Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is observed with deep devotion and cultural diversity across various Muslim countries in their incomparable ways.
While fasting from daybreak to evenfall is the central practice, each country adds its unique traditions, reflecting its rich history, culture, and rituals.
In this first leg of our journey, we explore the rich and diverse traditions that make Ramadan a deeply personal and universally cherished experience for Muslims across the world.
Afghanistan: Lassi, bolani, mantu, and ashak
In Afghanistan, people prepare for Ramadan weeks in advance, gathering essentials to dodge price hikes and limit shopping trips during the holy month. Cooking special meals and distributing iftar (breakfast) are common traditions. Families typically break their fast with bolani (stuffed flatbread), and mantu and ashak (both of which are dumplings).
Tea, milk, salted lassi (a yoghurt–based beverage with a smoothie-like consistency) and juices are popular drinks. Rice and meat are common ingredients in many Ramadan dishes, with Kabuli pulao being a must-have dish to top off the meal. Just like Pakistan and many other Muslim countries, samosas and pakoras are also common iftar snacks in the mountainous landlocked country in central Asia.
Albania: The lodra drummers
People carrying lodra, a traditional double-ended drum with sheep or goat skin, wake people for suhoor (predawn meal). One side is struck with a wooden drumstick, the other with thane — red branches from mountain trees — creating a two-tone beat. Traditionally played by the Gypsy community, the drummer is rewarded with food, money, or suhoor and iftar invitations.
Ramadan meals in Albania vary, featuring traditional dishes like byrek (flaky pastry with meat, spinach, or curds), pastice (baked pasta with creamy cheese sauce), pettulla (fried dough with sweet or savoury fillings), and imam bayildi (aubergine with garlic). As the lodra signals iftar, communal meals transcend religion, with Christians often hosting or joining, reflecting Albania’s harmonious hospitality.
Algeria: Welcoming ‘Sidna Ramadan’
In Algeria, the fasting month is eagerly awaited and honoured with the title “Sidna Ramadan” (Our Master Ramadan). The fast is traditionally broken with milk and dates, followed by a hearty family meal. Staple dishes include chorba (soup), bourek (a samosa-like pastry), and salad, alongside stews like jew-ez and laham lahalou — a sweet dish of prunes, sultanas, and apricots cooked in syrup, sometimes with meat.
Popular desserts include kalb el louz, an almond-based syrup-soaked cake, and zalabia (deep-fried syrupy rings similar to our jalebis), making Ramadan a time of both spiritual and culinary indulgence.
Azerbaijan: Cultural delights and bags of blessings
In Azerbaijan, the holy month is observed with deep reverence, beginning with mid-Sha’ban (the 8th month of the Islamic calendar) preparations like mosque cleanings, street decorations, and folkloric celebrations. Iftar brings families together over traditional dishes like dolma — minced lamb with rice in vine or cabbage leaves— and plov — seasoned rice with lamb, onions, and carrots.
Hospitality is key, with extra food prepared for guests, and charity plays a major role through mass iftar dinners and food donations. A unique tradition is the barkat kisasi or bag of blessings, sewn by women and girls on the last Friday of Ramadan, where money is saved until the same month next year, symbolising ongoing generosity.
Bahrain: Late-night gatherings, sweet surprises
Like elsewhere, Bahranians break their fast with dates, followed by rice, harees (wheat mashed with meat), or thireed (bread soaked in meat stew). Fried bites, soup, salad, and refreshing fruit drinks complete the meal. Before Ramadan, cooks prepare samboosas (samosas), a staple in Bahraini iftar.
The festive spirit continues with ghabga, a late-night gathering with sweets like luqaimat and balaleet. Mid-Ramadan, gergaoon brings joy as children in traditional outfits go door to door to collect treats mostly money, sweets, and nuts, while streets glow with colourful lights and decorations.
Bangladesh: Vibrant iftar bazaars
In Bangladesh, iftar bazaars buzz with energy as people gather to buy and share traditional Ramadan delicacies. Stalls offer favourites like beguni (fried eggplant), piyaju (lentil fritters), jlapi (jalebi), samosas, fuchka, and kebabs, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Brunei: Breaking fast with cannon salute
In Brunei, a small oil-rich nation on the island of Borneo, the daily fast, locally known as sungkai, is broken at sunset, often marked by cannon fire in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.
Mosques host communal iftar buffets open to all, fostering a spirit of unity and devotion. Meanwhile, vibrant Ramadan bazaars showcase an array of traditional delicacies, offering locals and visitors a taste of Brunei’s rich foods and flavours.
Burkina Faso: Heightened fervour
Ramadan brings together communities in the landlocked country in West Africa for communal prayers and iftars. It is a time marked by heightened religious fervour and communal harmony.
The country has been marred by insurgency, coup d’états and unrest, over 4 million people in the country are facing hunger.
Chad: Sha’ban marriages and communal feasts
In Chad, an independent desert republic in north-central Africa, iftar begins with dates and abry, a traditional spiced corn-based drink, followed by dishes like madeeda and aseeda, often featuring home-dried meat. Communal gatherings are central, with men and women dining separately while families warmly welcome guests, strengthening social bonds.
Women prepare weeks in advance, stocking up on essentials and organising charitable feasts for those in need. A distinctive pre-Ramadan tradition involves communal marriages, believed to bring blessings and support throughout the holy month.
Comoros: Drumming, chanting, and fasting
During Ramadan in Comoros — an archipelagic country in Southeastern Africa — iftar features a spread of tea, soup, grilled meat, fries, and sambousa (samosa-like pastry), with rice notably absent. Families gather to share meals, while large banquets outside mosques support those in need.
The government enforces strict Ramadan regulations, including modest dress codes and a gambling ban. Volunteers wake others for suhoor with drumbeats, while anashides (holy chants) aired on radio and TV enrich the spiritual atmosphere, reflecting both the joy of Ramadan and the sorrow of its departure.
Ivory Coast: Weddings, sermons, and king’s brain
Locally known as sune kalou, Ramadan in Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d’Ivoire, located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, is marked by sermons in mosques. A unique trend that has seen popularity lately in the country is the rise in weddings during Shaaban, as many couples choose to begin their married life in Ramadan for blessings.
Unlike in many countries, iftar is not typically eaten at home. Instead, families prepare meals and share them with those in need, fostering a strong sense of community and generosity. Popular Ramadan dishes include madid, tharid, and various soups, while mumi, a distinct barley bread enjoyed with local oil, is an essential. During the month, traditional beverages such as hibiscus and ginger drinks are widely consumed.
Another popular drink is king’s brain, a local specialty. Additionally, dajih, a nourishing blend of milk, flour, and sugar, is also enjoyed during this period.
Suhoor meals consist of rice, meat, fruits, and citrus, accompanied by ginger and other fruit-based drinks, which are considered essential for sustaining energy throughout the day. After Taraweeh prayers, children go door-to-door receiving gifts and money, adding to the festive spirit of Ramadan.
Djibouti: Grand farewell on 27th night
In Djibouti, a country in northeastern Africa on the Somali peninsula, Ramadan is celebrated with rich traditions. During iftar, Muslims in the country savour dishes like sambousa (samosas with meat or cheese filling), harees, tharid, and lamb. A distinctive custom is avoiding fish, believed to increase thirst during fasting.
On the 27th night of the holy month, communities come together for special prayers and joint worship to bid farewell to the holy month of fasting. Streets and mosques are adorned with vibrant decorations, fostering an atmosphere of unity, devotion, and celebration throughout the holy month.
Egypt: The glow of famous lanterns
In Egypt, Ramadan is celebrated with the cherished tradition of Fanous — colourful lanterns that illuminate homes and streets, a custom dating back to the Fatimid era. The month is also known for its rich cultural food traditions, featuring delights like khoshaf (a dried fruit dessert) and konafa (a sweet, flaky pastry).
Another beloved tradition is the mesaharaty, a drummer who roams the streets before dawn, singing traditional melodies to wake people for suhoor, adding to the month’s vibrant and communal spirit. Street iftars are also common, celebrating the spirit of sharing.
The Gambia: Gamo gatherings and gift-giving
Ramadan preparations in the West African republic, begin weeks in advance. Suhoor typically includes porridge, bread, and tea, while iftar typically starts with dates and water, followed by traditional dishes like nyankatang (spicy peanut stew), benechin (one-pot rice dish), and mbahal (a mix of rice, fish, and peanut sauce).
During the fasting month, special night markets known as Gamo offer food and essentials, while also serving as hubs for preaching and spiritual songs. A cherished tradition in The Gambia is for married women to receive gifts from their in-laws during the holy month.
Guinea: Family, food and charity
In Guinea, a country in western Africa on the Atlantic, family and friends gather to break their fast with a traditional rice dish cooked with chicken, meat, or fish, mixed with vegetables, fonio (a West African grain), and porridge. A unique Ramadan tradition involves men sending money and cola fruit to their in-laws as a gesture of respect.
Iftar is a communal affair, with people sharing home-cooked meals, including traditional dishes like tori, ketoun, boyri, and gossi. Women play a central role in meal preparation, while the month is also marked by acts of charity, as organisations provide food and educational support to those in need, embodying the spirit of generosity.
Indonesia: The purifying padusan ritual
Indonesia’s diverse Ramadan traditions reflect its rich culture and strong community bonds. In Jakarta, nyorog involves gifting food to elders as a sign of respect, while West Java’s cucurak tradition gathers families for a communal meal on banana leaves. Yogyakarta’s padusan and North Sumatra’s marpangir feature ritual cleansing with herbal baths.
West Sumatra’s malamang celebrates togetherness by preparing lemang (glutinous rice in bamboo), while Aceh’s meugang, dating back to the 14th century, revolves around meat feasts. In West Sulawesi, mattunu solong lights homes with candlenut lamps for blessings, and Bali’s megibung fosters unity through shared meals.
Iran: Shared heritage, diverse traditions
Ramadan traditions in Iran embody rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community.
In Kerman, Kelidzani sees women collecting sweets or money for the poor with a mirror and the holy Quran. Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari observes Ramadan 27th with kakoli bread distribution in mosques and a henna ritual for blessings. In Sistan, arak-barak encourages neighbours to share food, ensuring no one goes hungry.
Women in East Azerbaijan province of Iran create “bags of blessings” to ward off poverty, while Mazandaran province welcomes Ramadan with early fasting and Quran recitations. Birjand’s chahar derakht involves anonymous gift trays, and Turkmen communities celebrate Ya Ramadan by singing in the streets and collecting donations.
Traditional dishes play a key role in Ramadan. Zoolbia bamieh, crispy Persian doughnuts in saffron syrup, is a popular treat. Haleem, a slow-cooked barley and meat dish, and ash reshteh, a thick vegetable and noodle stew, are iftar staples. For dessert, sholezard, a saffron-infused rice pudding with rose water, cardamom, and nuts, adds a sweet touch to the meal.
Iraq: A folk game called Al-Siniya
In Iraq at iftar, families and friends gather to enjoy dates, yoghurt, lentil soup, and meat dishes like saloona, followed by sweets, tea, and socialising.
In cities like Kirkuk, people play Al-Siniya, a traditional game where teams try to find a hidden ring under cups on a tray. Ramadan nights are lively, with busy markets and storytellers, known as qussakhoun, sharing tales in coffee houses.
Jordan: The Ramadan marquees
In Jordan, large tents serve as vibrant social hubs where people gather to break their fast, enjoy traditional meals, and partake in cultural activities. Adorned with lights and decorations, these tents offer a lively atmosphere with music, games, and entertainment, attracting both locals and tourists.
Essential Ramadan beverages like qamar el deen, irqsoos, and tamerhindi are always available. The fast is broken with dates and water, followed by soup (lentil or freekeh), salad, samboosik (samosa), and a main course, accompanied by Ramadan drinks, pickles, and olives. After iftar, red tea or Arabic coffee is customary, along with traditional dishes like mansaf (a lamb and yoghurt-based dish).
For dessert, qatayef is a Ramadan staple, while suhoor features fool (fava beans with tomatoes) and various Jordanian omelettes. Many also prepare white or green stews, symbolising peace and goodness.
Kazakhstan: Mercy restaurants and beshbarmak
In Kazakhstan, large communal “mercy restaurants” provide free meals in public squares and mosques, including the Nur-Astana Mosque, one of Central Asia’s largest. After the Maghrib prayer, worshippers gather for iftar, enjoying plov — rice cooked with lamb or beef — along with juices and salads.
Traditional drinks like kumiss (fermented mare’s milk) and shubat (camel’s milk) are valued for their health benefits. A unique tradition is the rotation of iftar hosting among neighbuors, fostering community spirit. The national dish, beshbarmak — boiled meat with large noodles — is traditionally served without spices to retain its natural flavour. Jaramazan, also known as jarapazan in Kazakh refers to traditional folk songs performed by people in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian republics during Ramadan to celebrate and congratulate each other.
Kuwait: From gergaoon to ghabqa
Kuwait’s traditions during the holy month have evolved over time while preserving their cultural significance. Graish, the pre-Ramadan feast, brings families and neighbours together. Like other Gulf Arab counties, gergaoon, is celebrated on the 13th–15th of Ramadan.
Ghabqa, an evening gathering for family and friends, has expanded into corporate feasts. Despite technological advancements, the iftar cannon still signals the breaking of the fast at Naif Palace, drawing crowds and media attention.
Kyrgyzstan: The jaramazan
In Kyrgyzstan, Ramadan, known as Orozo, is marked by communal gatherings and rich traditions. Suhoor features hearty dishes like meat, rice, and potatoes, while iftar is a time for family and friends to come together.
A unique tradition, jaramazan, sees performers singing ritual songs at homes and public spaces in exchange for treats or gifts. Similar to carolling, this practice fosters a festive spirit, strengthens community bonds, and preserves cultural heritage.
Lebanon: Iftar’s call and free-flowing jallap
In Lebanon, Midfa Al Iftar is a cherished tradition where a cannon is fired at sunset to signal the end of the daily fast. To welcome the holy month, many Lebanese families take part in Istibanat Ramadan, a Beiruti tradition of gathering at beaches or public parks to see the crescent moon marking the start of the holy month. Traditional drummers wake people for suhoor.
While all Lebanese cuisine is enjoyed during Ramadan, certain staples stand out. Lentil soup is often served first to prepare the stomach for the main meal, while jallab, a refreshing drink made from grape molasses and rosewater, is topped with pine nuts. Traditional sweets like knefeh and baklawa, usually reserved for special occasions, become household essentials, adding a sweet touch to Ramadan feasts.
Libya: Dates, milk, and bazin
In Libya, the suhoor meal often consists of dates, milk, and light dishes to sustain fasting. Iftar typically begins with dates and soup, followed by traditional dishes like bazin — a dough-based dish with meat and vegetables— and shorba, a flavourful Libyan soup. Bazin holds deep cultural significance, symbolising sharing and hospitality. It is traditionally eaten by hand from a communal platter, with guests gathered around it.
Exchanging food with neighbours at sunset is a cherished Libyan Ramadan tradition, as is collective street dining, where meals are prepared by citizens or charitable organisations for communal iftar.
In 2023, Libya revived the tradition of firing the iftar cannon during Ramadan after a 48-year hiatus, bringing joy to residents and marking a return to cultural heritage.
Malaysia: Bubur lambuk distribution
The first day of the fasting month is a public holiday in several Malaysian states, and once the month is announced, cities come alive with festive decorations. Ramadan bazaars, a beloved tradition, are found in every corner of the country, offering a variety of unique delicacies like nasi kerabu and pulut panggang. These markets also see participation from non-Muslim vendors selling Ramadan goods.
A key community tradition is preparing bubur lambuk, a fragrant spiced porridge made with coconut milk, meat, and spices, which is distributed for free. Mosques across Malaysia also host grand iftar feasts, bringing people together in the spirit of generosity and togetherness.
As we close this chapter on Ramadan traditions, it’s obvious that each culture brings its own richness to the holy month. But beyond these cherished foods, flavours, and rituals lies the true spirit of Ramadan — one of kindness, generosity, and a deep sense of togetherness that extends to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Join us as we discover the culinary soul of Ramadan in our next instalment.
This is the first part of the two-part article on Ramadan around the world
