Even though Ramadan is a period devoted to abstaining from food, the significance of food consumption and distribution remains substantial throughout this month.
The Muslim community observes the holy month during which they fast from sunrise to sunset. The fasting entails abstaining from all food and drinks. Many Muslims wake up before dawn to have a substantial breakfast called suhoor, which provides them with enough energy for the day.
After sunset, they gather for iftar, a meal that typically consists of hearty meat-based dishes and indulgent desserts that offer the much-needed sugar boost.
If you're interested in experiencing traditional Ramadan or Eid dishes, here are some popular foods enjoyed in Goa during this sacred month. Additionally, here are three places where you can sample delicious iftar food.
The restaurant is situated in the centre of Mapusa town, right next to the Jama Masjid. The food preparation, here, begins promptly at 4 pm, ensuring that it is ready for customers to enjoy as soon as the fast is broken.
What sets this restaurant apart is their practice of serving a tart of mixed fruits to every customer, regardless of who they are, just after sunset.
Mohammed Rashid Khan, the owner, has been managing this establishment for around 27 years and it is well-known among the locals. The restaurant attracts a diverse range of customers. Some recommended dishes to try include shish kabab, shamie kabab, and mutton biryani. It also offers a wide variety of other options to satisfy your cravings. It is definitely worth a visit.
Another option for experiencing iftar food is at Jama Masjid in Panjim. During this period, different caterers set up stalls offering a variety of delectable dishes such as kebabs, Russian cutlets, kheema samosas, chicken and beef rolls.
Ashraf Aga, a resident of Panjim who has been attending this event for several years, mentioned that in addition to the tasty food, you can also enjoy sherbets in apple or rose flavours. He further noted that while most of the stall owners are locals, some caterers from Bombay also come to Goa specifically for this time of the year.
This restaurant is situated in Vasco city and is renowned for its delicious dishes such as tandoori wings, BBQ sticks prepared in different ways, sesame seed fried kababs and the famous chicken samosas that are a must-try at iftar. It is highly recommended to try these delicacies during the period. Additionally, you can also sample their faloodas and sherbets.
At this establishment, one can break the fast by consuning dates or drinks like falooda or sherbet. The falooda, here, is prepared in a unique and intriguing manner, and definitely worth a try. Bhaijaan's menu offers much more, but to discover it all, you must pay a visit to this place when you are in Vasco.