Many of Sweet Centre Bradford’s clientele is Muslim so we place a huge importance on religious celebrations like Eid and Ramadhan, where the demand for good celebratory food is required. When breaking their fasts, customers choose from our range of freshly made meals that leaves them full and satisfied.
Because Ramadhan is so significant to the Sweet Centre community, we like to enjoy it together and support individuals who seek a different way to break their fasts. Many families and friends use our customised Ramadhan boxes to host a meal with, while enjoying the finest in Indian cuisine.
What is Ramadhan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam. Although it is compulsory, the individuals who are exempt include: Children who have not reached puberty, the elderly, those who are physically or mentally incapable of fasting, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and travellers and those who are menstruating.
Muslims who practice Ramadan keep away from food and liquids during the day. Suhoor/sehri is the early morning meal and is eaten before dawn and the Fajr prayer. After sunset, and after the completion of the Maghreb prayer, they take another meal to break their fast, known as Iftar. Eid-ul-Fitr, is the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, which celebrates the end of Ramadan.
Why is it so important
Every year, Muslims all over the world look forward to the sighting of the new crescent moon, which marks the beginning of Ramadan- the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is known as the most respected month in Islamic tradition. But regardless of what Muslims have planned for their usual suhoor and iftar gatherings this year, the spirit of this centuries-old practice will stay the same as a time for devotion and self-reflection.
In order to honour the revelation of the Quran, the most sacred scripture in Islam, Muslims fast during this month. Muslims believe that the Quran was given to Prophet Muhammad by the angel Jibrael (also known as Gabriel). This revelation is called Laylat Al Qadar and the The Night of Power.
What foods are popular in Ramadhan
Muslims prepare a number of meals to break their fasts with loved ones after a lengthy day of fasting. This offersMuslims the chance to socialise and break their fast with others in the community. Many eat one date and quickly say their prayers before devouring a meal, while others drink a protein shake and train at the gym. Everyone has their own customs, habits, and favourite iftar foods. From spring rolls to rice, everything becomes appetising.
There are many favourited meals that dozens of Muslims enjoy in their homes during Iftar. They include nutritious choices like chana chaat or fruit salad, as well as religious practises like opening the fast with dates and cold water. In addition to beloved fried foods like samosas, pakora, kebabs, and hamburgers.
Dates and water
As Prophet Muhammad broke his fast with dates and a glass of water, it is customary but optional that Muslims usually eat dates at both suhoor and iftar. Many iftars regularly place a dish of dates on their tables. At iftar time, visitors of the mosque are usually served with dates before the group prays together.
They are a common food in the Middle East, and are a great source of minerals, aid in simple digestion, and provide sugar for the body after a long fasting day. To satisfy your dry throat, dates should be consumed together with a glass of lukewarm water. Then you can continue to indulge in the luxurious feeling of drinking cold water with the other meals.
Chana Chaat
Chana chaat is one of the many healthy vegan options where several people wait to eat their entire day. It is made up of chaat masala, chickpeas, tamarind, tomatoes, potatoes, and onions. It is a tangy but hot dish that improves with time in the refrigerator, making it ideal for creating prior to serving.
This dish has relatively minimal salt, cholesterol, and saturated fat content. Additionally, it is an excellent source of protein, copper, folate, and dietary fibre. Therefore, it is a popular food choice for people who favour a healthier approach to breaking their fast.
Fried stuff
Undoubtedly, there must be something about fasting that makes you crave for fried food. When you’ve been anticipating about your evening meal all day, spring rolls, samosas, and pakoras hit you differently.
You are reminded of all you have missed by the sensational sight of cheesy samosas and the addictive taste of pakoras. The most popular type of food served after iftar time is fried food, which should be consumed in moderation like everything else.
Many pair them with lighter meals like cold salads to balance their plate and feel satisfied without overeating.
Mithai
Sweets can enhance the joy of this festive season so sugary cravings are a common occurrence. After a long period of fasting, sweet foods replenish energy and are best consumed in moderation. This is because, eating sweets right after breaking your fast can make your stomach bigger and make you crave more sweets. Therefore, it is advised to wait at least two to three hours before eating them after iftar.
Ramadhan at Sweet Centre
For many people, the memories and celebratory atmosphere that Ramadan brings to life are best recalled through the traditional methods of food preparation.
As a result, Sweet Centre Restaurant has introduced their special Iftar boxes, which include a message of “unity, understanding, and tolerance between individuals.” You can participate in the Ramadhan spirit in the comfort of your own homes by taking one of these boxes and bringing a piece of the Sweet Centre Bradford with you. The iftar boxes come with dates, samosas, chicken drumsticks, onion bhajis, seasonal salad with toasted cumin, tamarind, potatoes, and chutney. A box of desserts featuring mouth-watering mithai is also included with the iftar package.
At Sweet Centre Bradford open your fast the right way and enjoy our boxes of sweet and savoury goodness!
