The first thing that pops up while thinking about Ramadan is cultivating self-discipline, patience, perseverance, and iconic traditional Iftar foods. Then there's hospitality, connected with eating traditionally prepared Iftar food in certain parts of the world during Ramadan. Iftar food is diverse, and Muslim communities have a range of culinary preferences, but some foods are considered traditional by different cultures.
The traditional Ramadan cuisines of the Middle East and Central Asia are incredibly diverse, with distinct differences in taste, appearance, and cooking methods. You can sample meals with grilled meats, chicken, beef, mutton, and fruits. Lastly, Iftar food is vegetarian-friendly, and individuals with diverse dietary preferences may be able to find dishes that cater to their needs.
There are many Ramadan recipes to savor, from fruit salads to nourishing soups, spicy kebabs to tangy samosas, and rice meals to stuffed pastries.
In this article, I will emphasize five traditional Ramadan foods that anybody can easily make.

  Somasas


                                         What are Somasas?

The tangy somasas are considered popular Iftar food in Central Asia. They consist of a pastry shell filled with a savory mixture of meat or vegetables and then deep-fried. Samosas are a staple food during Ramadan, and it is not uncommon to see them served at iftar, the evening meal that breaks the day's fast.

 They are a reminder of the cultural and culinary traditions passed down from generation to generation. Regional variations influence the flavors, and each region has its unique taste.

                               Middle East Somasas

 A must-try Middle Eastern delicacy. In Middle-EAST they are known as Sambusa. Sambusa is a crunchy fried pastry stuffed with a spiced ground meat mixture or a vegetarian peas and potato filling. Stuffings with meat called sambousek bel lahmeh and with cheese, sambousek bel jibneh.

                                South Asian Somasas

The filling of samosas varies depending on the country and cultural preferences. For example, while Arabs commonly fill their samosas with minced meat or cheese, other countries like India and Pakistan use different fillings such as potatoes, peas, and a variety of vegetables.

     Eating Somasa

Let’s start with the most important aspect: eating somas. 

 The filling-heavy parts of a samosa are the hottest, so biting off the corners first allows the steam to release. To avoid burning your mouth. Dip into sauces and savor each bite.


Turkey: Ramazan Pidesi

Ramazan Pidesi is a flatbread commonly consumed during the holy month of Ramadan. It is typically round and has a golden-brown crust. It is made of flour, yeast, salt, and water; and topped with sesame or nigella seeds. The bread is soft and fluffy, perfect for soaking up the delicious juices and sauces. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, you can easily make this.


Image by KamranAydinov on Freepik 



                              Indonesia:Bubur lambuk


One of the most popular Iftar dishe in Indonesia is bubur lambuk. Bubur lambuk is a combination of spices, meat, and vegetables. The dish is served at mosques and community centers during Ramadan.

It is flavored with spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Meat, chicken or beef, is added to the porridge, along with vegetables like carrots and beans. The dish is typically topped with fried shallots and served with crackers.

Bubur lambuk has cultural significance in Indonesia.



Image by jcomp on Freepik


                                      Lebanon: Fattoush


If you're unfamiliar with Lebanon Fattoush, let me give you an idea of what it's all about. It is a Lebanese salad packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and crispy pieces of toasted pita bread. Dressed with a tangy vinaigrette made with lemon juice and sumac, a spice commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. Fattoush is a refreshing and healthy dish perfect for breaking the fast during Ramadan.





                               Refreshing Iftar Beverages


Rehydration is important after fasting. Variety of drinks to help rehydrate and replenish the body. Some popular Ramadan drinks include jallab, made with grape molasses, rose water, dates, and tamarind juice, a tangy and refreshing drink made from tamarind pulp. Another popular drink is qamar al-deen, made from apricot paste. These drinks not only help to quench the thirst after a day of fasting but add a touch of sweetness and flavor to the iftar meal.

The list goes on! In Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, the rose syrup known as rooh afzah is a traditional favorite. 

Image by jcomp on Freepik



Share your favorite traditional Ramadan dish in the comments below.