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Ramadan is a special month for Muslims around the world. For 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks), they fast from sunrise to sunset. No eating or drinking! But Ramadan is about more than just going hungry and thirsty. It's a time to focus on faith, family, and helping others in need.
The month-long fast wraps up with Eid al-Fitr. This fun holiday marks the end of Ramadan. It's a time for gifts and parties with family and friends. Ramadan foods like baklava and kebabs are enjoyed by all.
The traditions of Ramadan unite Muslims everywhere. From Morocco to Manchester, this special month fills homes and hearts with the spirit of community and compassion.
Haleem, Hyderabad
Haleem is a tasty, filling stew that's popular across South Asia during Ramadan. To make it, grains like wheat and barley are soaked overnight and then cooked with meat into a thick, paste-like mixture. This stew has an ancient history, originating from a 10th-century Yemeni dish called harees. Nowadays, haleem comes in many delicious regional varieties. It might contain dried fruits and nuts or be topped with lime, onions, and fresh cilantro. No matter how it's prepared, haleem is the perfect comfort food to break the Ramadan fast. Its soft, nutritious ingredients make it easy to eat, while its rich flavours satisfy hunger after a long day of fasting. Haleem is a staple Ramadan meal for good reason: it's simple, tasty, and fills you up!
Image credit: Freepik
Ramazan Pidesi, Turkey
Turkey comes alive with a special bread during Ramadan. Bakeries work overtime churning out Ramazan pidesi, a pita bread you can't get any other time of year. This flatbread is made from wheat flour and yeast and topped with tasty sunflower seeds, melon and pumpkin seeds. Its woven pattern on top makes it unique. Kids love munching on the freshly baked pide right before iftar, the evening meal when the daily fast is broken. Ramazan pidesi is a staple at Iftar and Suhoor too, the pre-dawn meal before the fast begins. This bread brings a festive touch to holiday meals all month long.
Image credit: Freepik
Aseeda, Yemen
This tasty, boiled wheat dough dish is popular all over the Arab world! During Ramadan and celebrations like Mawlid, people love to eat it. In Yemen, they make it with soft wheat flour. You use your hands to dip the dough into seasoned chicken broth—yum! The origins of this dish go way back to mediaeval Spain. There are many versions too, like in Morocco, where they add butter and honey to make it into a sweet porridge. No matter how you make it, this simple side is a crowd-pleaser. Its soft, chewy dough and savoury broth have been bringing people together for centuries. Try this classic yourself and taste why it's so beloved!
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Lapis Legit, Indonesia
Lapis legit is a thousand-layer cake from Indonesia. It is a dish inspired by Dutch colonial days. It takes forever to make this cake—at least the ones with 18 layers of butter, sugar, egg yolks and spices like cardamom, cinnamon and cloves all stacked up. No wonder they save it for big celebrations like the end of Ramadan! While being sort of similar to the Goan Bebinca, Lapis Legit has many fine layers in between that also make for a different flavour altogether.
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Fattoush Salad, Lebanon
This colourful Middle Eastern salad is a feast for the eyes and taste buds! Fattoush salad is loaded with fresh, crisp vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and lettuce. To add some crunch, bits of toasted pita bread are tossed in. The textures and flavours all meld together for a satisfying medley in every bite. But what really brings this salad alive is the tangy pomegranate vinaigrette. The sweet and sour pomegranate juice pairs perfectly with the olive oil, lemon, and spices in the dressing. Each forkful is a burst of sweet, tart, and savoury flavours.
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The best part about Fattoush salad is how versatile it is. Feel free to swap in your favourite seasonal veggies or greens. You can also play around with different dressings like lemony garlic, herb-yoghurt, or tahini dressing. However you make it, this salad is sure to become a new go-to!
Kabsa, Saudi Arabia
Kabsa, Saudi Arabia's tasty national dish, brings families and friends together all year, but especially during Ramadan. This aromatic rice-based meal bursts with flavour from baharat spice mix and veggies like carrots, peppers, tomatoes, onions and garlic. Choose juicy roasted chicken or lamb, or go meatless, and dig into this comforting one-pot meal. With its festive yellow rice and savoury mix-ins, kabsa makes any gathering feel celebratory. No wonder Saudis love serving up heaping platters of it for Ramadan and other special occasions. Craving kabsa? Whip up a batch and share it with your loved ones.
Also read: Ramadan 2024: 6 Vegetarian Dishes For Iftaar
Laban, Saudi Arabia
Laban is a simple and refreshing yoghurt drink that is perfect for breaking the fast during Ramadan. Made from yoghurt that has been strained to remove the whey, laban has a rich, creamy texture. Just add some salt, and you have a drink that will quench your thirst and replenish electrolytes after a long day of fasting. The hint of salt plays off the slight tang of the yoghurt in a thirst-quenching way. Sipped slowly, Laban cools and soothes, getting your stomach ready for the iftar meal ahead. This protein-packed beverage helps sustain energy levels too. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, Laban is aramadan staple.
