90+ Ramadan Food Ideas to Break the Fast

Find more than 90 of the best Ramadan food ideas to break your fast along with tips for staying healthy, satisfied, and energized throughout the entirety of the holy month! Whether you celebrate or not, you won’t want to miss out on these easy, flavor-loaded Ramadan recipes. 

What Is Ramadan? 

A holy month observed by Muslims, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The holiday is dictated by the shape of the moon, beginning and ending with its crescent shape. As a result, the time of observance for Ramadan changes every year but always lasts for 30 days. 

Muslims believe that in 610 A.D. God gave Muhammad the Qu’ran Islam’s holy book during the time of Ramadan. This action was the first time God revealed that Muhammad was a prophet in charge of carrying and spreading God’s message. 

Today, Ramadan is seen as a month of reflection that brings Muslims closer to God. During this time, they devote extra time to studying the Qu’ran and focusing on gratitude and compassion. In addition, Ramadan is marked by fairly intense periods of fasting throughout the day. 

*For more specifics on the origins and traditions of Ramadan, you can find detailed information on reputable sites such as those here and here. 

What Are Traditional Ramadan Foods? 

During Ramadan, those that are able to fast are permitted only two meals a day and do not break their fast. Even water is not consumed in between meals! As a result, consuming proper foods to stay healthy and energized of utmost importance. 

Traditionally, the first meal of the day, known as suhoor, consists of hearty, nutritious foods such as fruit and bread. 

Meanwhile, the second meal of the day, known as iftar, is comprised of several courses often including soup, main dishes, and sweet desserts. 

The type of traditional foods eaten during this time varies from region to region. However, some of the most popular items include dates, haleem, sambusa, kebab, fattoush, jallab, fresh fruit salad, maamoul, and baklava. 

What Cannot Be Eaten During Ramadan? 

Throughout Ramadan, there are no restrictions on food consumption. However, it’s advisable to be mindful of high-sodium and deep-fried foods that can make you feel dehydrated and lethargic. Prioritizing whole foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats is a great way to ensure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs. Here are some of our recommendations for foods to steer clear of in order to feel your best..

• Fried and fatty items 
• Foods that contain a high sodium content
• Excessively sugary foods 
• caffeine

Benefits of Fasting

In addition to having religious benefits, it is widely acknowledged that fasting can be beneficial for one’s overall health (as long as they are healthy enough to do so). While abstaining from frequent meals can help enhance willpower, it also has been shown to: 

• Reduce Hypertension
• Improve Brain Function
• Assist with Weight Loss
• Reduce the Risk of Cancer
• Reduce Inflammation
• Lower Blood Sugar

*Note: This is not medical advice. Please be sure to consult with your doctor before attempting to fast or making any dietary or lifestyle changes. 

Tips for Staying Healthy During Ramadan

While there are incredible mental and physical benefits that come from fasting during Ramadan, abstaining from food and drinks can be quite hard. Therefore, it is crucial to nourish your body properly during this time to ensure you stay healthy and energized. 

Of course, eating well-rounded meals is of utmost importance. So, be sure to load up on lots of high-quality protein, healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients from fruits and veggies. In addition, we also recommend: 

• Prepping Ahead of Time – Having nutritious, pre-made meals will make it easier to stick to your healthy eating goals when you feel like you’re starving. Instead of standing over a stove waiting for your meals to cook, all you’ll have to do is heat them back up! 
• Eating Suhoor – It can be tempting to hit snooze. However, we strongly recommend making sure you’re waking up early enough to eat suhoor, the frist meal of the day. This will help you feel your best until the evening. 
• Hydrating – It can be easy to become dehydrated during Ramadan. So, we suggest trying to limit caffeine and consuming hydrating foods like soups, fruits, and veggies. Of course, you’ll also want to be sure to drink plenty of water. 
• Eating Your Carbs – Low-carb diets might be popular right now, but Ramadan is not the time to partake! Carbs are our bodies’ number one source of energy. Consuming complex carbs rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber is one of the easiest ways to restore your energy and keep your body strong. 
• Avoiding Processed and Packaged Foods – Highly processed items are often loaded with salt and sugar and have very little nutritional value. As a result, they’re likely to leave you feeling worse than before. 

90+ Ramadan Food Ideas 

Alright, now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s dive into the good part and talk all about Ramadan food! Below you’ll find a list of our favorite Ramadan recipes that we make for ourselves and our families not only during the holy month but all year round! 

Breakfast Ideas (Food for Suhoor) 

Of course, you can stick with classic breakfast recipes like scrambled eggs for a quick, filling meal. However, we like to prepare a large, satisfying spread for suhoor complete with sweet and savory recipes to set us up for a successful day! No matter what we’re serving, we love to add a side of fresh berries for extra nutrients and fiber. Keep reading to learn how to store them to keep them fresh! 

• 3-Ingredient Coconut Chia Pudding – This sweet 3-ingredient recipe is prepared in minutes and loaded with healthy fats and fiber to keep you full!
  
• Cheesy Breakfast Brioche Sliders – High-protein, full of flavor, and completely addicting, these satisfying breakfast sliders are great to make in bulk and eat throughout the week.
  
• Date & Apricot Overnight Oats – Made with complex carbs, these sweet oats are nutritious, creamy, and easy to prepare ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week.
  
• Double Chocolate Banana Bread – An indulgent breakfast that doubles as dessert, this banana bread is one recipe guaranteed to have you leaping out of bed.
  
• Easy Baklava Granola Recipe – Full of the flavor of your favorite dessert, this homemade granola is great for adding to oatmeal or yogurt or eating on its own!
  
• Easy Shakshuka with Feta – Warm spices, creamy feta, and fresh tomatoes combine to create the ultimate vegetarian comfort food that will keep you full.
  
• Greek Breakfast Casserole – Complete with a vegetarian option, this hearty casserole is high-protein, full of veggies, and easy to make.  
  
• Healthy Baked Banana Bread Oatmeal – The best way to use up those overripe bananas, this baked oatmeal is full of fiber and nutrients with a hint of chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth.
  
• Oven Baked Shakshuka – A baked version of our favorite savory breakfast, this shakshuka is the perfect hands-off recipe.
  
• Peach Blueberry Baked Oats  – Simple and sweet, this fruity oatmeal is great on its own or topped with a dollop of yogurt.
  
• Peanut Butter Energy Balls – Great for a quick bite, these bite-sized snacks are full of energy-rich ingredients.
  
• Pistachio Walnut Cinnamon Rolls – More than your average cinnamon rolls, this recipe features sweetened nuts for extra flavor and crunch!
  
• Protein Packed Egg Muffin Sandwiches – Better than any fast food, these breakfast sandwiches are so tasty you won’t believe they’re full of protein and veggies.
  
• The Best Breakfast Charcuterie Board – Let the whole family create their perfect breakfast with this showstopping pancake and waffle spread!
  
• Turkish Eggs with Roasted Red Peppers and Yogurt – Smooth, creamy, and ultra-savory, this breakfast will knock your socks off. 

Snacks and Appetizers

While we’re not snacking during Ramadan, we do love a good appetizer to help kickstart the breaking of our fast, and these Ramadan foods are some of our faves. 

• Air Fryer Falafel – A healthier version of everyone’s favorite Middle Eastern recipe, this falafel is full of protein!
  
• Air Fryer Sesame Crusted Feta – Appetizers don’t get more satisfying than these feta cubes loaded with healthy fats.
  
• Burrata with Roasted Tomatoes and Za’atar Pita – A robust appetizer, this is the perfect way to break your fast after a long day.
  
• Chunky Garlic Hummus Recipe (Masabaha) – An easy take on Middle Eastern Masabaha, this recipe is perfect for dipping and dunking.
  
• Easy Labne with Persian Marinated Olives – Tangy and satisfying, this dip is perfect for serving with pita, crackers, and all your favorite dippers.
  
• Easy Pita Bread Recipe – Skip the store-bought pita, and make your own instead with this sweet, simple recipe!
  
• Falafel – Classic fried falafel is the ultimate crowd-pleasing finger food!
  
• Fire Roasted Baba Ganoush – Earthy and vibrant, just one bite is all it takes for you to be sold on this baba ganoush recipe.
  
• Fried Feta Rolls with Hot Honey – 3 ingredients are all you need to make this rave-worthy appetizer.
  
• Hummus with Roasted Tomatoes and Olives – You can never go wrong with hummus! Topped with tomatoes and olives, this version is ultra-satisfying.
  
• Olive Tapenade Bruschetta – Two appetizers in one, this Olive Tapenade Bruschetta is an irresistible combination of salty, briny flavor and crisp, crunchy bread.
  
• Quick Foccacia Recipe with Za’atar Seasoning – This focaccia is bursting with so much flavor, you won’t believe it comes together with just 3 simple ingredients!
  
• Roasted Eggplant and Tomatoes with Yogurt Dip – Take your vegetables to the next level when you pair them with a creamy yogurt dip.
  
• Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip with Crispy Chickpeas – Feta roasted red pepper dip is made with simple ingredients for a smooth, creamy dip that’s bursting with nutrients and whipped up in minutes.
  
• The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (Eggplant Dip) – Classic baba ganoush is topped with crispy chickpeas for added plant-based protein, fiber, and crunch.
  
• Healthy Chickpea Hummus – Better than anything you’ll find in the store, this homemade hummus is simple, delicious, and good for you, too!
  
• Warm Feta Dip with Marinated Olives – A unique combination of textures and savory flavors, this warm feta dip is quick, easy, and so tasty.
  
• Whipped Feta Recipe with Roasted Peppers – Creamy, savory, and vibrant, this unique appetizer pairs well with all your favorite meals.
  
• Whipped Feta with Batata Harra (Spicy Middle Eastern Potatoes) – A popular Lebanese side dish, this recipe is spicy, creamy, cool, and hearty all at the same time.
  
• Za’atar Hummus with Olive Tapenade – The ultimate appetizer, this tapenade combines three recipes into one irresistible dish. 

Sides and Salads

While we love a simple side like sweet potato fries, we tend to go all out during Ramadan with hearty recipes that pack in tons of energy and nutrients to help keep us satisfied. 

• Best Egg Salad Recipe with Cottage Cheese – Take traditional egg salad to the next level with Middle Eastern flair!
  
• Chickpea and Cucumber Tahini Salad – A plant-based side dish loaded with fiber, nutrients, and healthy fats, this salad is refreshing, filling, and easy to make.
  
• Chickpea and Lentil Salad (Koshari Salad) – This salad contains all the flavor of koshari you love in a better-for-you recipe you can feel good about.
  
• Chickpea Cucumber Feta Salad – Refreshing, light, and savory all at the same time, this salad combines simple ingredients for a budget-friendly recipe that’s quick and easy to make.
  
• Coconut Turmeric Rice – Not your average rice, sweet, spicy, and ultra fluffy.
  
• Crinkle Phyllo Easy Spanakopita Recipe – Buttery, flakey, and savory, this easy spanakopita hits the spot any time of the day.
  
• Easy Fruit Salad – Tossed with a vibrant citrus dressing, this fresh fruit salad is so tasty you won’t believe it’s good for you.
  
• Easy Persian Rice (Tadhig Recipe) – A popular side dish, this rice is crispy on the outside, soft and moist in the center, and full of savory flavor.
  
• Egyptian Baked Rize (Roz Maamar) – There are many ways to make this recipe, but it’s always crispy, tender, and rich!
  
• Egyptian Cucumber & Tomato Salad (Salata Baladi) – Bright, fresh, and flavorful, this budget-friendly recipe will become a staple in your dinner rotation. 
  
• Greek Meatballs Recipe (Keftedes) – Made with chicken, breadcrumbs, tangy red onion, and fresh herbs and spices, these meatballs on crisp on the inside yet juicy and tender in the center.
  
• Greek Potatoes with Whipped Feta – Bold Greek flavors, crispy potatoes, and smooth, creamy feta dip combine for a mixture of flavors and textures that will satisfy your tastebuds and leave you coming back for more.
  
• High-Protein Feta Cucumber Sauce – This tzatziki-inspired sauce is the best way to add flavor to all your favorite meals along with a boost of extra protein. 

• Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum Recipe) – There’s nothing this creamy garlic sauce can’t be paired with!
  
• Lentil Salad Recipe – This Lentil Salad Recipe is loaded with fresh vegetables, herbs, and creamy tahini for a hearty vegan meal bursting with flavor and nutrients.
  
• Manakeesh – An easy take on traditional manakeesh, this recipe is perfect to make ahead and serve for both suhoor and iftar.
  
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe (Greek Cowboy Caviar) – We gave cowboy caviar a Greek flair with this sweet and savory salad recipe!
  
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad – This powerhouse recipe is loaded with plant-based protein, a myriad of veggies, and a refreshing dressing for a healthy salad you’ll love.
  
• Parmesan Potatoes – Hands down the perfect side dish, these potatoes are buttery, soft, and crusted with tantalizing Parmesan.
  
• Persian Jeweled Rice – Combine warm spices, dried fruit, and chopped nuts for the best rice you’ll ever taste!
  
• Spiraled Cucumber Yogurt Salad – Suitable for a wide variety of dietary needs, this cucumber salad comes together in minutes with just 6 ingredients.
  
• Bulgur Pilaf – The best way to switch up your carbs when you’re tired of rice, this Middle Eastern staple is loaded with veggies and warm spices!
  
• Greek Salad – This easy Greek salad is better, healthier, and more budget-friendly than any restaurant version you’ll ever taste.
  
• Vermicelli Rice – This dish is the best combination of pasta and rice for the ultimate comfort food.
  
• Whipped Feta with Cucumber and Tomato Salad (Salata Baladi) – Smooth, creamy, crunchy, and savory, this is the best appetizer you’ll ever make. 

Main Courses 

The dishes we look forward to eating the most, these main courses aren’t your standard chicken tender dinner. Although they’re all easy to make, they’re full of warming flavors guaranteed to fill you with joy. 

• Beef Kofta Meatballs – Made in the air fryer, these meatballs are tender, juicy, and great on their own or paired with all your favorite meals!
  
• Beef Pot Roast Recipe in the Oven – Melt in your mouth delicious, this pot roast is juicy, flavorful, and loaded with veggies for the ultimate comfort food dinner that will have the whole family begging for seconds.
  
• Chicken Shawarma – There’s nothing more classic than juicy chicken shawarma straight from the oven!
  
• Creamy Herb Chicken – You’ll look forward to biting into this juicy chicken coated with rich, savory gravy all day long.
  
• Easy Beef Kofta (Mama’s Recipe) – Taken straight from our mom’s recipe book, this beef kofta will transport you right to the Middle East.
  
• Egyptian Orzo Pasta (Lesan El Asfour) – Inspired by our favorite childhood pasta, there’s nothing more comforting than this savory orzo recipe.
  
• Middle Eastern Chicken – Made with fresh veggies and warm spices, this Middle Eastern Chicken is marinated overnight and baked until juicy.
  
• Middle Eastern Chicken and Potatoes – If you’re looking for a hearty dinner that is delicious and simple to make, then you are in the right place with this chicken recipe!
  
• One Pot Mediterranean Orzo Pasta – If you have 20 minutes and a single pot, you can prepare a healthy pasta dish to enjoy throughout the week.
  
• Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks – An East African dish, the flavors of this chicken are out of this world!
  
• Skillet Veggie Phyllo Pie – Inspired by our Egyptian Goulash recipe, this phyllo pie is a crowd-pleasing vegetarian recipe you can serve any time of the day.
  
• Baked Chicken Tandoori – Learn how to make flavorful tandoori chicken at home – no clay oven required! 
  
• Za’atar Chicken with Vegetables – This recipe is proof that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or unhealthy to be great!

Soups, Stews, and Chilis

More often than not, we enjoy a bowl of soup, stew, or chili for iftar. A great way to pack in nutrients and protein, they’re also a good source of liquids to keep you hydrated without needing to chug tons of water. 

• Black-Eyed Pea Stew (Lobiya) – Comfort food doesn’t get easier or more budget-friendly than this simple stew.
  
• Egyptian Green Bean Stew (Fasooliya) – A traditional Egyptian dish, this savory stew is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and full of nutrients to replenish your body and boost your health.
  
• Egyptian Lentil Soup (Shorbet Ads) – A childhood favorite, this warm soup is filling, light on digestion, and the perfect appetizer, side dish, or meal after a long day.
  
• Middle Eastern Beef Chili Recipe – This Middle Eastern Beef Chili Recipe takes traditional beef chili to a new level with the addition of warm spices, fava beans, and chickpeas!
  
• Middle Eastern Crock Pot Beef Stew – Classic beef stew meets Middle Eastern comfort food with this warm spiced recipe.
  
• Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe) – Even better than Olive Garden, this classic soup will warm you up from the inside out.
  
• Pea and Carrot Vegetarian Stew (Bisilla) – Inspired by our mom’s recipe, this soup is affordable, quick to make, and unbelievably satisfying.
  
• Roasted Red Pepper and Cauliflower Soup – Savory and just slightly sweet, this creamy soup is so tasty your picky eaters won’t even realize it’s healthy, too.
  
• Shorbet Lesan El Asfour (Middle Eastern Orzo Soup) – Recipes don’t get more nostalgic than this simple Middle Eastern Orzo Soup!
  
• Slow Cooker Moroccan Harira Soup – Prepared in the slow cooker, this soup is great to make ahead of time for a warm, filling meal that’s ready for you when you come home.

Desserts

The part we’ve all been waiting for, you can have a list of Ramadan food ideas with mentioning our favorite Ramadan recipes for dessert! Although we make these all year long, we’re particularly fond of these treats during the holy month. 

• Almond Joy Dates – A healthier version of your favorite candy, these almond joy dates satisfy your sweet tooth with zero guilt!
  
• Atayef with Cream Cheese Filling (Ishta Filling) – Sweet and crisp, this dessert is our favorite Ramadan food to break our fast.
  
• Atayef with Whipped Cream and Pistachios – Make this recipe all year long in big and small batches to satisfy all your guests.
  
• Baklava Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls – Part baklava, part cinnamon roll, completely irresistible, this recipe is one nobody can resist.  
  
• Chocolate Hazelnut Stuffed Phyllo – Gooey, crunchy, and melt-in-your-mouth buttery, if you love baklava, you won’t want to miss out on this treat!
  
• Classic Qatayef with Nuts – Topped with sweet syrup, fluffy pancake-like batter is stuffed with a sweet, crunchy nut filling and fried until golden in this simple dessert you’ll look forward to eating.
  
• Crinkle Phyllo Dough Recipe – Made with just six ingredients, this Crinkle Phyllo Dough Recipe is the easiest dessert you’ll ever bake.
  
• Egyptian Bread Pudding (Om Ali) – A classic Egyptian dish, this dessert is soft, flaky, crisp, sweet, buttery, and creamy all at the same time for a recipe that will blow your mind!
  
• Heart-Shaped Stuffed Medjool Dates – Prepare these dates in minutes for a quick treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and is good for you, too.
  
• Phyllo Cup Cannoli Bites – Bite-sized and pretty, these treats are almost too cute to eat!
  
• S’mores Stuffed Dates – A healthier take on s’mores, these dates are fun to make and disappear right before your eyes.
  
• Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies – Upgrade your traditional chocolate chip cookies with a drizzle of nutty tahini and a sprinkle of savory salt! 

Did you enjoy this round-up? Are you looking for more recipe ideas? Have questions, comments, or concerns? Let us know in the comments below!