a bit enigmatic – Though very few locally available ingredients, plenty of imports and that’s a Gamble - sometimes getting the very basic is a struggle, and yet you unexpectedly find a lot things you are amazed.
Describe your cooking philosophy
Keep it Simple
Are there key Ingredients you are focusing this whole duration of Ramadan season?

Dates are intrinsic to Ramadan, and variety of dates available is a boon Try our Dates pies, Date Cakes, Dates puddings and savour the blessed “desert “ 

Variety of dates

Hot & Cold Mezze

Al Noor Tent

Taste on our Serving Platter

Al Noor Tent -Elite Resort & Spa

Do you believe that even before we put the food into our mouth, our brains had already perceived about it?

Studies show that our ability to taste food does not come solely from our tongue. How we experience food is a multi sensory experience that involves the taste, the feel and texture of it in our mouth, the aroma and how it is being presented to us, and furthermore, even the sound while eating diminishes the tongue’s ability to detect and discriminate between flavors.

A group of researcher has found out that dishes and other cutlery can incredibly alter our perception of taste. The latest work of these researchers has been published  in the journal of flavors.

"Some of my wine-drinking colleagues would have me believe that flavor is really out there on the bottle, in the glass or on the plate," says Charles Spence, a professor of experimental psychology at Oxford University. "But I think it is much more something that we ... understand better through looking at what's happening inside the brain, and not just the mouth of the person eating or drinking."  take a look at this experiment:

Alterations in taste perceptions aren't necessarily the result of the cutlery itself, he says, but of the mental associations we bring to a meal. "Silver spoons and other silver cutlery, I'm guessing, are more commonly associated with high-quality food in our prior eating experiences," Spence says.

Among Spence's findings so far: 

• People will rate the very same yogurt 15 percent tastier and more expensive when sampled with a silver spoon rather than a plastic spoon or a lighter (by weight) option. 
• Combining a heavier bowl with a heavier spoon will tend to make yogurt taste better. 
• Plastic packaging or plate ware that's more rounded will tend to emphasize sweetness. 
• Angular plates tend to bring out the bitterness in food, which works well for dishes like dark chocolate or coffee-based desserts, Spence says. 
• People will rate cheeses as tasting saltier when eaten off a knife, compared to a toothpick, spoon or fork. 
• In general, foods tend to be perceived as more enjoyable when eaten off heavier plates and with heavier cutlery – perhaps because heft is equated with expense. 


Let me add, as a child, I had once problem eating in metal trays and plates, as it gives me tingling sensation. even my spoon needs to have a non metal handle on it, otherwise, I might as well get hungry! However, being so much involved  in the different extra curricular activities at school (camping , scouting, etc) where I had no choice but to eat in those metal trays during meal time...I had overcome my uneasiness towards these kind of utensils.



Be it Psychological or not, whatever the reason may be, it is always good to have our meal just the way we like it to be. Our taste and food perception shall always be based on what we feel comfortable with for a long period of time, and I may say as the one who experienced some issues with regards to serving platters, those uneasiness and fears can gradually change. ITS ALL IN THE MIND!

A Perfect Ramadan Experience

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time of fasting for the Islamic people. Each day during this month, Muslims all over the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, as well as participating in anything that is ill-natured or excessive; from dawn until the sun sets. Fasting is intended to educate the Muslim in spirituality, humility and patience. It is a time to cleanse the soul, focus attention on God, and put into practice selflessness. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God and to put forward more prayer than is customary.


Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the Islam religion, and one of the main types of Islamic worship. Restraint from everyday enjoyment and curbing wicked intentions and cravings are considered as an act of compliance and obedience to God, as well as amends for sins, faults, and mistakes. Ramadan is also called Ramazan. During Ramadan, Muslims request forgiveness for sins in the past, pray for direction and assistance in abstaining from everyday troubles, and endeavor to cleanse themselves through self-control and great acts of faith. (source: http://www.whatisramadan.com/ )

As the tradition lives on, we at Elite Hospitality with our valued partners proudly bring you the perfect Ramadan Experience this 2013.

Al Noor tent at Elite Resort & Spa is the perfect place we have set up for your Iftar,Ghabga and Sohour this  entire  Ramadan season. 

                                                                   AL NOOR TENT Elite Resort & Spa

Al Noor tent at Elite Resort &Spa is the largest of its kind in Bahrain, comfortably seating up to 600. Its luxuriant interiors are reminiscent of an Arabian Nights fairy tale, set against the stunning backdrop of the sun setting over the Muharraq Bay. Oud music sets the mood, and large screen TVs all throughout make sure you don’t miss your favourite shows

Al Noor tent will feature an Iftar buffet from sunset until 8pm priced at BD 6.9++ for adults and 50% discount for children below 10 years. With a multi-cuisine selection of salads, large spread of Lebanese mezzes, and a host of authentic Bahraini dishes, the buffet is sure to satisfy. There is also a live grill and shawarma station, and a delectable selection of desserts.

The Ghabga will start at 8.30pm until 12.30am, priced at BD 12.9++. There is a smoking and a non-smoking section. The smoking section features live entertainment and games as well as sheesha. Diners also stand a chance to win exciting prizes in a raffle conducted every day.
Non smoking area welcomes families and corporate events with a competitive prices.

Sohour starts at 1 am until morning prayer. It’s BD 5 nett for adults and BD 3.5 nett for children.