The Foods People Order The Most For Ramadan

Ramadan is approaching, and Muslims worldwide will soon observe a month of prayer, reflection, and fasting. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam thought to shape a Muslim's life, and as such, most observe the practice, with exceptions for the elderly, sick, and pregnant people. As one might imagine, after refraining from food and drink from dawn until dusk, your stomach will be growling, so this makes the meals eaten during Ramadan that much more special. 

It's customary to begin each day with a pre-fast breakfast called the suhoor. These dishes are typically the most substantial and the time at which fasters will pack in the protein, fiber, and carbs that will provide a slow release of energy throughout the day. At sunset, the fast is broken with a spread, typically shared by family and friends, known as the iftar, where before the main course, you'll see snacks and light dishes, such as dates or paneer fritters.

While many prepare food at home during Ramadan, others order in. And for this holy month, many of the dishes they would order are not always unlike what they might cook at home.  

According to the marketing research outfit, Jakpat, the most popular dishes ordered by Muslims for last year's Ramadan were dishes like fried chicken and tempeh — a deep-fried cake of fermented soybeans. While, given the financial crunch, ordering food was not very common for suhoor in 2023 — instant noodles or frozen meals prepared at home were most common for the morning meal — local fast foods topped the list for folks on the go. 

For iftar, however, it's local Indonesian foods that shone, like soto, a noodle dish made with chicken, cabbage, and sprouts. Vermicelli soup is another example of the kinds of noodle and vegetable soups often ordered for iftar, usually before a more substantial meal. Another common fare is Izmir Koftesi, a hearty Turkish dish consisting of meatballs, potatoes, and tomato sauce. 

But these savory and spicy dishes aren't the only foods ordered throughout Ramadan. After a day of no eating and drinking, people want a tasty beverage to wash all that comfort cuisine down.

Teas are the most popular drink ordered by Muslims during Ramadan; when tea isn't called for, fruit and/or dairy-based drinks like this mango lassi are what folks get refreshed with. Another sweet staple found around the table during Ramadan is Rooh Afza, which is a pink, syrupy drink made with orange, pineapple, coriander, spinach, rose petals, and mint.

Concerns about nutrition are paramount for Muslims during Ramadan, and because of this, vitamins and supplements are consumed by most Muslims during this month, particularly during suhoor. But they also prioritize getting as many nutrients as possible from the foods and beverages consumed while not fasting. 

The beloved date and banana shake is an example of how people pack as many nutrients as possible into their food and drinks during Ramadan with tasty treats. Delicious meals are even more delicious after one hasn't eaten for hours, and those celebrating Ramadan know how to make their taste buds happy with tasty, nutritious comfort foods after the sun has set.