Ramadan always feels extra special in our house, especially when it comes to food. After a long day of fasting, everyone gathers around the table, asking what is for iftar, and I am just trying to get something warm, filling, and tasty on the table without losing my mind.
That is exactly why I put together these 25 Ramadan recipes. They are a mix of easy snacks, comforting classics, and family favorites that work perfectly for busy iftar nights. From quick bites to hearty dishes, these recipes make planning your Ramadan meals so much easier, so you can spend less time stressing in the kitchen and more time enjoying meaningful moments with your family.
Chicken Shawarma Recipe
The Chicken Shawarma Wrap is a beloved Middle Eastern street food staple that has become a global culinary sensation. It is essentially a flavorful, handheld meal featuring spicy, tender chicken (traditionally slow-cooked and shaved from a rotating vertical spit) combined with a variety of textures and bright flavors, all tightly tucked into a warm flatbread or pita.
Chicken Croquettes Recipes
Chicken Croquettes are the ultimate crispy, creamy snack, transforming simple ingredients into a truly satisfying bite. These golden-fried delights feature a rich, savory filling—typically seasoned, shredded chicken bound in a thick Béchamel sauce or mashed potato base—coated in a crunchy shell of breadcrumbs. They are perfect for dipping, serving as an appetizer, or enjoying as a fulfilling quick bite.
Cheese Manakish Recipe
When I think of Cheese Manakish, I just picture that perfectly soft, fluffy dough fresh out of the oven, topped with that bubbly, slightly salty cheese blend. It’s truly the Middle Eastern answer to pizza, but somehow simpler and even better for breakfast or a quick snack. It’s just sunshine on a flatbread!
Chicken Murtabak
Chicken Murtabak! If you haven’t tried it, you are missing out on one of the most incredible street foods ever. It’s essentially a giant, savory stuffed pancake or folded bread. You get that amazing contrast between the incredibly thin, almost flaky dough on the outside and the hearty, flavorful filling of seasoned minced chicken and sometimes egg and onions on the inside. It’s savory, satisfying, and totally addictive.
Beef Samosa Recipe
Beef Samosa are essentially the perfect savory pocket: that golden, crispy, flaky crust on the outside, and then you bite into that warm, perfectly spiced ground beef filling packed with flavor. They are amazing as a snack, an appetizer, or just because you’re craving something warm and delicious. Absolutely top-tier comfort food!
Sambousek
Sambousek: the ultimate Middle Eastern savory pastry! Think of it as the wonderfully flaky, smaller cousin to the Samosa. It’s that beautiful, crispy pocket of dough—often shaped like a half-moon or triangle—that’s traditionally stuffed with the most delicious fillings. Whether it’s the savory, spiced minced meat (usually lamb or beef mixed with pine nuts and warming spices like allspice and cinnamon) or a simple, salty-tangy blend of cheese (like feta or Akkawi), Sambousek is always comforting.
Hummus
Hummus is the beloved, classic Middle Eastern spread that has completely taken over the world. It’s a simple blend of ingredients—chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini (sesame paste), fresh lemon juice, and garlic—but when whipped together, they create this incredible, smooth, tangy, and nutty dip.
It’s fantastic served traditionally with warm pita bread, drizzled with olive oil, or used as a spread on sandwiches. Honestly, you can dip just about anything into it and it just tastes better. It’s truly a kitchen essential!
Authentic Fattoush Salad
This is a yummy salad that comes from a place called the Middle East. It is very special because of the bread! They take little pieces of pita bread, make them crunchy, and mix them right into the salad. It has lots of fresh, healthy veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers. The best part is the dressing! It is super sunny and zingy because it has lemon juice and a special red spice called sumac. Fattoush is great because it is light, crunchy, and tastes really happy!
Atayef Recipe
Get ready for a dessert that is totally unique and incredibly delicious—we’re talking about Atayef! These are sweet, mini-pancakes, but with a special twist: they are only cooked on one side, leaving the other side soft and perfect for stuffing. The real fun is in the filling! They are typically packed with either a rich, creamy ashta (clotted cream) or a sweet blend of nuts mixed with cinnamon and sugar. Once stuffed, they are usually lightly fried or baked until golden and then immediately bathed in a thick, scented sugar syrup, making them warm, creamy, and wonderfully decadent—an absolute star of Middle Eastern desserts, especially during Ramadan.
Authentic Harira Soup
Do you want a soup that is super yummy and warm? You need to try Harira Soup! This soup is like a big, cozy hug in a bowl, and it comes from a country called Morocco. It has so many good things in it that make it thick and filling! It has yummy tomatoes, little beans called lentils, and small round peas called chickpeas. It also has a little bit of meat sometimes, and special warm spices like ginger. It is a very famous soup because it tastes really good and makes people feel strong and full!
Cheese Rolls Recipe
Cheese rolls are a quick, crispy, and super comforting snack made with a crunchy outer layer and a warm, gooey cheese filling inside. They are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or an easy evening snack when cravings hit. Simple to make and always a crowd favorite, especially when served hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush is a creamy, smoky eggplant dip that is rich in flavor and simple to make. Roasted eggplant is blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to create a smooth, savory dip that is perfect for serving with pita bread, flatbread, or fresh veggies. A classic Middle Eastern favorite that works great as an appetizer or side dish.
Juicy Baked Chicken Skewers
Juicy baked chicken skewers are tender, flavorful, and easy to make right in the oven. Marinated chicken pieces bake up perfectly juicy with lightly charred edges, making them great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or parties. Serve them with rice, salad, or your favorite dipping sauce for a simple, crowd-pleasing meal.
Chicken Cheese Balls
Chicken cheese balls are crispy on the outside and soft, cheesy on the inside, making them a perfect Ramadan iftar snack. Made with seasoned chicken and a gooey cheese center, they are filling, comforting, and loved by kids and adults alike. Serve them hot with chutney or ketchup for a crowd-pleasing addition to your iftar table.
Mini Pizza Bites
Mini pizza bites are a fun, bite-sized snack packed with cheesy, pizza-style flavor. Made with a soft base, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings, they are perfect for Ramadan iftar, parties, or quick snacks. Easy to make and always a hit with kids and adults, these little bites disappear fast.
Chicken Samosa
Chicken samosas are crispy, golden pastries filled with a flavorful, spiced chicken mixture. They are a classic Ramadan iftar favorite, perfect for serving hot and fresh with chutney. Crunchy on the outside and savory on the inside, chicken samosas are always a crowd-pleasing snack for family and guests.
Falafel
Falafel are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, made from ground chickpeas blended with herbs and spices. This popular Middle Eastern snack is perfect for Ramadan iftar, served hot with tahini sauce, hummus, or wrapped in pita bread. Flavorful, filling, and loved by everyone at the table.
Chicken Spring Rolls
Chicken spring rolls are crispy, golden rolls filled with seasoned chicken and veggies. They are a popular Ramadan iftar snack, perfect for serving hot and crunchy with chili sauce or ketchup. Light, flavorful, and easy to enjoy, these spring rolls are always a hit with family and guests.
Stuffed Dates
Stuffed dates are a simple yet elegant Ramadan treat, perfect for opening your fast. Sweet, soft dates are filled with nuts, cream, or chocolate for a delicious bite that feels special without much effort. They are naturally energizing, easy to prepare, and a beautiful addition to any iftar table.
Spicy Chicken Fingers Recipe
Spicy chicken fingers are crispy, juicy, and packed with bold flavor. Made with tender chicken coated in a seasoned, spicy crust, they are perfect for Ramadan iftar, parties, or an easy snack. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat everyone will love.
Harees Recipe
Harees is one of those classic comfort foods that just feels right, especially during Ramadan. It’s made with tender meat (usually chicken or beef), cracked wheat, and simple spices, all slow-cooked together until it turns into this creamy, hearty bowl of goodness. It doesn’t look fancy, but trust me, the flavor is deep, rich, and so satisfying.
Luqaimat
Luqaimat are soft, fluffy little dumplings that are crispy on the outside and soaked in sweet syrup, making them a total favorite during Ramadan. They’re made from a simple batter, fried until golden, then drizzled with sugar syrup or date syrup while still hot so every bite is warm and sweet. You’ll find Luqaimat on almost every iftar table because they’re easy to make, super comforting, and always disappear fast.
Chapli Kabab
Chapli Kabab is a popular Pakistani and Afghan street food made with minced meat, spices, fresh herbs, and chopped tomatoes, shaped into flat patties and shallow-fried until crispy on the outside and juicy inside. They’re bold, spicy, and full of flavor, usually served hot with naan, chutney, or raita. Chapli Kababs are a favorite for gatherings and special meals because they’re simple to make but taste super indulgent.
Potato Wedges
Potato wedges are thick-cut potatoes seasoned with spices and baked or fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are super simple, super comforting, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or party food, potato wedges are best served hot with ketchup, mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Hyderabadi Mutton Haleem
Hyderabadi mutton haleem is a rich, slow-cooked dish made with tender mutton, lentils, cracked wheat, and warming spices, cooked for hours until thick, creamy, and full of deep flavor. It’s a Ramadan classic, especially loved for iftar because it’s hearty, filling, and comforting after a long day of fasting. Finished with fried onions, fresh herbs, lemon, and ghee, this dish is all about patience, tradition, and serious flavor.
I hope these 25 Ramadan recipes make your iftar planning a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. Whether you are cooking for family, guests, or just trying to get dinner on the table after a long day of fasting, these recipes are meant to keep things simple, comforting, and full of flavor. From easy snacks to hearty meals, there is something here for every iftar table. Wishing you a blessed Ramadan filled with good food, togetherness, and peaceful moments around the table.
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