Ramadan is around the corner. During Ramadan, the streets become emptier at noon and busier at night. People are fasting and peaceful at noon and energized at night. The mosques have their rituals especially during the last ten days of Ramadan.
What happens inside homes in this holy month? Let us take a look at what to expect inside these high walls.
Luqaimat and the Beauty of Breaking Your Fast
“Luqaimat” is a small bite of fried dough with sugar, honey, or date syrup. It is popular in Saudi Arabia and many other Middle Eastern countries. Some people like to garnish it with sesame seeds. Once Azan is heard, gahwa (Saudi coffee) is served with Luqaimat. All eyes are on this crispy small sweet. The beauty is that many Saudi families have this small dish and others on the table while awaiting the prayer call.
So the call for prayer is a sign to break the fast and to eat a lot of this hot crispy Luqaimat.
Colorful Jalabia and a New Table Set-up
One of the beautiful things about Ramadan, especially on the first day, is that women of all ages wear colorful dresses called “Jalabiya.” Jalabiya is here all year, but it has a special touch when worn during Ramadan. Some mothers even get the exact matching Jalabiya for them and their daughters.
It is among the beauty of tradition that mothers especially love decorating their tables with small decorations such as candles in the shape of crescents or a new Saudi coffee set. Also, with the beautiful set of clothes, you will find a new addition to the table. And that can explain why many sales and crowds in shops sell home and table supplies before Ramadan.
Quaker Oat Soup and The Two Iftar
During Ramadan, Saudi families are breaking the fast with full dinner dishes served at once. And the other part of the family eats two Iftar. The first Iftar would be water, Saudi coffee, Luqaimat, or other desserts. After an hour, they will eat the second Iftar consisting of the main dinner dish from soup, salads, Sambosa Rice, or other dishes.
Each family has different recipes and styles of cooking. However, among the famous dishes in many homes is Quaker Oat Soup. As people are fasting the whole day, it is comforting for them to break their fast with healthy hot soup that is easy to cook and eat. Of course, some love to create other fantastic soups, but nothing beats a classic one.
Dates with Milk Cream and Grandparents’ Home
The family members commonly gather at the oldest family member’s home, so mostly it will be at the home of the grandparents. Each family member brings one dish with them. Some bring salads; others bring the main dishes.
The children are gathered around “Vimot,” a sweetened drink, happy that they can break the healthy rules. And the eldest members are happy dipping the dates in the milk cream or, as Saudis call it, “Qshta.”
The combination of dipping the sweet date taste of this milk cream with Saudi coffee while surrounded with a loving family is among the joyful moments you will experience when you eat Iftar at a Saudi home.
If you wish to experience these traditions in Saudi homes with the host families, you can request or book it via www.Hihome.sa that offers real-life experiences. HiHome offers visitors the chance to know the Saudi culture through visiting Saudi homes and farms, eating and cooking with their families.
