12 Popular Foods in Ramadan

Foods in Ramadan

Ramadan is the holy month of fasting, reflection, and community for Muslims around the world. It is also a time when culinary traditions come to the forefront. 

The iftar table, where families and friends gather to break their fast at sunset, showcases an array of dishes that are not only delicious but also steeped in cultural and religious significance. 

In this blog, we explore 12 popular foods that are commonly enjoyed during Ramadan in Arab countries, each offering a taste of the rich culinary heritage.

1. فَتُّوش – Fattūsh

Fattoush (Bread salad)

Fattoush or فتوش is a type of salad that combines fresh vegetables, toasted pita bread, and a tangy dressing. The main ingredients typically include tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, onions, parsley, mint, and toasted pita bread pieces. The dressing is usually made with a combination of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, sumac, and salt.

Fattoush is a refreshing and nutritious salad that is often served as a starter or a side dish. In Ramadan, it is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and toasted pita bread provides a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

2. حَساء – Ḥasāʼ

Soup

Soup, in Arabic حساء, is a traditional dish consumed during the holy month of Ramadan, particularly in Arab countries. It is a hearty and nutritious dish that is often served as part of Iftar.

Ramadan soup is typically made with a variety of ingredients, including lentils, vermicelli, rice, vegetables, and meat or chicken. The exact combination of ingredients can vary depending on regional preferences and family recipes.

3. فَتّة – Fattah

Fattah

Fatteh or فتة is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is particularly popular in Egypt and the Levant region. It consists of layers of pita bread, meat, vegetables, and a variety of sauces and toppings. The name “Fatteh” comes from the Arabic word “Fatt”, which means “to break” or “to crumble”, referring to the way the pita bread is broken into pieces and used as the base of the dish.

Fatteh is typically made with pita bread that is toasted or fried until crispy, and then layered with various ingredients. Common additions include chickpeas, rice, yogurt, garlic sauce, tahini sauce, and a meat component such as lamb, chicken, or beef. The dish is often topped with toasted nuts, such as pine nuts or almonds, and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

4. قَطايف – Qaṭāyf

Qatayef (Sweet Dumplings) 

Qatayef or قطايف is a traditional Levantine dessert, particularly popular during the holy month of Ramadan. It consists of a thin pancake-like pastry that is filled with a variety of sweet ingredients, such as nuts, cream, or cheese. The filled pancakes are then folded and fried until golden brown. Qatayef can be served with sugar syrup or honey.

5. تَمر هِندي – Tamr hindy

Tamarind (Drink)

Tamarind drink or تمر هندي is a refreshing beverage commonly consumed during Ramadan. Made from the pulp of tamarind fruit, it is mixed with water, sugar, and sometimes lemon juice, to create a sweet and sour drink. The tamarind drink is delicious and beneficial for digestion, making it a perfect choice to break the fast.

6. عِرقسوس – ʻIrqsws

Licorice (Drink)

Licorice drink or عرقسوس is a traditional beverage enjoyed during Ramadan, especially in Egypt and some parts of the Levant. Made from the extract of licorice roots, this sweet, dark drink is known for its distinct flavor. It is believed to have cooling effects and health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and providing relief for sore throats.

7. سَمبوسك – Sambwsk

Sambusa

Sambusa, سمبوسك or samosa, is a popular appetizer during Ramadan. These are fried or baked pastries with a savory filling, such as spiced potatoes, onions, peas, or ground meat. Originating from the Middle East, sambusas have become a favorite worldwide for their crispy exterior and flavorful interior.

8. مَعروك – Maʻrwk

Ma’arook (Ramadan Bread)

Ma’arook معروك , also known as Ramadan bread, is a sweet, enriched bread that is often flavored with dates, anise, and sesame seeds. It is typically made in large, circular loaves and is enjoyed as a part of the suhoor (pre-dawn meal) or iftar meals. Its soft texture and sweet taste make it a comforting and satisfying food during Ramadan.

9. بَقلاوة – Baqlāwh

Baklava

Baklava بقلاوة is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It is a traditional dessert in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries and is particularly savored during Ramadan. Each bite offers a crunchy texture from the phyllo dough and a nutty flavor, making it an irresistible treat.

10. تمر – Tamr

Dates

Dates or تمر are a staple food in Ramadan and are traditionally used to break the fast due to their natural sugars, which provide quick energy. They are highly nutritious, offering a source of fiber, potassium, and various other vitamins and minerals. Eating dates during Ramadan is a long-standing tradition that dates back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad.

11. لَبَن – Laban

Yogurt

Yogurt or لَبَن is another tasty dish consumed in Ramadan as a drink or a side dish. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. It is a very healthy food in Ramadan that aids digestion, especially when people tend to eat a lot in Iftar.

12. أرز بالحليب – Aruzz bilḥalyb

Ruz bil halib (Milk & Rice Pudding)

Ruz bil halib or “رز بحليب” is a popular Middle Eastern dessert, originating from Egypt. It is a rice pudding made with short-grain rice, milk, sugar, and rose water. The rice is cooked in milk until it becomes soft and creamy, then sugar and rose water are added for flavoring. The dessert is often garnished with nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, and sometimes raisins or dried fruits.

The name “رز بحليب” literally translates to “rice with milk” in Arabic. It is a traditional dessert that is commonly enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations, such as Ramadan and Eid. It is also a popular street food in many Middle Eastern countries, where it is often sold from carts or small shops.

The dessert is known for its delicate and fragrant flavor, with the rose water providing a unique floral aroma. It is a sweet and creamy treat that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Conclusion

Now that we have journeyed through the flavors and traditions of Ramadan with these 12 popular foods, it becomes clear how this holy month is much more than a period of fasting. It is a celebration of faith, family, and cultural heritage, brought to life around the dinner table. 

As Ramadan continues to be observed by millions around the globe, the legacy of these dishes endures.

We hope you liked our blog for today and that it helped you learn about the popular tasty dishes at this special time.

And finally تَقَبّلَ اللهُ صِيامَكم May Allah accept your fasting. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn Arabic through our app.

A wide range of exercises are waiting for you. These were tailored to suit all skill levels and include quick lessons prepared by our language experts, and daily scenarios rich with Arabic culture.

The app also features live statistics for easy and insightful progress tracking.

You can also read about Ramadan rituals and what they mean here.