There is no denying the irony that is Ramadan; though Muslims across the world commemorate this month by fasting throughout the day, food is never more prevalent on our minds than it is during this period. From Day 1 of Ramadan, we wake up thinking about iftar – that first meal with which to break our fast – and from that moment, the countdown begins.

A meal however, that is rarely discussed is Suhoor; the pre-dawn meal that we consume to sustain ourselves throughout the day, and is also yet another opportunity for friends and families to get together and enjoy a hearty and delicious meal.

Though many of us like to keep things simple with staples such as dates, milk, yogurt, cheese or iftar leftovers, we decided to help you shake things up by asking some of our favourite yufeed friends what their Suhoor traditions entail. So, this Ramadan, we bring you Suhoor meals from the region. 

10 Traditional Suhoors from around the Region

1. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar & Oman
   A traditional GCC Suhoor can be as simple as dates and yogurt or a hearty shakshuka (a.k.a beid w. tamat – eggs & tomatoes) served with Arabic bread and fresh herbs. For those looking for a more communal Suhoor experience however, the go-to dish is typically something called a ‘kabsa’ or a ‘machboos’ – a dish made with rice, meat and a variety of mixed spices.
   Check out yufeed’s Chicken Machboos, Prawn Machboos and Lamb Ouzi

2. Iraq
   When the time comes to refuel for the day ahead, Iraqis like to keep things simple with eggs, cheese, dates and traditional bread served with cream and drizzled with honey. These items are typically paired with chopped fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits and tea. Though simple and relatively easy enough to put together, you are still guaranteed a hearty and delicious meal.

3. Egypt
   Egyptians are never one to enjoy anything alone, in fact, all meals, whatever the time of day, are typically a communal affair, and Suhoor is no exception. During Ramadan, families gathering for Suhoor will typically enjoy a hearty bowl of foul medames (stewed fava beans), taameya (Egyptian falafel), warm bread and sometimes, yogurt and honey. These dishes are often paired with or followed by a generous helping of watermelon and white cheese. Though seemingly, an unlikely mix of flavours and textures, they somehow, all go together.

4. Morocco
   Though breaking fast with a soup is traditional in many cultures, Moroccans also love to indulge in their favourite ‘harira’ (a tomato and lentil soup) for Suhoor as well as for iftar. This is then followed with a hearty helping of couscous, topped with meat, vegetables and a delicious broth.
   To make this dish at home, check out yufeed’s Lamb & Couscous recipe today! 

5. Lebanon
   In Lebanon, Suhoor is all about the balancing of flavours and textures. This typically involves accompanying a savory mana’eesh (za’atar or cheese flatbread) with a bowl of kishk (fermented yogurt and cracked wheat). Occasionally, they will end the meal with something sweet, such as a cream filled pastry called a ‘kellaj’ or ‘atayef’ – the official name for Lebanese pancakes!

6. Djibouti
   Porridge and sour milk and soup are two of the most renowned foods in Djibouti. Furthermore, they love to mix milk into their meals, adding it to blended corn nuts and barley, resulting in a delicious soup which typically makes it way on to most Suhoor spreads. Such combinations being full of nutrients and high in fibre, you are sure to remain feeling fuller for longer throughout the day, as well as in possession of adequate energy.

7. Pakistan
   This was certainly a surprise, but Milky Seviyan (sha’riya in Arabic) is a common staple on most Pakistani Suhoor menus. Its ingredients consist of seviyan, milk, sugar, canola oil and cardamom pods. Though we rarely see dessert as a Suhoor option, this dish is a favourite in Pakistani culture due to its ability to restore energy and keep you going through a long day of fasting.

8. Indonesia
   Nasi Lewet, an Indonesian rice dish that is considered easy to make for Suhoor. This dish consists of rice, cooked in coconut milk and served with chicken broth, bay leaves and lemongrass that has also been cooked in coconut milk, and topped with a spoonful of coconut cream. This combination of complex carbohydrates, protein and fat works great for satiety; keeping you fuller for longer and less likely to overeat once it’s time to break your fast.

9. Turkey
   Another country in which a dessert is served for Suhoor. Rice with milk, known as Sütlaç in Turkey is a dish made with rice, milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, cooked together, then placed in an oven to create a reddish color. Great news for those of you with a sweet tooth and looking for an excuse to indulge in something sweet this Ramadan!

10. Iran
    Though many Iranians enjoy the simplicity of dates and tea for Suhoor, a traditional spread will typically consist of soups, stews and Azari cheese with vegetables and nuts. The idea being to hydrate yourself with the soup, nourish yourself with the stew and sustain yourself with the cheese, vegetables and nuts.
    Check out yufeed for some traditional Iranian recipes.

There you have it; if you’re hosting a Suhoor this Ramadan and looking to shake things up, we hope this piece has inspired you, and please feel free to share some of your Suhoor favourites with us too!

Also, check out this yufeed blog post on best make-ahead Suhoor dishes: What are the Best Make-Ahead Suhoor Dishes?