Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims around the world fast from dawn until dusk. During this time, Muslims abstain from food and drink (and yes that includes water). However, the month isn't just about not eating or drinking. It is about self control, fixing your inner character and empathizing with those that are less fortunate than you. But we're just going to focus on the food part for now.

The fast is broken at sunset with the call for the evening prayer, Maghrib, and this meal is known as iftar. Iftar dinners are a big part of Ramadan. Families, friends, neighbors, even strangers all get together to break fast and enjoy delectable, flavorful food. The food varies between different cultures and contributes to the richness and uniqueness of this meal. Below are a few favorite food items across the world.  

Dates

Traditionally, the fast is broken with the date. Dates are full of sugar and provide a good boost of energy after a day of fasting. Dates are a mainstay of every Ramadan tablescape. Check out some more aesthetic iftar tablescapes here.   

Samosas

Stuffed with either minced meat or vegetables, this fried dough is a Ramadan staple in Pakistan/India/Bangladesh. It is often served with mint chutney. 

Sambusas

So these are essentially the same as samosas but they have a thinner dough layer than samosas do. This delicacy is common in the Middle East and Africa. 

Fruit Chaat 

This dish is made of various fruits like bananas, apples, strawberries, grapes and basically any other fruit your heart desires. But what gives this dish its name is the classic chaat masala that is added to top it all off. 

Stuffed Grape Leaves

Grape leaves are wrapped around rice, which is seasoned herbs and filled with tomato and onions. This item is a favorite around the Middle East and has different names depending on the region. For example, in Iraq and Turkey it is called dolma, and in Syria it is known as Yabra'a.

Kanafeh

Kanafeh is a classic Middle Eastern dessert. This cheese pastry is soaked in a sweet sugar syrup. The crust for the dessert is made of thin noodles and garnished with pistachios.   

Shakshuka

This savory meal is especially popular in North Africa. Shakshuka is made of poached eggs with a sauce that is seasoned with cumin, and made of tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers. It is often served with a side of bread.

Biryani

Ok so biryani is eaten year round but during Ramadan, it always ends up on the iftar table. Biryani is rice seasoned with various spices and also includes either chicken or biryani. Some variations also include mixed vegetables. 

Kolak

Kolak is an Indonesian dessert that is especially popular during Ramadan. It is made up of coconut milk, palm sugar, and pandanus leaves. Additionally bananas, jackfruit, tapioca pearls and other ingredients can be added to this dish. 

Ramadan Pidesi

This bread is specifically made in Turkey and is especially made during the month of Ramadan.

These items were just a taste of the exquisite, flavorsome meals eaten during Iftar in different countries. Now that you're more culturally #woke go and share your iftar knowledge with the rest of your squad.