During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. They do not eat or drink anything during daylight hours. The fast is called roza. Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan and is often done as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together. The meal consists of dates, fruits, appetisers, entrees, and desserts.
Popular snacks for iftar include samosas, pakoras, rolls, and kebabs. There are lots of options to choose from. Some popular picks are samosas, pakoras and kebabs. With all these mouthwatering non-vegetarian treats to choose from, your iftar will be full of flavourful fun and satisfaction.
Read on and choose from these 8 non-vegetarian snacks to try at Iftar.
Egg Kebab
Egg kebab is a traditional dish popular during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. As the day's fast is broken at sunset with the evening meal called Iftar, egg kebabs make for a nutritious and satisfying choice to start the meal. The spiced-minced meat-coated boiled eggs are grilled or fried to make these kebabs. The piping hot kebabs are served on a platter, sometimes on a bed of rice pilaf or with pita bread on the side. The contrast of textures between the firm egg white, the soft yolk, the crispy meat exterior and the tender interior is also quite enjoyable. For many observing the Ramadan fast, this dish provides the perfect protein-packed start to the celebratory Iftar meal.
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Chicken Tikka
This tender, aromatic chicken dish is a staple during the holy month of Ramadan around the world. The juicy chicken marinated in aromatic spices like garlic, ginger, and garam masala and green chutney is hard to resist after a long day of fasting. The light, protein-rich chicken tikka provides nourishment after going without food all day. The spices aid digestion and add lots of flavour, which is especially important when taste buds are heightened by hunger. Chicken Tikka checks all the boxes for the perfect iftar meal during Ramadan.
Chicken Roll
Chicken roll is a popular dish eaten during Ramadan. A soft paratha is stuffed with juicy chicken pieces, onions, chillies and spices. It is usually eaten with mint raita. The dish gives you a burst of flavours after a day of fasting. Many street food stalls sell piping hot chicken rolls around iftar time for people breaking their fast. The chicken roll has become synonymous with the festive spirit of community iftars in this holy month.
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Mutton Shami Kebab
Come the holy month of Ramadan, and the delicious fragrance of mutton shami kebabs fills the air. Made from minced mutton and chickpea lentils, shami kebabs are easy to digest—just what you need after a long, hungry day. With a sprinkle of lemon juice, chaat masala, and chutney on the side, they make for a perfect iftar dish. For many, no iftar is complete without savouring mutton shami kebabs.
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Seekh Kebab
Seekh kebab is a dish that is especially popular during the holy month of Ramadan. The spiced minced meat kebabs are an iftar favourite, often enjoyed by families and friends as they break their fast at sunset. Part of what makes seekh kebab so well-suited for Ramadan is how filling yet easy to eat it is. The kebabs provide sustenance needed after a long day of fasting, while their finger-food format allows people to easily pick them up and enjoy them between sips of juice or water when breaking their fast. It is enjoyed with a side of dahi pudina chutney.
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Warqi Samosa
One of the most popular foods eaten during Ramadan is warqi samosa. These crispy, flaky pastries are filled with minced meat and other fillings like onions and chillies. Their crunchy texture and savoury flavours are satisfying after a day without food or drink. Warqi samosas are more than just delicious treats; they are part of the Ramadan experience. They are served with either tarmarind chutney or garlic chutney.
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Kheema Aloo Cutlets
Kheema aloo cutlets are a popular dish eaten during the holy month of Ramadan. These tasty cutlets made from minced meat and potatoes provide nourishment and energy when breaking the fast at Iftar. Sharing kheema aloo cutlets with family and friends makes Iftar during Ramadan even more special. This dish is so versatile! You can eat it by itself with chapatis, naan and mint chutney. Or make it into tasty burgers. It also goes great with all kinds of rice dishes.
Fish Fingers Image credit: Freepik
Though simple, fish fingers have become a staple food for breaking the fast at sunset. There are a few reasons why fish fingers are so common at iftar. First, fish fingers are quick and easy to prepare. Fish fingers require minimal prep and cook quickly, making them convenient. Kids love the mild flavour and crunchy coating. For adults, they make a nice change from the heavy curries and fried snacks common at iftar. Fish fingers strike a balance between tasty comfort food and healthy nourishment. Pair this with a creamy, cool dollop of mayonnaise or a bold smear of tangy ketchup.