How Are Sehri And Iftar Celebrated In Different Countries Across The World?

Ramadan is a month that feels different everywhere in the world, but also strangely the same. The alarm rings before sunrise, and kitchens quietly light up. Sehri (Suhoor) is calm, almost sleepy. And finally, at sunset, the table fills, and Iftar begins, and everything tastes like relief, gratitude, and joy. Around the world, sehri and iftar look different in every country. Let’s travel across the world and see what Sehri and Iftar really look like.

Sehri And Iftar Across The World

1. Turkey

In Turkey, Sehri feels wholesome and Mediterranean. Families often gather around a simple but nourishing spread of fresh bread, olives, white cheese, sliced tomatoes, boiled eggs, and yoghurt with honey and nuts. 

At Iftar, the mood changes completely. Bakeries prepare special Ramadan bread called Ramazan Pidesi. Iftar usually begins with dates and a comforting lentil soup. Then come kebabs, dolma (stuffed grape leaves), rice dishes, and colourful meze plates. And of course, there’s always baklava dripping with syrup or sweet sherbet drinks. 

2. Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, tradition is strong. Sehri often starts with dates and water, following the Sunnah. Many families eat Harees, a slow-cooked wheat and meat dish. Foul (fava beans) with bread is also common. 

Iftar tables in Saudi Arabia can be grand. The most common main dish is Kabsa or Mandi, fragrant rice topped with spiced chicken or lamb. Alongside it, you’ll find samosas, soups, salads, and fresh juices. Desserts like Ma’amoul (date-filled cookies) make an appearance, but the real highlight is the rice and meat.

3. Morocco

In Morocco, Iftar has a star dish: Harira. This rich tomato-based soup with lentils and chickpeas is almost non-negotiable. In Morocco, Sehri is typically lighter and consists of bread with eggs, yoghurt, mint tea, and honey or olive oil. Simple enough, just enough to keep you going.

Milk and dates are the first foods served as the sun sets. Next is Harira, which is followed by boiled eggs, bread, cheese, and sweets like Chebakia. Moroccan Iftar has a warm, traditional feel to it.

4. India

In India, Ramadan is vibrant and flavourful. Sehri varies from region to region, but many families eat parathas with curry, boiled eggs, yoghurt, or leftover biryani from the previous night. Some prefer something light, like fruits and milk, to avoid feeling too full during the day.

Iftar is where the excitement begins. Markets glow with lights, and stalls sell samosas, pakoras, kebabs, and sweet drinks. The most common first plate includes fruit chaat and fried snacks. Then come hearty dishes like Haleem, a slow-cooked blend of wheat, lentils, and meat, or biryani layered with spices. Indian Iftars are colourful, spicy, and full of variety.

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5. Pakistan

In Pakistan, Iftar tables look beautifully crowded. Sehri is often simple with roti or paratha with eggs, yoghurt, tea, and sometimes leftover curry. But at Iftar there is always variety. Dates come first, followed by fruit chaat, pakoras, samosas, and Dahi Bhalla (lentil dumplings soaked in yoghurt). Rooh Afza, the bright pink rose syrup drink, is a Ramadan classic. For the main meal, Haleem and biryani dominate. Pakistani Iftar is generous, comforting, and made for sharing.

6. Egypt

In Egypt, Ramadan nights are lively and bright. The main focus is on food, and lanterns adorn the streets. Ful Medames are typically served with baladi bread during Sehri. It’s high in protein and satisfying.

Iftar begins with soup, often vermicelli or lentil. Then comes mezze, like stuffed grape leaves and dips. The main dishes can include Koshari, a unique mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and tomato sauce, or Molokhia, a green leafy stew. Desserts like Kunafa and Qatayef are extremely popular and almost exclusive to Ramadan.

7. Indonesia

In Indonesia, sweetness often marks the beginning of Iftar. Many people break their fast with Kolak Pisang, bananas cooked in coconut milk and palm sugar. It’s warm, sweet, and comforting.

Sehri is usually rice-based. Nasi Lemak, fried rice, or rice porridge are common. Rice is important because it keeps you full for longer. After the sweet starter at Iftar, families move on to savoury dishes like Soto (spiced soup), satay skewers, and rice cakes. 

8. Nigeria

Ramadan food in Nigeria is nutritious and flavourful. Simple and energising, Sehri can consist of bread, beans, tea or pap (corn porridge). Often served at Iftar, moi moi is a soft, high-protein steamed bean pudding. Common dishes include fried plantains, grilled meats, and jollof rice. Iftar tables are vibrant, reflecting Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage.

9. Malaysia

Ramadan bazaars are very important in Malaysian culture. Simple rice dishes like porridge or Nasi Lemak are frequently served during Sehri. At Iftar, roti, curries, satay skewers, and Bubur Lambuk, a spiced rice porridge, are served after dates and sugary drinks. Popular desserts like cendol are made with shaved ice, coconut milk, and palm sugar. Malaysian Iftar is lively and full of street food energy.

No matter where you are in the world, dates are the first bite, rice or bread is almost always present, and gratitude fills the room. From Harira in Morocco to Haleem in South Asia, from Kabsa in Saudi Arabia to Kolak in Indonesia, the ingredients may change, but the feeling doesn’t.

Ramadan Mubarak.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/Odua Images