(Featured image courtesy News Meter and Kerala Tourism)
As the sun dips below the horizon and the call to Maghrib prayers echoes through the streets, families across India gather around tables laden with delicious iftar treats. While dates and sherbets are staples, every region has its cherished iftar specialities — flavours that tell stories of tradition, community, and culinary heritage.
Let’s take a bite into some of the most iconic iftar dishes from across the country.
1. Malabar pathiri
In Kerala, iftar isn’t complete without pathiri — soft, lacy rice flour pancakes that melt in your mouth. Often paired with rich, spiced chicken or mutton curry, these delicate discs are a Ramadan favourite among Malabar Muslims. Some variations include meen pathiri (stuffed with fish) and ney pathal (deep-fried versions).
2. Haleem
No city does haleem quite like Hyderabad. This slow-cooked, porridge-like dish of wheat, lentils, and tender mutton is infused with aromatic spices and ghee, resulting in a velvety, protein-packed iftar staple. Topped with fried onions, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lime, a single bite is pure indulgence.
3. Mutton chaap
In Kolkata, the rich Mughlai influence shines through in the iftar spread. Mutton chaap, slow-cooked in a thick, nutty, saffron-infused gravy, is a must-try. Served alongside soft, flaky rumali roti (a type of Indian flatbread), this dish is the pride of the city’s iftar markets.
4. Nombu kanji
Commonly served in mosques across Tamil Nadu is Nombu Kanji, a hearty, porridge-like dish made with rice, lentils, coconut milk, and mildly spiced meat (usually mutton or chicken). Slow-cooked to a silky texture, it is packed with nutrients and is lighter, making it perfect for breaking a day-long fast.
5. Dahi bhalla
A cooling contrast to meaty indulgences, dahi bhalla is Delhi’s answer to a light yet flavour-packed iftar dish. These soft, deep-fried lentil dumplings are dunked in chillies and spiced yoghurt, drizzled with tangy tamarind and mint chutneys, and sprinkled with roasted cumin for an explosion of flavours.
6. Keema samosa
Golden, crisp, and packed with flavour, keema samosas are an iftar favourite in Lucknow. These flaky, triangular parcels are filled with spiced minced mutton, deep-fried to perfection, and best enjoyed with a side of mint chutney. Each bite is a delightful crunch leading to a burst of masala-kissed meat.
Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or rich and indulgent, there’s an iftar dish to satisfy every craving. Which one are you most tempted to try?
Edited by Arunava Banerjee
