ER
THE SPLENDOR of the month of Ramadan is not only in Indonesia but also in various other parts of the world. Various local traditions and culinary bazaars mark the arrival of the month of Ramadan. Various traditions and customs in the month of Ramadan in several countries, quoted from various sources.
1. Drink Rose Sherbet when breaking the fast in the Middle East
During the month of Ramadan, most Muslims around the world stay hungry and thirsty throughout the day and break their fast in the evening with dates, followed by various delicious foods and drinks.
As written on the Times of India page, there is a type of drink that is often consumed by people in the Middle East and South Asia to break the fast, namely Rose Sherbet or rose syrup which is made traditionally.
In many cultures, including those there, rose sherbet has cultural significance and is considered a traditional drink to break the fast during the month of Ramadan. Its aromatic fragrance and delicate taste are ingrained in culinary traditions and are often associated with hospitality and celebrations.
While there are several drinks, such as Lemonade, Ayran (a type of salted Lassi), fruit smoothies, Chaas, and Rooh Afza that are enjoyed when breaking the fast, this rose syrup drink is popular among the youth and adults there.
Rose sherbet, made with water and mixed with rose petals or rose syrup, provides a refreshing and hydrating drink that helps replenish lost fluids. It is known to be rich in several minerals along with some cooling agents, which relieve the heat of the day.
Rose sherbet is also believed to have digestive properties that help improve digestion after a day of fasting. The rose petals or syrup used in making sherbet contain compounds that are thought to stimulate digestive enzymes, improving digestion and reducing the discomfort associated with consuming food after fasting.
This drink is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties which have been proven to be effective in reducing digestive problems. This healthy drink is also useful for providing instant energy after a long day of fasting.
Apart from that, drinking this sherbet also maintains the balance of nitrogen levels in the body. Therefore, for people who are underweight but want to fast for a whole month, that person must drink Rose Sherbet every day when breaking the fast. Another benefit of this drink is that rose flowers have a cooling effect that cools your body from within. It also makes your skin glow.
2. Luqaimat from Saudi Arabia
Luqaimat, which means “snack” in Arabic, is a favorite among Muslims, especially Saudis, when it comes to traditional Ramadan desserts. This fried dough ball-shaped dish is served sweetened with date syrup and sometimes sprinkled with sesame seeds or black seeds.
Luqaimat is mostly made at home and eaten after breaking the fast and tarawih prayers. People now sweeten these fried balls with sugar or maple syrup or also with melted chocolate, lotus sauce, vanilla, and decorated with pistachios.
3. Maqluba from Palestine
Maqluba translates to “upside down,” which perfectly describes the cooking and serving method of this traditional Palestinian dish. It is usually made by layering rice, vegetables, and meat in one pan and arranged so that, when the dish is turned onto a plate, the rice is on the bottom and the meat and vegetables are on top, exposing the contents.
This dish is comforting, warm, impressive and perfect to share at Ramadan gatherings and for breaking the fast. Serve with cooled mint yoghurt on the side. Maqluba also goes well with spicy, salty zucchini salad.
4. Ramadan Bazaar in Singapore
Around the Singapore area there are at least 6 bazaar locations that provide various types of food which are busy during the month of Ramadan.
Among the classic bazaar areas is Kampong Glam, which is home to many Muslim-owned stalls and restaurants. This year’s bazaar features around 120 F&B and retail shops with a wide selection of traditional and contemporary food, drinks and shopping for Hari Raya.
There are bazaar drinks like cold iced katira (milk with basil seeds) and you’ll find many stalls offering fusion cuisine and dishes inspired by Arabic or Mediterranean flavors, such as Turkish dishes like baklava and kunafa, as well as shawarma and kebabs.
Apart from that, there is Geilang Serai along Jalan Engku Aman, Jalan Changi, and Sims Avenue, where most of the stalls are open until late at night, around midnight. Popular stalls also serve mouth-watering food such as crispy kunafa, tacopuris, Padang rendang tacos and Nasi Kunyit Rendang Padang, a chicken tandoori burger filled with masala fries.
Another bazaar location worth visiting around Singapore is ecoHarmony Fest with Bedok MRT. The bazaar stalls sell a variety of food, including savory snacks such as fried squid, fried bananas and beef jerky, as well as a variety of local snacks such as mini vadai pops.
If you are looking for Thai pancakes, or classic dishes such as fried noodles or fried rice to break the fast, you can visit the Ramadhan bazaar at Tampines MRT. Apart from that, the many Ramadan decorations add to the festive atmosphere of the month. The decor, coupled with the openness of the area, provides great photo opportunities for visitors. [antaranews/photo special]
