Eid al-Fitr marks a joyous culmination of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This 3 day celebration brings families and communities together in a festivity filled with gratitude, prayers, and notably a feast that highlights the cultural diversity of the Muslim world.
Eid is celebrated in the following manner;
- You start the day with sweets (like a Mammoul).
- You wear and offer new clothes to family – sharing sweets and gifts
- Communal prayer
- Elders offer Eidiyah – give money to small children
- Visit family, relatives and neighbours
- It is a time to donate to those that are less fortunate
- The whole family gathers together to share a meal of thanks and gratitude
Food is an essential element of Eid, it satisfies the palate and strengthens bonds among family and loved ones. In this spirit, we present five delectable Eid dishes that promise to elevate your Eid table, offering traditional flavours and culinary innovation.
5 Must-Try Eid Dishes
Fragrant Chicken Biryani
Imagine layers of fluffy, aromatic rice interspersed with succulent pieces of chicken, each grain telling tales of the spices and herbs it was slow-cooked with. Chicken Biryani is a quintessential main course enjoyed across South Asia and the Middle East during Eid. For those seeking a vegetarian option, fear not! Substituting chicken with chickpeas or lentils creates a scrumptious protein-packed variant. For those who family members who are vegetarian, swap the meat for vegetables to provide an alternative.
Sweet and Tangy Date Mammoul
These delicate semolina cookies, filled with luscious date paste and dusted with powdered sugar, are a testament to the Middle Eastern culinary tradition. Even if you are vegan, you can still enjoy this treat by using vegan butter and a mixture of dried figs and nuts for the filling.
Creamy Kofta Curry
Creamy Kofta Curry is a spiced meatball simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce. This curry, perfect for scooping with naan bread, offers a delightful alternative to chicken with its flavour and engaging presentation. Vegetarians can join the feast by substituting the meatballs with ones made from lentils or chickpeas, ensuring no one misses out on this culinary delight.
Crispy and Crunchy Samosas
These savoury pastries are a versatile choice, filled with all sorts of spices, potatoes and vegetables then fried to a golden crisp. Whether served as an appetiser or a snack, samosas have won hearts across South East Asia and beyond. A vegetarian version is easily achievable by focusing on the rich variety of vegetables as the filling.
Refreshing and Fragrant Sheer Khurma
End your Eid feast on a high note with Sheer Khurma, a creamy vermicelli pudding delicately flavoured with cardamom, rosewater, and nuts. This delightful dessert, popular in Pakistan, provides an excellent, sweet but light end to the meal. For a vegan variant, use plant-based milk and feel free to omit nuts to cater to all preferences.
These 5 dishes, each with their own unique flavours and origins, promise to bring joy and diversity to your Eid al-Fitr celebration. As we wrap up the the festivities, we extend a warm “Eid Mubarak” to you and your loved ones.
May your feast be as fulfilling and heart warming as the company you share it with. We encourage you to share your favourite Eid dishes and traditions in the comments below, fostering a community of shared cultures and cherished celebrations.
