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.
