Iftar is the meal that Muslims eat after sunset during Ramadaan to break the day’s fast.
Image: File
Muslims globally are observing Ramadaan, a month characterised by intense fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
The observance involves a dawn-to-dusk fast, during which Muslims abstain from food, drinks (including water), and smoking between sunrise and sunset. This period of fasting is anticipated to conclude around March 20.
Central to the daily observance are two meals. The first is suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, which is meant to be nourishing, supplying essential energy through fibre, complex carbohydrates, and hydration.
The second, equally vital, is iftar, the evening meal consumed after sunset, which focuses on replenishing the necessary sustenance.
Dates are a must at the table for iftar.
Image: Jeanne Viall
Iftar traditions are initiated by eating dates and consuming plenty of water and/or milk for rehydration. Following this, a meal is shared, typically including a spread of protein (meat, fish, beans, chicken) and carbohydrates, along with vegetables.
A significant social element exists, as iftar is often a shared experience with family, friends, or the community.
Aligning with the spirit of inclusivity, many restaurants are now catering to the social aspect of breaking fast during Ramadaan by offering dedicated menus.
As such, these are the Joburg restaurants catering for iftar with bespoke menus. The following Joburg restaurants are offering iftar with custom-designed menus.
The inviting atmosphere is immediately enhanced by the Moroccan-inspired décor and Turkish mosaic lights. This spot offers generous seating and a scrumptious buffet, complete with a tempting selection of pastries and cakes.
Savoury options feature chicken tikka strips, Lebanese kebabs, magherita pizza slices, mutton mystery with veggies and button chicken.
On the starter side, there are bhajas, spring rolls, samosas and, of course, dates galore.
To complement the meal, guests can choose from naan bread, rice, or aloo paratha. Beverages are also available with dedicated juice, tea and coffee stations. Don’t forget to try the falooda shots.
It is SANHA approved.
Cost: R250 per person and R115 for children between three and 10 years old.
A fully halaal establishment, it has a casual café that meets a classic dining vibe.
As expected, they are putting out a mouthwatering spread for iftar.
The buffet offers a variety of main courses, including butter chicken, Portuguese chicken, grilled tandoori strips with tandoori sauce, beef kebabs, masala mince and arabiata pasta.
These dishes are complemented by a selection of sides: white or yellow rice, parathas/flatbread, chips, and fresh kachumbar salad.
Cost: R199 per person, but bookings are essential
Under new ownership, this fine dining halaal spot will send your tastebuds into overdrive.
Their Ramadaan menu has been augmented by three new pasta dishes. Also, all iftar meals include complimentary dates and falooda.
The dining experience begins with a choice of starters from a selection of pear salad, butternut soup or sushi (any two rolls).
For the main course, tempting options include: a full Portuguese chicken served with round chips and four rolls; six queen prawns with rice and chips; or a chooza platter (featuring one full chooza chicken, one chooza boneless, two beef kebabs, two butter naan and chips).
Additional main course options are baked chicken pasta, chicken alfredo and pesto pasta.
The meal is completed with a choice of baked cheesecake or pecan nut pie.
Cost: There is no set price; you pay per dish. Prices vary between R100 and R550.
If you need a break from cooking, why not dine out for iftar this Ramadaan?
Image: Supplied
Expect a modern Arabian dining experience here.
Celebrating the opulence of Middle Eastern heritage, their culinary experience offers a blend of exquisite dishes and warm hospitality. The ambience is crafted to create truly unforgettable moments.
If you enjoy the authentic dishes, you will be blown away by their iftar menu.
For a delightful iftar experience, begin your meal with freshly baked Arabic bread accompanied by a superb assortment of cold mezzes. Selections include classics like hummus, mutabbal (smoky roasted aubergine), muhammara (a spicy walnut and red pepper spread), and baba ghanoush (grilled eggplant).
A refreshing fattoush salad and hearty harira soup are also available.
Moving to the hot mezzes, enjoy delicious cheese rokak and flavourful vegetable samosas.
For the main course, diners can choose from tempting dishes such as kabsa chicken, jarish lamb goursan, and lamb hamiees.
For dessert, guests can choose from a selection that includes umm ali, a warm bread pudding; luqaimat, a Saudi-style sweet dumpling; or freshly sliced seasonal fruits, depending on their preference.
Cost: The cost is R985 per person, or opt for the family-style sharing menu at R800 per person.