Ramadan 2023: From moi moi to harira, 5 delicious iftar dishes around the world

April 21, marks the last day of the holy month of Ramadan.The month of Ramadan (also known as Ramzan in South Asia) is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. All over the world, Muslims celebrate it with fervor. The month of Ramadan is considered a month of abstinence for practising Muslims. Islamically, Ramadan is the most important festival, as sawm (Arabic term for fasting) is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims wake up at the crack of dawn, for suhoor, a hearty meal that they enjoy before beginning their fast. The fast lasts from sunrise to sunset and is broken with a dish of dates and water. An elaborate Iftar party is held afterward.

Iftar party dishes vary on the basis of local culture and community. While some Muslims gorge on succulent kebabs and greasy kormas, others break the fast on a lighter note with chickpea and vegetable soups and freshly baked pita bread.

Here are some of the most popular Iftar dishes around the world.


Harira (Morocco)

This simple, yet hearty soup is an excellent way to have breakfast! This Moroccan dish consists of lentils, chickpeas, meat, and vermicelli, served in a warm tomato soup. Spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, parsley, saffron, and garlic are used to make the soup delicious. If you feel hungry, but don’t feel like gorging, this can be the perfect dish to break your fast.

Kuzu Tandir (Turkey)

This slow-cooked lamb curry is served with a whole lot of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, etc. The meat is cooked for a long time, suspended over coals.

Kabsa (Yemen)

Although this lip-smacking dish originates from Yemen, it is enjoyed all throughout the Arab world. The dish is quite similar to the Indian biriyani, as it consists of fragrant rice and meat. A spice mix known as baharaat is used to create a memorable taste.

Thareed (Saudi Arabia)

No Saudi Arabian iftar party is complete without a serving of this rich, hearty stew! It consists of chunky pieces of lamb and vegetables. As this dish is said to be a favourite dish of Prophet Muhammad, it is a staple fare in pretty much every household!

Moi Moi (Nigeria)

This fluffy little pudding is the perfect way to end your Ramadan on a sweet note! This is made from pureed beans. Depending on your preference, you can add extra foods such as eggs, beef, prawns, etc. To make moi moi, a type of bean called honeyed beans is mixed with Romano peppers, onions, and water before being combined with the meat. The mixture is then poured into banana leaves and steamed in a large pot of water until it solidifies