Ramadan Taste
Ramadan in muslim countries is really fun.
Iftar and Sohor and everything in between were times of celebration and eating lovely food.
I had never fasted for more than 3 days and that was while I was a teenager. But this time back from Saudi Arabia, I felt like fasting.
“ During this month, Muslims observe a strict fast from dawn until sunset. They are not allowed to eat or drink (even water) during daylight hours. Fasting is a private act of worship bringing about nearness to God, as well as a form of spiritual discipline and a means to empathize with those less fortunate.” I thought ok I will ease myself and gave up food and water and chewed gum. And then I started to lose the gum. And then I was fasting proper but well I was finding it impossible to wake up in the mornings so I ended up not eating. I know that was not the way to do it. I just want to see if I could. I didn’t get hungry to be honest but eating is habitual … I missed coffee so much.
But I was determined to not eat or drink during Ramadan … Sunday, March 10, 2024 and end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
My daughter was actually very supportive. She said that some of the of boys in her year were fasting and she wanted to know how come the girls weren’t. The contrarian she is, she was adamant that she was not religious in anyway but wanted to try fasting with me.
I had been born in Bangladesh, been brought up in moderate muslim household though my parents had their times when they were more strict than other times and as child had arabic lessons periodically. However I couldn’t remember anything. In fact I was rather afraid of what I didn’t know and how I could possibly fit into a religion. Oh well but it felt right to have a go.
And I started to really enjoy it. The not eating all day and then really really enjoying whatever food I fancied at night. I gained a lot more energy. Though sometimes I a was a little space cadet or grumpy particularly by the time it got to Iftar .. and it made no difference if I had not woken up at for Sohor or not.
I wasn’t sure how it would be when I was travelling. At the connecting flight in Istanbul it was actually absolutely fine. There was a food hall and I picked up some local Turkish Borek from a stand. What was more of an issue was Persia’s eating. She was quite picky at the best of times. Most food places were closed during fasting times except on tours. But there was an abundance of excellent choices.
Persia enjoyed very very simple food and on schedule.I wanted us to eat as much local cuisine as possible.
I purposely found a hotel in Jeddah next to a mall so she could have a wander around. And one night we went to the hotel buffet and which my daughter enjoyed very much. Pistachio lamb cutlets where devine.
The country is the largest producer of the dates. It has a very crucial role in the country's hospitality, heritage and cuisine. It is considered a symbol of hospitality and generosity.4 Dec 2023
Meals : Iftar AlUla & Somewhere (lamb shank)
Photos
I hospitality of Saudi Arabia was given by a couple of contrasting experiences …
breaking fast at Madinah airport with the rental guy
Diriyah Biennale - Date experience
VR experience //