Ramadan Iftar habits across countries

The most important practices during Ramadan are Iftar and Suhoor. After fasting all day, people break their fast with Iftar. However, Iftar traditions vary from country to country. Each Muslim country has its unique way of celebrating Iftar. Here's a look at some popular Iftar dishes enjoyed across the globe.

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, Iftar includes a variety of delicious foods. It usually starts with a drink, often a lemon drink or a mix of beverages. Besides this, there are dates, chickpeas, puffed rice, piyaju (fried lentil fritters), begun (fried eggplant), alur chop (potato croquettes), jilapi (sweet fried pastry), haleem, soaked chia (flattened rice), and bundle (fried gram flour balls).

When we think of lavish Iftar in Bangladesh, the first thing that comes to mind is the traditional Iftar of Puran Dhaka. Famous for its rich history and vibrant street food culture, Puran  Dhaka offers many delicious dishes that highlight Iftar. The bustling streets of Chawk Bazar, Nazirabazar, and Narinda come alive during Ramadan, where vendors serve a range of mouthwatering items. The list includes whole chicken kebabs, murg musallam, boti kebabs, tikka kebabs, kota, chicken satay, shami kebabs, shiker-heavy kebabs, sutti kebabs, quail roast, pigeon roast, jilapi, shahi jilapi, samosas, Aladdin's halwa, haleem, dahi bora, Kashmiri sherbet, and Boro Baper Polara Khay.   

Other regions, like Chittagong, Sylhet, and Khulna, also offer unique Iftar items, often focusing on seafood and spicy dishes. However, Puran Dhaka remains the heart of Bangladesh's Iftar tradition due to its rich and diverse offerings.

India

In India, Iftar traditions are strongly influenced by the Mughals, who left a lasting mark on Indian cuisine. During the Mughal era, Iftar was a grand meal with rich dishes like murg musallam (whole chicken), haleem, kebabs, biryani, seekh kebabs, and seviyan (sweet vermicelli). These dishes are still popular during Ramadan in many regions of India.

Cities like Hyderabad, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata are famous for their Mughlai-inspired Iftar spreads. In Hyderabad, haleem and biryani are favourites, while Lucknow is known for Tunde ke kabab and Awadhi biryani. In Old Delhi, seekh kebabs and samosas are common, and Kolkata enjoys traditional biryani and kebabs. The Mughal influence continues to shape Iftar in these cities, with rich flavours and royal dishes.

Pakistan

In Pakistan, Iftar is a lavish affair that reflects the country's rich culinary heritage. Popular dishes include Aloo tikki, Chapli kebab, Haleem, Keema samosa, Mixed Plate Chaat, Chicken Keema, Chicken Pakora, Dahi Baray, Dahi Chana Chaat, Lassi, Chaat Masala, Chicken Pulao, and Keema Naan.

In Karachi, biryani, seekh kebabs, and chicken malai tikka are typical, while Lahore is famous for tandoori kebabs, sikh kebabs, and pulao. Islamabad offers mutton dishes, samosas, pakoras, and sweets like jalebi, gajar ka halwa, and kulfi. Other dishes include korma, kofta, paratha, and roti. Refreshing drinks like rose sharbat, sweet lassi, and lemonade are also served.

Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, Iftar is a grand and opulent celebration centred on various nutritious and flavorful dishes. The Iftar table is adorned with premium dates, rich, aromatic soups, and the beloved Vimto (grape juice). Staple delights such as Tameez, a soft and warm traditional bread, and Borek, a savoury meat-filled pastry, add to the lavish spread. Mandi, a fragrant rice dish accompanied by tender chicken, and Laban, a refreshing yoghurt drink, further elevate the experience. At the heart of the Iftar feast is Kabsa, a royal dish made with succulent chicken or lamb, embodying the rich culinary heritage of the Kingdom.

Egypt

In Egypt, Iftar is a communal celebration where families gather to break their fast amidst the warm glow of colourful lanterns. A quintessential dish is Rokak, a delicate, crispy toast filled with savoury meat paired with Foul Medames, a rich blend of fava beans, tomatoes, nuts, and olive oil, served alongside hearty brown bread. The Iftar table is often adorned with an array of meats, including succulent duck, offering a lavish feast that embodies the spirit of Ramadan in Egypt.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

In the UAE, Iftar is a grand affair, with a decadent spread of hearty dishes that echo the traditions of Saudi Arabia while embracing their culinary flair. Dates and milk are the foundation of the meal, while Harira, a sumptuous soup made with tender lamb and lentils, takes centre stage. The table is adorned with Malakouf, delectable rolls of meat and vegetables, Ouzi, a flavorful lamb dish, and Kousha Mahshi, a fragrant fish delicacy. To conclude this opulent feast, the sweet indulgence of Kunafa, a delicate cheese pastry, graces the table, offering a truly royal experience.

Turkey

In Turkey, Iftar is a vibrant and joyful celebration deeply rooted in Ottoman traditions, where the table is a feast for the senses. The spread is lavish, featuring the renowned Pide, a traditional Turkish bread that graces every table. Premium dates, plump olives, and an assortment of rich cheeses accompany the meal, while Pastirma, a delicately spiced beef, and savoury sausages offer tantalizing flavours. A colourful array of fresh fruits and vegetables completes the spread, reflecting the season's bounty. To add to the experience, Turkish people often indulge in honey water and various refreshing drinks, creating a lively and diverse Iftar that captivates both the eye and the palate.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, Iftar begins with the sacred pairing of dates and water, followed by refreshing drinks such as sugarcane juice and soybean milk. The feast unfolds with hearty dishes like Chicken Rice and the rich, flavorful Laksa. A beloved local delicacy, 'Barbuka Puasa,' a sweet dessert made from sugarcane juice and soybean milk, adds a unique touch to the spread. Complemented by favourites like Nasi Ayam, Popiah Banass, Ayam Perik, and Lemak Lanja, Malaysia's Iftar experience is a vibrant celebration of taste and tradition.