What is the buffet food like at Dubai hotels — what dishes are included?

At breakfast, besides egg dishes, there were about seven cheese varieties (two hard cheeses and several soft types), Belgian waffles, croissants, jams, peanut butter, and chocolate spread. Fruit included apples, mandarins, watermelon, melon, and pineapple; coffee, tea, and juices were unlimited regardless of the meal plan.

According to a recent stay, dinner dishes changed very little over a week and there were no seafood options. Breakfast-and-dinner was sufficient, while all-inclusive may be more convenient for families with children and for guests who often drink soft drinks.

Comparing hotels: Royal M Al Aqah always has beach and poolside snacks, while at Rotana such snacks are only available with the ultra package instead of lunch. Rotana's main restaurant lacks kids' pizza, red fish, and seafood, but the food is tasty overall, with some unfamiliar Indian dishes alongside options for more familiar tastes.

On dinner buffets: the selection isn't as huge as in Turkey or Egypt, but you won't go hungry. Meat, fish, and vegetables are available, though fruit selection is limited — currently just watermelon and melon.

Dinner buffet at the main restaurant is modest: several pasta types, side dishes, pizza, beef mostly stewed in various sauces, grilled chicken, and fish only as baked fillet pieces. Salads: 3 prepared varieties plus fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers. Good ice cream and salted popcorn.

Breakfast has the standard set: eggs, omelets, beef bacon, pancakes, donuts, yogurts, cereal, and decent scrambled eggs. Red fish isn't on open display but can be requested from a waiter.

At the Address hotel the food is good; what matters is the cooking style — there are spicier dishes as well as diet-friendly options without spices.

The hotel's Asian restaurant serves tuna steaks, tuna sushi and sashimi, and Peking duck. The Italian restaurant offers carbonara, salmon, various pizzas, lasagna, and risotto.

Breakfast always includes omelette, fried eggs, oatmeal, and cereal. Lunch features two soups (broth and cream), potatoes, pasta, grilled chicken, and a stew-style dish. Solid and filling, but nothing gourmet.

Overall food quality is above average for the UAE. Includes multiple pizza varieties, lamb and beef in different preparations, chicken, two pasta types, various rice dishes, salads, and ice cream with toppings. Pastries are mediocre.