When Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims all around the world gather with great enthusiasm to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with their loved ones.
This religious holiday marks the end of the month-long period of fasting, introspection, and spiritual renewal. It's also a time for Muslims to express gratitude, seek blessings and ask forgiveness from God.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated in many countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and India, each with its unique customs and traditions — or anywhere with a Muslim population.
While each might have its own unique customs and traditions, the underlying spirit and intention of the holiday remain the same.
Plus, one thing that stays constant is that there’s always a feast involved. And who doesn't love a good feast?
In this blog, let's take a look at some of the delicious delights that are commonly enjoyed during Eid al-Fitr. Get ready to feast your eyes on some seriously mouth-watering treats!
Biryani
Peppered with aromatic spices like garam masala and cumin, this layered rice dish is a real Eid staple.
The dish is typically made with long-grain basmati rice and is often mixed with meat such as lamb, beef, chicken or veggie protein.
For a perfect Biryani, the rice is cooked separately while the meat is marinated in a blend of spices and herbs.
Then the two are layered together in a pot and slow-cooked over low heat. That’s when the magic happens – the flavors meld together, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Kebabs
Kebabs are an absolute favorite among meat lovers. The sizzling sounds and mouth-watering aromas emanating from the grill are simply irresistible, especially at Eid gatherings.
The secret to making perfect kebabs lies in the art of mixing ground meat with a perfect blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and garlic, and then skillfully shaping them onto skewers.
Once they hit the grill, they're charred to perfection, giving you a succulent and flavorful treat that's best enjoyed with a chutney or mint sauce.
Beef rendang
Rendang is not your typical dish, it's an explosion of flavors!
This popular slow-cooked beef dish is a staple in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. And during Eid al-Fitr, it's a must-have on the menu for many Muslim families.
Picture this: juicy and tender beef slow-cooked for hours in creamy coconut milk, aromatic herbs, and a medley of spices. As the liquid evaporates, the meat transforms into a melt-in-your-mouth beef that's been infused with all those amazing flavors.
Sheer khurma
Sheer khurma, which translates to "milk with dates" in Persian, is a decadent vermicelli pudding that's typically made with milk, dates, sugar, and nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and cashews.
In Pakistan, Afghanistan and India, it's a must-have on the morning of Eid al-Fitr. But let's be honest, those celebrating start craving this dessert days before the big celebration. Who can blame them?
With its luscious blend of milk, sugar, dates, and nuts like almonds, pistachios, and cashews, this special dessert is the perfect indulgent treat to kick off the holiday.
Turkish delights
Turkish delights, also known as lokum, are a type of sweet treat that came from Turkey. It’s made by mixing sugar, cornstarch, and water into a gel-like texture and then poured into moulds to set.
The end results are these cute little cubes of sweets, ready to eat after they are dusted with powdered sugar.
It’s typically enjoyed with a cup of tea, or gifted to friends and family as a kind gesture. Soft and chewy, this unique dessert has won the hearts of many worldwide.