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An important part of Ramadan for Muslims all over the world is iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast. As people break their fast and gather around a shared meal, it is a time for celebration, prayer, and togetherness. The wide variety of cuisines and cultures followed by Muslims around the globe is reflected in the traditional iftar meals. When fasting for iftar, desserts are especially revered since they provide a delicious way to break the fast. The traditional iftar desserts from many countries, ranging from rich pastries to light puddings, are treasured for their distinct flavours and rich histories.
Exploring Traditional Iftar Desserts
Kunafah (Middle East)
One of the most well-liked desserts in the Middle East, Kunafah is made up of shredded phyllo dough that is topped with sweet cheese or almonds, then soaked in syrup, and finally baked until it reaches a golden perfection. It is frequently consumed during the holy month of Ramadan as well as other special occasions.
Baklava (Turkey, Greece, Middle East)
As a classic treat in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean nations, baklava is a pastry that is formed of layers of filo dough that are filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. It is a representation of hospitality and is frequently offered during the holy month of Ramadan as well as other festive events.
Sholeh Zard (Iran)
Garnished with cinnamon and slivered almonds, Sholeh Zard is a fragrant rice pudding that has been infused with saffron and has a subtle flavour from rose water. In Iran, this sweet treat is a staple of Ramadan and other festive occasions.
Lapis Legit (Indonesia)
Lapis Legit, also known as Indonesian Thousand Layer Cake, is a rich and decadent cake made with layers of spiced buttery cake and infused with Indonesian spices like cinnamon and cloves. It's a popular dessert served especially during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr festivities.
Phirni (India, Pakistan)
The traditional ingredients for phirni, a rich rice pudding, include pulverised rice, milk, sugar, and spices like cardamom, saffron, and almonds. During the holy months of Ramadan and Eid, people all throughout Pakistan and India eat this dish.
Qatayef (Middle East)
Pancakes that are loaded with sweet cheese, almonds, or dates are called qatayef. These pancakes are usually folded and then fried or baked. During the holy month of Ramadan and other joyous events, they are a well-liked dessert that is typically consumed all around the Middle East.
Ma’amoul (Middle East)
Shortbread biscuits known as ma'amoul are typically flavoured with rose water or orange flower, and they are packed with dates, almonds, or sweetened semolina. They are a dessert that is commonly consumed during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid in several countries in the Middle East.
Revani (Turkey, Greece, Middle East)
Revani, also known as Basbousa or Hareeseh in some regions, is a semolina cake soaked in syrup, flavoured with rose water or orange blossom water, and garnished with nuts. It's a beloved dessert served during Ramadan.
Tufahija (Balkans, Middle East)
Tufahija is a traditional Balkan and Middle Eastern dessert made with poached apples stuffed with walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon, then cooked in sweet syrup. It's enjoyed during Ramadan and other festive gatherings.
Lokum (Turkey, Middle East, Balkans)
Turkish lokoum are sweet cubes made from a starch and sugar gel that are both juicy and sugary. The most popular lokum in Turkey is still the traditional kind, which consists of plain jelly and pistachios, however, other traditional flavours include rose water, lemon, bergamot orange, mastic, and mint. Cinnamon, dates, hazelnuts, and walnuts are only a few of the ingredients used in various variants. After each meal in a traditional Turkish family, these cubes are served with tea or coffee. Originally from Anatolia, Bekir Affendi moved to Istanbul in 1777 and created sweets.
