Ramadan is an Islamic holy month where we Muslims fast, pray and do good deeds to our God. In that time, we don't eat or drink anything from the start of the first call to prayer in dawn (fajr) until the fourth prayer in the sunset (Maghreb) for 30 days.
Unlike Christmas and other holidays, Ramadan usually starts 10 days earlier every year. For example, last year in 2023, it starts on March 22. But, this year 2024 it will start on March 11.
As Muslims, this is very important to us since we dedicate to Allah. In that month, this is where we start to cook many delicious foods for our families and loved ones when breaking our fast. These include Main dishes, desserts, and snacks, which are all halal food.
In this post, I have gathered and collected the list of best Ramadan Iftar Recipes that are family-friendly. This recipe ranges from Middle Eastern to North African to Asian foods, which are all halal-friendly.
Recipe Frequently Asked Question's
That is because unlike the current calendar, which we are using right now, the Islamic calendar is based on the Lunar cycler. In another word, the Ramadan started based on the appearance of the new moon and ends with the appearance of the new moon.
In Ramadan, before we break our fast, we start first eating dates and warm soup. That is because it is mentioned in the Quran the importance of dates. Also, it is normal that when fast, our blood sugar tends to get lower, and since dates contain sugar, it can help normalize our blood sugar and not feel lethargic.
In that holy month of Ramadan, we tend to make large meals which include Meat, Rice, Salad, Soup, and Desserts. It doesn't have to be Arabic food, and it can be Indian, Mediterranean, Southeast Asian, or any cuisines that are considered halal.
55 Best Ramadan Iftar Recipes
Here are the best Ramadan iftar recipes that are family & halal friendly, which range from Middle Eastern to Asian Food dishes.
Jordanian Mansaf
Mansaf is a traditional national dish of Jordan which contain tender lamb, fragrant yellow rice, and a yogurt This dish is a staple at family gatherings and special occasions in Jordan.
Beef Kabsa
Beef Kabsa is a national dish of Saudi Arabia that contain beef cooked in tomato sauce, spices, and served with flavorful basmati rice.
Chicken Arabic Biryani
Arabic Biryani is a Gulf Arabian chicken spiced rice dish which is mixed with spices and garnished with fried onion. This is an Indian-inspired recipe that is made using Middle Eastern spices and herbs. It is best to serve either with yogurt garlic sauce or tomato daqoos sauce.
Lebanese Moussaka (Maghmour)
A delicious Lebanese Moussaka which is a vegan dish made with eggplants and chickpeas. It is best serve with flatbread or rice.
Chicken Maqluba
An authentic Jordanian Chicken Maqluba Recipe which is mix with chicken, cauliflower, eggplant, potatoes, rice and middle eastern spices.
Spicy Prawn Masala
Prawn Masala is spicy and creamy Indian prawn recipe which is best to eat with rice or roti.
Chicken Madrouba
Chicken Madrouba is a traditional Gulf Arabian rice porridge dish enjoyed in Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain. This hearty dish features overcooked rice, shredded chicken breast, tomatoes, and a blend of various herbs and spices.
Beef Mandi
Beef Mandi is a Yemeni aromatic recipe which contain marinated beef, local spices, and basmati rice, widely popular across the Arabian Peninsula and traditionally served with salads, yogurt, and tomato sauce.
Kuwait Chicken Majboos
Chicken Majboos is an Arabic dish that is a spiced rice and herb chicken. It is considered a national dish of Kuwait and it is served with tomato garlic sauce called Daqoos.
Algerian Tlitli
Tlitli a traditional Algerian dish, combines orzo pasta, chicken, carrots, zucchini, and chickpeas in a flavorful broth. The dish is assembled by layering cooked orzo pasta on a plate and topping it with chicken, vegetables, chickpeas, and boiled egg
Rouz Jerbi (Djerbian Rice)
Rouz Jerbi, also known as Djerbian rice, is a traditional Tunisian recipe consist of rice, chicken, green leaves (coriander, parsley & spinach leaves), carrots, and flavorful spices. This dish is steamed to perfection, creating a tender and aromatic meal that captures the essence of traditional Tunisian cuisine.
Kuwaiti Fish Machboos
Machboos is a national rice dish in Kuwait, which is a spiced rice dish mixed with fish. Common fish they use includes Zubaidi (white pomfret) or other large meaty fish.
Egyptian Koshari
Koshari is an Egyptian rice recipe that is mixed with macaroni, brown lentils, and garnish with fried brown onion, which is served with tomato garlic sauce.
Chicken Shawarma Rice
Chicken Shawarma Rice is a Middle Eastern rice recipe that is mix with spiced chicken, yellow rice, raw vegetables, and drizzle with white sauce and hot sauce.
Kebda Mchermla
Kebda mchermla, a Moroccan dish featuring lamb liver cooked with chermoula spices like garlic, lemon, cumin, and herbs, boasts a rich, aromatic flavor and is commonly served as a main course or part of a mezze spread.
Algerian Chakhchoukha
Chakhchoukha is an Algerian recipe that consist of torn rougag flatbread soaked in a spiced tomato-based broth enriched with chicken, carrots, and chickpeas.
Kesra (Algerian Bread)
Kesra is an Algerian flatbread recipe that is made from semolina flour together with water, yeast, olive oil, and salt. It is best to serve with soups, stews, or tagine and used as spreads (honey & jams).
Arabian Margoog
Margoog is a Gulf Arabian stew dish that consists of chicken, different spices, vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and zucchini, and raw dough that is added to the stew.
Vegetarian Ghormeh Sabzi
Ghormeh Sabzi is a Persian vegetarian stew made with herbs, beans, and spices like fenugreek, turmeric, and dried lime. It cooks slowly, letting all the flavors mix together and make a tasty, fragrant meal
Turkish Stuffed Eggplants (Karniyarik)
Turkish Stuffed Eggplants (Karniyarik) is a dish containing fried eggplants filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and green peppers. Baked to tender perfection, this flavorful dish is commonly served with rice or bread.
Tashreeb
Tashreeb is a Middle Eastern recipe consists of chicken cooked in a tomato stew with vegetables. The stew is then served over the bread, which is soaked in the broth of the stew giving a wet and soft texture.
Arabic Kuboos Bread
This Kuboos bread is an Arabic flatbread made from whole wheat dough, olive oil, salt, sugar and yeast.
Cheese Samosas
Cheese Samosas Recipe is an Indian dish using Samosas wrapper filled with Mozzarella and Cream Cheese. It is one of the most popular street food snacks which is made from a prepared dough called Samosas Patti (wrapper)
Chicken Bhindi Recipe
Chicken Bhindi is an Indian okra masala that is mixed with chicken thigh, okra, tomatoes, different spices & herbs.
Chicken Tava (Tavuk Tava)
A Turkish Chicken Tava is a flavorful oven-baked dish combining marinated chicken pieces, vegetables, and herbs, traditionally enjoyed with flatbread.
Tas Kebabi (Turkish Beef Stew)
Tas Kebabi (tas kebap) is a Turkish beef stew containing beef, carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce infused with rich spices and herbs.
Tavuk Sote (Turkish Chicken Stew)
Tavuk Sote is a Turkish chicken stew recipe that contain tender cooked chicken with a mix of vegetables, herbs, and spices in a flavorful sauce. This versatile dish is commonly paired with rice or bread, making it a well-loved and widely enjoyed recipe in Turkish cuisine.
Filipino Chicken Curry
A Pinoy style chicken curry mixed with potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper cooked in coconut milk.
Palak Chicken (Indian Spinach Chicken Curry)
Palak Chicken curry is an Indian Spinach chicken dish that is cooked with different spices & herbs, and simmered in spinach puree and water.
Chicken Pastil
Chicken Pastil is a Filipino Muslim recipe that is served with steamed rice topped with shredded chicken. It is introduced from a Muslim region of Mindanao which is a popular breakfast meal.
Beef Kulma
Beef Kulma is a Filipino curry stew originating from Mindanao, blending fragrant spices with coconut milk and peanut butter. Loaded with carrots and bell peppers, it's a savory delight, perfect with rice.
Tajine Zitoune
Tajine Zitoune is a Algerian chicken stew with carrots, olives, and North African spices, simmered for a flavorful, aromatic delight which is best serve with bread or couscous.
Beef Galayet Bandora
Galayet Bandora is a Jordanian breakfast fried tomato dish which is mix with onion, olive oil, beef, spices and potatoes.
Zaatar Bread (Zaatar Manakish)
Zaatar Manakish is a breakfast flatbread Lebanese Zaatar Recipe which is mixed with a thyme, sumac, marjoram, sesame seed, and salt.
Cheese Fatayer
Cheese Fatayer is a Lebanese pie recipe which is mixed with feta & mozzarella cheese and chopped parsley
Malfouf (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
Malfouf is a Lebanese / Middle Eastern Stuffed Cabbage Rolls that has fillings of rice, ground beef, herbs, and spices. It is one of the best cabbage recipes which you can eat it alone and feel satisfied.
Warak Enab (Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Warak Enab is a Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves which has fillings of rice, ground beef and other spices & herbs,
Kousa Mahshi (Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini)
Kousa Mahshi is a Middle Eastern stuffed Zucchini recipe that has fillings of rice, ground beef, and spices & herbs.
Turkish Moussaka Recipe
An baked eggplant dish called Turkish Moussaka that is mixed with ground beef, green bell pepper and other spices and herbs.
Vegetable Samosas
Vegetable Samosas is an triangular shaped Indian vegetarian pastry mixed with spices, potatoes and chickpeas.
Chicken Fatayer
Chicken Fatayer is a Middle Eastern meat pie recipe that has fillings of chicken, vegetables and different spices
Spinach Fatayer (Lebanese Spinach Pie)
Spinach Fatayer, also known as Sabanekh, is an Arabic pastry pie that has fillings of onion, sumac spices, olive oil, lemon, and fresh spinach.
Cheese Manakish
A Middle Eastern Cheese Flatbread recipe that is spread with cream cheese and topped with mozzarella cheese.
Turkish Cheese Pide
Cheese pide is a Turkish style pizza recipe which is topped with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Makdous (Pickled Eggplant)
A Makdous is a Levantine pickled eggplant that is stuff with walnut and herbs, and soaked with olive oil.
Kofta Tahini
Kofta Tahini is a Middle Eastern ground beef recipe that is poured in tahini sauce and baked in the oven.
Beef Bamia (Okra Beef Stew)
Beef Bamia Recipe is a Middle Eastern tomato okra soup that is mix with tomato sauce, arabic spices, and beef.
Chicken Salona (Dajaj Salona)
Chicken Salona is an Emirati chicken stew recipe made with chicken, vegetables, and spices simmered in a rich tomato-based broth.
Saudi Mutabbaq
Muttabaq is a traditional Saudi Arabian pastry recipe made by layering thin pastry sheets with a seasoned minced meat filling, green onion leaves, and parsley, folding and frying until crispy and golden brown.
Chicken Shawarma Pizza
Chicken Shawarma Pizza is a Middle Eastern pizza mixed with spiced chicken, mozzarella, olives, peppers, onion on golden crust, often served with garlic sauce.
Arabic Salad
This is a traditional middle eastern salad which is mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, lettuce, sumac spices and olive oil.
Daqoos Recipe: Arabic Tomato Sauce
Daqoos or Daqqus is a Kuwaiti tomato garlic sauce recipe which is mixed with olive oil, tomatoes, tomato paste, garlics, and water.
Fasolia (Arabic Bean Stew)
Fasolia is a Middle Eastern bean stew recipe which is mixed with beef cubes, coriander leaves and tomato sauce.
Egyptian Chicken Molokhia
Chicken Molokhia is an Egyptian green stew made by simmering chicken with molokhia leaves, garlic, herbs, and spices, and it is traditionally served with Arabic white rice or pita bread.
Beef Kofta Kebab
A Jordanian style Beef Kofta Kebab Recipe which is mixed with minced beef, middle eastern spices and herbs. It is served with rice and drizzle with yogurt sauce.
Do you have other delicious Ramadan Iftar Food recipes you will like me to add? Let me know in the comment below.
Hayley
What a fabulous roundup all the dishes are delicious and irresistible. Thanks for including our Maru Bhajiya recipe.
Lubna
Thank you for including my recipes and introducing so many new recipes. InshaAllah going to try these for Ramadan. Keep the good work going....
Saif
Thank you Lubna.
Far
Mashallah. These food are delicious. En Sha Allah, the Ramadan will start next month, I can't wait to try these recipes. Thank you