What foods are most popular during Ramadan? You’ll find that every country and region has a particular delicacy enjoyed by its people. However, there are a few favourite Ramadan foods that have become staples across the globe. Below, you’ll find an assortment of delicious dishes and beverages that are enjoyed during Ramadan.
What is Ramadan?
The Holy Month of Ramadan, one of the pillars of Islam, is a period of 30 days of fasting celebrated by Muslims. It is the ninth month of the Islamic moon-based year, during which Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset, eating only in between. Not even a sip of water is allowed during daylight hours for those observing the fast. Young children, the elderly, the sick, pregnant and breastfeeding women are exempt, but many perform charitable works or feed the hungry during the holiday to play their part. Most Muslims also try to give up bad habits at this time of year, focusing instead on prayer and good deeds, as well as spending time with their friends and family.
During Ramadan, the morning meal enjoyed before sunrise is called suhoor while the evening break of the fast is called iftar. The foods enjoyed for suhoor lean towards the nutritious side - fruits are favoured for their hydrating effect, but also breads and fibre-rich dishes to prepare the body for the day ahead.
Iftar breaks the fast as the evening meal where several courses are served - from refreshing beverages and soups to hearty main courses and tempting desserts.
Muslims are required to follow strict dietary laws about which foods are permitted (halal) and which are forbidden (haram). Halal food rules require that Allah’s name is invoked at the time of the animal’s slaughter – lamb, beef, goat and chicken are halal as long as this rule is followed. Fish and eggs are also halal, but must be kept separate from meat during preparation. All pork products are forbidden (haram), as is alcohol.
20 Ramadan Foods To Try
1. Dates
Traditionally, the Ramadan fast is broken with dates. This intensely sweet fruit is high in fibre, as well as potassium, magnesium and vitamin B-6. Dates may be served in their natural state, stuffed with nuts or even rolled with coconut.
2. Shorba
Shorba is a lentil soup popular in the Middle East. Also known as Arabic lentil soup, this nutritious mix of vegetables and protein is a nice way to ease the stomach into breaking the Ramadan fast before indulging in heavier dishes.
3. Kibbe
Present on many Middle Eastern tables during the month of Ramadan (and year round), kibbe are small fried dumplings stuffed with meat. The dough is made from bulgur wheat, which has a pleasant chewy texture perfect for frying.
4. Keema Samosa
Keema samosas are very popular in India as an iftar treat. These fritters are filled with minced mutton meat and contain an aromatic blend of spices including garam masala, ginger, chilies and mint.
5. Afghani Bolani
This stuffed flatbread from Afghanistan is similar to Indian paratha. It is usually stuffed with potatoes, onions and herbs and may be baked or fried. It can be enjoyed in the morning for suhoor, or for iftar.
6. Haleem
This home-style stew has become an iftar favourite thanks to its nutritious blend of mutton meat slow-cooked with cracked wheat, spices and lentils.
7. Ful Medammes
At Ramadan tables across North Africa and the Middle East, you’ll often find this fava bean puree known as Ful Medammes. It is similar to hummus in texture, and flavoured with garlic, olive oil and tahini.
8. Kebabs
Kebabs of all sorts are popular at iftar meals. Some kebabs feature ground meat wrapped around an iron rod (such as Pakistan’s seekh kebabs), while other kebabs are made from chunky pieces of meat grilled to perfection.
9. Beguni
In Bangladesh, a typical Ramadan meal features beguni, a dish composed of eggplant slices that are battered and fried until golden. These are typically served over rice.
10. Dahi Vada
Popular in India, these lentil dumplings are soaked in a yogurt sauce laced with spices and chilies. They are a very refreshing iftar dish.
11. Fattoush
Nutrition is an important part of Ramadan, and the fresh vegetables in this popular Lebanese salad are very nourishing, while the crisp pita bread adds a welcome crunch.
12. Pakora
Popular in India and throughout the subcontinent, pakoras are decadent fritters made with a combination of vegetables. They may also be prepared with paneer (Indian cheese), seafood, chicken or meat.
13. Fresh Fruit Salad
Hydrating, sweet and satisfying, fresh fruit is a must at any Ramadan table. Fresh fruit may be enjoyed during the morning meal of suhoor or evening iftar.
14. Kunafa (Kunafeh)
A delicious pastry made with phyllo dough that looks like shredded wheat. It is irresistibly crunchy and may be stuffed with cheese, nuts or custard. It is very popular in Jordan and neighbouring Middle Eastern countries.
15. Baklava
This Mediterranean pastry featuring layers of nuts, honey and phyllo dough is best enjoyed on the last day of Ramadan, a celebration known as Eid al-Fitr.
16. Kolak
This sweet and tasty dessert is popular in Indonesia for breaking the Ramadan fast. It is made from a combination of palm sugar, coconut milk and the leaf of a tropical tree known as pandanus. At times it may include other sweet ingredients such as bananas or sweet potato.
17. Kheer
This humble Indian rice pudding is laced with cardamom and gets the royal treatment during Ramadan with a sprinkle of rose water.
18. Umm Ali
This beloved Egyptian bread pudding features an enticing combination of bread or phyllo dough, cream, milk, nuts and cinnamon. It is made even more festive with a sprinkle powdered sugar, coconut flakes and raisins. Fun fact: the dessert’s name literally means 'mother of Ali' in Arabic.
19. Jallab
Just one taste and you’ll be hooked on this refreshing drink popular in Lebanon and throughout the Middle East. It is made from dates, rose water and grape molasses, and served topped with pine nuts.
20. Tamer Hindi
This sweet and sour juice is made from tamarind pulp (which is pleasantly tart), sugar and water. It is often dressed up with a slice of lime and served over plenty of ice.
