Delicious Delights: Traditional Iftar Menus from Across the Middle East

KakaKiky - Ramadan is a holy month that is observed by Muslims around the world. It is a time of fasting, reflection, and prayer. The end of the day-long fast is marked with a meal called iftar. This meal is an important part of the Ramadan traditions, as it brings family and friends together to break their fast.

Iftar menu from the Middle East

Across the Middle East, iftar menus are diverse, with each region having its own unique dishes and culinary traditions. In this blog post, we will explore traditional iftar menus from various countries in the Middle East and learn about the delicious delights they offer.

1. Iftar Menu from Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, the iftar meal typically starts with dates and laban, a refreshing yogurt drink. Following this, dishes such as kabsa, a spiced rice dish with meat or chicken, and machboos, a similar dish with seafood, are served. The meal is rounded off with traditional desserts such as kunafa, a sweet pastry made with cheese and semolina, and qatayef, a stuffed pancake filled with cream or nuts.

2. Iftar Menu from Egypt

In Egypt, the iftar meal starts with a hearty soup called molokhia, made from a green leafy vegetable with chicken or meat. This is followed by main dishes such as koshari, a vegetarian dish made with rice, lentils, and macaroni, and feteer meshaltet, a flaky pastry made with butter and filled with cheese or meat. Desserts such as basbousa, a semolina cake soaked in syrup, and kunafa, are also popular.

3. Iftar Menu from Iran

In Iran, the iftar meal often starts with dates and sherbet, a sweet drink made from fruit juices and rose water. Main dishes include koobideh, grilled meat skewers, and ash-e reshteh, a thick soup made with noodles, beans, and herbs. The meal is concluded with a variety of sweets such as sholeh zard, a saffron and rice pudding, and faloodeh, a refreshing dessert made with noodles, rose water, and lime juice.

4. Iftar Menu from Turkey

In Turkey, the iftar meal begins with dates and water, followed by soup such as lentil or chicken. The main dish is usually a meat dish, such as grilled lamb or chicken kebab, and is accompanied by pilaf or bulgur. Desserts such as baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of filo pastry and nuts, and lokma, a deep-fried doughnut soaked in syrup, are also served.

5. Iftar Menu from Lebanon

In Lebanon, the iftar meal typically starts with a soup such as lentil or chicken. Main dishes include kebabs, shawarma, and kibbeh, a meatball made with bulgur and meat. Desserts such as maamoul, a stuffed pastry made with dates or nuts, and baklava, are also served.

Conclusion

Iftar is an important tradition during Ramadan, and the diversity of the iftar menus across the Middle East is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. These delicious delights offer a glimpse into the different culinary traditions and are a reminder of the importance of food and family during this holy month.