Sweet Delights of Ramadan: Traditional Desserts That Never Go Out of Style
During Ramadan, Muslim families around the world bring a touch of sweetness to the iftar spread with traditional desserts that never go out of style.
Logaimat: A Bite of Sweetness
Logaimat — meaning a bite or mouthful — is a staple dessert during the holy month. It is made of dough that is deep fried, then soaked in honey, syrup or molasses, and topped off with sesame or nuts depending on the cuisine.
This dumpling dish is thought to have been developed in Baghdad, where it was known as “judge’s bite” because legal adjudicators received the treat as their first payment.
Qatayef: Stuffed Fried Pancakes
Popular in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Levantine countries, qatayef are pancakes filled with white cheese or nuts. The dish is fried or baked, and served with syrup or honey.
Kunafa: Spun Pastry Delight
A traditional Arab dessert made of spun pastry, soaked in sugar syrup (attar) and layered with cream or cheese.
Kunafa originated in the Levant, and is said to have been introduced to what is now known as Egypt during the Fatimid era in the 10th to 12th centuries.
Honeycomb Bread with Cheese: Yemeni Delicacy
Khailat nahal, which translates to honeycomb in Arabic, is a Yemeni dessert made of bread stuffed with cheese and soaked in syrup. This sweet and salty delicacy is perfectly paired with a warm cup of black tea.
Maqshush: Saudi Arabia’s National Dessert
Maqshush is a Saudi traditional dessert made of buckwheat pan bites topped with ghee, honey, date molasses or sugar. Locals often indulge in the delicious dessert when it is cold and rainy.
In 2023, maqshush was named Saudi Arabia’s national dessert.
Dates: Symbol of Saudi Arabia
Dates are a symbol of Saudi Arabia. The fruit represents an integral part of the Kingdom’s hospitality, as are offered with Arabic coffee at home, as well as in the office and at events of all kinds.
During the holy month, dates are a staple on the iftar table. Many Muslims break their fast by eating three dates and a glass of water, just as the Prophet Muhammad did.