Food of Ramadan in Islamic Countries

As the Holy month of Ramadan commences, it brings along wonderful culinary and gastronomical experiences. There is a whole lot of diversity in the traditions of Arab and non-Arab countries. The Islamic countries have their unique and delightful Ramadan culinary traditions which make Ramadan even more interesting. 

Arab Islamic Countries

Most Arab Islamic countries share similar cuisine, especially when it comes to Ramadan. Therefore, I would be discussing just the specialty of each Arab Islamic country.

Morocco

Harira is soup that originates from Morocco. It is made using lamb, lentils and chickpeas. It is used as a starter in Iftar.

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Lebanon

Malfouf is a Lebanese dish that is made using cabbage leave wraps and various filling. The filling of Malfouf usually consists of bulgur wheat or rice. Malfouf is usually served with mint sauce.

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Iraq

Lamb meat is marinated with various Arabic spices, roasted and then stuffed with a combination of spicy rice with nuts to make Lamb Ouzi, which is the specialty of Iraqi cuisine. It is served as a main course Iftar dish. 

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Persian Gulf Countries

Harees dish is particularly famous among Persian Gulf countries. Wheat and lamb meat are slow-cooked to make this filling treat

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Syria

Kousa Mahshi is a meat filled courgette which is topped with yoghurt. Some people also mix rice or garlic with meat filling.

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Egypt

Baklava is an Egyptian sweet made by soaking semolina in sweet syrup. It is usually consumed with cream and nuts. Qatayef is a dumpling stuffed with unsalted cheese and nuts. In some Arab countries, it is fried and in the rest, it is baked. It is drizzled with sugar syrup or honey before serving.

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Non-Arab Islamic Countries

Unlike Arab Muslim countries, Non-Arab Islamic countries have variance among each other when it comes to Ramadan cuisine.We would like to discuss some of the top Ramadan cuisines of those countries.

Afghanistan

Afghani Iftar and Sehr mostly include soup, kebabs, bolani (baked and stuffed bread), Kabuli pulao, manto (meat in pasta wrapping) and du piyaza (meat cooked in onion sauce).

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Turkey

Turkish Pide bread, borek, pastirma, cheese, olives and gullac (dessert made from rose water) are the main Turkish dishes served in Sehr and Iftar.
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Bangladesh

Bangladeshi Iftar and Sehr include piyajoo (a dish made of lentils, onions and green chillies), Beguni (eggplant dipped in thin gram flour batter), Rice Krispies, Halim, Samosas, Dal puri and cholas.
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Maldives

In Maldives, people use fruit juices, puddings, salty treats called hedhika, fish curries and vegetable salads during Sehr and Iftar.
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Indonesia and Malaysia

In Indonesia and Malaysia, people consume kolak, es kelapa muda, es buah, es camper, cendol soybean milk, nasi lemak, laksa, ayam percik and various other dishes.
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India and Pakistan

Indian and Pakistani Ramadan menu is similar and include Haleem, samosas, jalebis, rolls, shami kebabs, pakoras and fruit salads.

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