From Traditional Dishes To Bazaars: How Muslim Expats In UAE Celebrate Ramadan

Ramadan holds a special significance for Muslims around the globe, with each culture adding its unique traditions to the celebration - whether it's gathering for iftar and suhoor or honouring customs passed down through generations. Despite these cultural variations, the essence of Ramadan remains universal: a shared spirit of faith, devotion, and togetherness.

From Asia to Africa, Khaleej Times spoke with residents who shared their country's Ramadan traditions and the gatherings they organise in the UAE to recreate a sense of home. Although practices may differ, the core of Ramadan celebrations across the world centre around faith, family, and food.

In Indonesia, Ramadan is marked by a unique and much-anticipated tradition known as hunting for Takjil, or War Takjil, as described by Cinta Budiarsya, an Indonesian resident in Dubai.

“The most awaited event during Ramadan is 'hunting for Takjil'-a rush to find quick snacks for Iftar,” she said. The word Takjil means to hasten, and in Indonesia, it refers to small dishes traditionally eaten to break the fast.

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The term "Takjil" means "to hasten," and it refers to small, traditional dishes enjoyed to break the fast. Popular Takjil treats include kolak pisang (banana compote), es blewah (melon drink), biji salak (sweet potato dumplings), es doger (coconut and milk-based drink), and gorengan (fried snacks). These light dishes often feature refreshing fruits like bananas and pumpkins, paired with savoury flavors.

According to Budiarsya, the Takjil hunt typically begins around 3pm, attracting Muslims and people from other backgrounds eager to enjoy these seasonal treats.

“After Iftar, people head to mosques for Taraweeh prayers, a special prayer performed only in Ramadan, before returning home to rest until suhoor. At suhoor, a man walks through neighbourhoods calling out, 'Sahoor, Sahoor!' to wake people up,” she added.

Malaysians set up bazaars

For Malaysians, Ramadan would not be complete without the lively Bazaar Ramadan, a special market that opens daily from noon until sunset and sells a wide variety of Iftar meals.

“During Ramadan, many Malaysians maintain their regular working hours, so instead of cooking, they often visit these markets to buy food," explained Malaysian resident Redza Jamil.

The vibrant Ramadan bazaars, with around 100 food stalls, offer everything from traditional Malaysian sweets to hearty curries and rice dishes. These markets, which are open to anyone as long as the food is halal, serve as a cultural staple.

The Malaysian consulate also organises an annual Ramadan bazaar in the UAE, bringing the Malaysian community together to enjoy home-cooked meals.

“It may not be as large as the ones in Malaysia, but at least it's a piece of home,” Jamil added.

In Sudan, preparations for Ramadan begin weeks in advance with the making of 'Helomurr,' a traditional Sudanese drink. Tarteel Ali, a 28-year-old Sudanese resident in Dubai, shared,“Helomurr, or 'Abri,' is an essential part of our Ramadan experience.”

The name "Helomurr" translates to "sweet and bitter," reflecting its distinctive flavour. It is made by fermenting corn, which is washed, sun-dried on burlap cloths for two days, and then ground with a blend of natural spices. The result is a syrup that is served cold during iftar, offering a refreshing and flavourful experience.

“Women spend time soaking, drying, and preparing it with love and care. It's not just about the drink itself - it's a tradition that brings families together before Ramadan starts. The smell of Helomurr in the house always gives us that feeling that Ramadan is truly here, whether we are in Sudan or living abroad,” Tarteel said.

For suhoor, Sudanese families traditionally enjoy Raqaq, a thin, crispy bread similar to cornflakes, soaked in milk for a light yet satisfying pre-dawn meal.

For Sudanese residents in the UAE, Ramadan wouldn't be complete without the communal gatherings that bring a taste of home. In Dubai, the Al-Muzan tent in Mamzar has become a hub for the Sudanese community, offering traditional iftar meals and a space for families and friends to come together.

“These gatherings are not just about food,” Tarteel explained.“They also feature cultural events, live music, and artistic performances that keep the spirit of Sudanese Ramadan alive here in the UAE. It's the perfect way for our community to stay connected to our roots and celebrate Ramadan together,” she added.

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