Fasting from sunrise to sunset is performed by every Muslim in the month of Ramadan. This serves as a mark of gratitude, compassion, and religious dedication. However, at the same time, it is important to take care of your health and eat a healthy diet to ensure that your energy levels are not down.
As the time of Ramadan is approaching, millions of Muslims around the world become excited to worship and pay gratitude to their Almighty. Throughout the holy month, Muslims devote themselves to strict fasting from sun dawn to sunset.
There are many traditional Ramadan foods enjoyed at this time of the month. These traditional Ramadan foods vary from region to region and country to country. People prepare different dishes specially for Ramadan and cherish the moments.
If you are curious about traditional Ramadan foods that people enjoy in Pakistan and all around the world, then stick to the article till the end.
11 Traditional Ramadan Foods in Pakistan
Here is a list of the best and top Pakistani Ramadan foods that are frequently made and enjoyed in homes in Pakistan:
1. Dates
You might have noticed that these days your local supermarket has started stocking more dates than usual.
But why? This is because eating dates in the suhoor and iftar is a traditional way to start and end your fast. This is a custom rooted in history and is inspired by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
As per the Islamic perspective, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to break his fast by eating 3 dates and a sip of water.
Therefore, many of His (PBUH) followers follow his example and break their fast by eating 3 dates. It also makes sense because dates are enriched with natural sugars and are perfect for restoring energy after all-day fasting.
Read More: 8 Incredible Benefits of Dates with Milk During Pregnancy
There are over 200 varieties of dates consumed all around the world. Every date has its own taste, texture, shape, and uniqueness.
Dates have a rich energy content. 100 g of dates have approximately 314 kilocalories of energy. This makes them an excellent source of energy boost.
Read More: 10 Benefits of Dates with Milk at Night
2. Parathas
Parathas are usually consumed in the suhoor time. People start their fast by eating parathas, eggs, and yogurt.
Parathas are made from whole wheat flour (atta) or white flour and then rolled and pinned into a flat shape. Then, it is cooked on a flat pan with oil or ghee.
They are usually served with eggs, yogurt, or any curry. One plain paratha has approximately 258-260 calories.
Parathas provide slow-releasing carbohydrates to keep you going throughout the day.
Some people also like to eat stuffed parathas such as chicken paratha, meat paratha, cheese paratha, etc.
3. Lassi/ Tea
Most people love to drink lassi or have tea in Suhoor. Some people also take tea or coffee after iftar.
Lassi is a yogurt–based beverage. It is made from yogurt and water and added salt or sugar depending on the type of lassi. It is mainly of two types sweet lassi or salted lassi.
It is the most popular and traditional yogurt-based drink consumed by Muslims and people of other religions all around the world.
A glass of Sweet lassi has almost 14% of the total daily calorie requirement of a standard adult diet of 2000 calories.
Therefore, having lassi in suhoor is a good option to go for!
4. Dahi Bhallay
Dahi Bhallay is one of the traditional Ramadan foods that people consume in the iftar time.
Dahi Bhallay is basically a mixture of yogurt (dahi), bhallay (lentil fritters or balls made up of maash ki daal and then fried), spices, vegetables (onion, cabbage, carrots, etc), and chutneys.
This dish is a natural energy booster. It also keeps the person cool from the inside. It is packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Therefore, if the Ramadan is in hot season, then it is a good option to eat dahi bhalla in Iftar.
5. Fruit Chaat
Fruit chaat is a mixture of different fruits with added spices and sauces.
It is a tangy, spicy fruit salad which is popular in Pakistan and India. It is a nutritious meal that one can consume both in Suhoor and Iftar. It is made by mixing various fruits like apple, bananas, pears, guavas, pomegranate, dates, etc.
It is frequently eaten in Ramadan at Suhoor time.
As it has fruits which are highly nutritious, so it is a very beneficial food in Ramadan to regain energy after all day fasting.
You can also watch this video by Ms. Maria Nadeem – Clinical Nutritionist in which she talks about Pre-Ramadan Planning For Elders | Bazurg Afraad Ramzan Mein Rozy Kaise Rakhain?
6. Pakoras (Fritters)
Pakoras which are also known as fritters in English. They are primarily consumed in Iftar with different sauces and ketchup.
Fritters (pakoras) are made up of chickpea flour, different spices, vegetables (like spinach, onion, cabbage), etc. These all are mixed up with water and then deep fried.
They are usually served with coriander and mint raita or different sauces.
They are rich in calories and fats as they are deep fried in the oil. However, people around the world loves to eat pakoras.
7. Samosas
Samosas are fried South Asian pastry with delicious chicken or potato fillings. They can be of different forms such as half-moon shape, cone, or triangular one.
It can be filled with spiced potatoes, fish, meat, chicken, onion, or peas.
Children, adults, and older adults all loves to eat samosas with different sweet and sour chutneys.
8. Chana Chaat
Chana chaat as the name shows is a chaat made up using chanas (chickpeas), diced potatoes, onions, green chillies, and different chutneys.
Chana chaat is also mostly eaten in Iftar.
It is only the best ways to enjoy and consume chickpeas. Mostly, people crave chana chaat in the evening; therefore, it is commonly consumed in Iftar.
It is a healthy alternative to other junk or unhealthy food cravings.
9. Chicken Kebabs
Chicken kebabs are something that can fill up the stomach and also fulfill the cravings. They can be consumed at both times i.e., in Suhoor and in Iftar.
Chicken kebabs are made by marinating the chicken in yogurt (or vinegar), lemon, olive oil, spices, and garlic ginger paste. The chicken is then molded into kebabs shape and then grilled over an open flame.
They are packed with many flavors and gives a savoury experience to the taste buds.
It can be a good present for people in Iftar after a long fast.
10. Biryani
No celebration is complete without the presence of Biryani at the table.
It is consumed in both South Asian and Middle East. Briyani is made from rice, protein (chicken or meat), vegetables, and spices.
It can be eaten in both Suhoor and Iftar times.
Biryani is the most consumed meal on every occasion in Pakistan and India.
11. Cutlets
Cutlets are also consumed at both times i.e., in Suhoor and in Iftar. They can be made from chicken and potatoes or solely from vegetables (potatoes, peas, coriander, onion, etc).
They are then coated with eggs and crumbs and shallow fried. They are usually served with ketchup or sauces.
You can make cutlets at home from scratch. They are a healthy source of nutrition if they are made at home specifically.
Final Words
People eat different traditional Ramadan foods all around the world. However, in Ramadan Pakistanis mostly rely on parathas, dahi bhallay, fritters (pakoray), chana chat, chicken kebabs, cultets, samosas, fruit chat, lassi/tea, etc.
But everything in moderation, else you might end up with indigestion or stomach upset.
You can also get a Ramadan diet plan from a Best Nutritionist (Dietitian) in Pakistan via Marham.
Moreover, you can also book a video consultation or in-clinic appointment with any doctor in Pakistan by calling us at 03111222398 or by downloading our application.