Ramadan is the most delightful time of the year for the Muslims! As always, this blessed month of fasting, mercy, and forgiveness provides a believer with an annual chance to reset life. With the rituals of fasting, prayer, Quran recitation, and remembrance, the month also brings moment of festivity for the community. Food is something which makes this holy month equally blissful, for, not only the timing of food is altered but also the varieties which represents the tradition which keeps pace with the specific requirement of body during the long hours of fasting.

Ramadhaan fast, feasting and that market buzz…

Although Ramadan is more of an observance than a celebration as Muslims fast the entire day for a month,yetprofusion of food flavours erupt at differentparts of India giving a full festive look to Mohallahs and cities for whole month. Over-night market buzz, specially in the old locales of the cities, represents the whole tradition of food and gastronomical culture restored through centuries.

Bustling markets, street decorations, and iftar invitations are essential parts when it comes to the holy month of Ramdan. Thirty days of fasting, dawn till sunrise, have since forever brought a mystical feel to this most important month in Islamic calendar.

Old Dehi’sJama Masjid environs, Mumbai’s Mohammed Ali-Bhindi Bazaar Area, Hyderabad’s Old City Area, Kolkata’s Zakaria Street, Chennai’s Triplicane, Bangalore’s MM Road-Mosque Road, Lucknow’sChowk&Aminabadburst with flavors for whole month.

Muslims wake up before sunrise to eat something. This meal is called Sohoor or Sehri and it has foods like dates, milk, etc. to help them survive the day without food. They aren’t allowed to drink water during the day. The fast ends every day in the evening after sunset. This meal is called Iftar.

Iftaar….. Dastarkhaan of food traditions

Iftar, the food which breaks the long fast is not only the most important food of the day but also the most elaborate and intricately planned. Dastarkhaan, literally, the food-spread, is a representation of the variety, not only for the palate but for the soul but most important for making up the loss of long abstinence of water and food.

This is typically a grand affair and includes a variety of dishes that are both delicious and nutritious. Dates are considered an ideal food to break the fast as they are rich in nutrients and provide instant energy to the body. Other than that, dishes include samosas, biryani and haleem amongst other yummy foods that are usually included in the typical Iftar meal. Special sweet dishes are also prepared during Ramadan in India and are shared with family and friends. Sheer khurma made with vermicelli, milk, and dates, is a popular sweet dish served during Ramadan and Phirni, a rice pudding flavored with cardamom and saffron, is another favorite dessert that is enjoyed during this holy month.

Iftar is also the time when families and communities come together to break their fast. Iftar parties are another thing keenly looked forward to where family and friends meet and feast together. The food is an elaborate affairs at these parties including different kinds of Pakode, biryani, kebabs, haleem, shorbas and much more. For non-Muslims too these Iftar parties becomes an annual ritual of not only meet friends but also an opportunity to grab that bite of favourite food laden with traditional touch.

In addition to the iftar meal Sehri is eaten before dawn and is a light meal that provides energy for the day ahead. It usually consists of foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates and protein, such as eggs, bread, and yogurt.

Places like Lucknow, old Delhi and Hyderabad, which represents the rich history of royal families of India, have meticulously retained the traditions of food through centuries. During Ramazaan, streets and by-lanes of these cities represents how the history and the culture can be retained through food as well.

People mostly prefer Naharikulcha , Seekh kebabs and biryani along with some other foods which are exclusively prepared and served in the month of Ramadan that is Khicda- A meat dish prepared with the lentils soaked for overnight, Another dish is Lacche- It is a baked vermicilli soaked overnight in milk people usually prefer to eat it in sehri and its quite nutritious lastly Pink tea usually called Kashmiri chai (tea) which is serve with thick layered of malai (cream) is quite popular during the month of Ramadan. And it is served all night .

Popular Ramzan foods

Haleem – “Haleem” is one of the favourite dishes ofRamadan food in India. It is a scrumptious mutton preparation slow-cooked along with lentils, broken wheat, and spices. This dish is usually prepared for ‘Iftar’ due to its high nutritional value, revitalizing nature, and comforting porridge-like texture.

Dum Biryani – This dish is prepared in most of Muslim home and in every non-vegetarian restaurant during Ramzan. It is made with basmati rice, mutton, and spices. Mixed with the richness of ghee and saffron this dish is deliberately designed to win hearts.
Mutton or chicken is commonly used to prepare Dum Biryani, however, other variations use chicken instead of goat, depending on the preference of flavour and taste.

Kebabs – During this holy month, kebabs are made in almost every Muslim household kitchen. To prepare this dish, chunks of chicken or mutton are marinated in a unique preparation of yogurt and spices, for a more distinct flavor. Aromatic and appetizing this dish is impossible for any true non-vegetarian to resist.

Chicken Shawarma – Shawarma is a popular middle-east dish prepared during Ramzan. It is nothing but, thinly sliced chicken or mutton, wrapped in a pita bread with veggies and sauce. Lip smacking and delicious, Shawarma is an all-time favorite, of all food lovers.

Kheema Samosa – Kheema samosa or minced meat samosa is a must have during Ramzan. No ‘Iftar’ celebration is complete without this snack.Kheema samosas are crispy from outside and moist from within. The outer layer is made with all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour, whereas the filling has everything that Indian taste buds would crave for – hot, spicy and zesty.

Sheer Khurma – Sheer Khurma is a rich Mughlai dessert made during Ramzan. Where ‘Sheer’ stands for milk and ‘Khurma’ stands for dates. The texture and sweetness of this dessert is so unique, that it prides to have many foodie fans during the holy month.

RoohAfza – RoohAfza is a common sharbat prepared during Ramzan. It includes herbs, fruits, veggies, flowers, and roots. It’s brilliant fragrance, special flavor and cooling effect make it unique and special from the other drinks.

The month of Ramadan spells out a powerful and spiritual time for Muslims, and as it nears its end, the excitement for Eid-al-Fitr builds with people coming together to pray, eat special food, and break their fasts with loved ones. The spirit of Eid also inspires acts of charity, as giving alms and donations is an important tenet of Islam, highlighting the values of generosity and kindness.