The holy month of Ramzan is a period of fasting that culminates in Eid today or did yesterday depending upon the how and when the moon was sighted. So, even as we wish all our brethren Eid Mubarak, we also take a look at some of the sumptuous culinary traditions that have come to be associated with Ramzan and Eid. Apart from the inventive and delicious victuals that are on offer as a part of the pre-dawn ‘suhur’ or ‘sehri’ and the evening repast of ‘Iftar’ as the fast is broken, the celebration of Eid itself offers some wonderful options.
Mohammad Ali Road, Mumbai
All through the month of Ramzan, evenings at the lane of the magnificent Minara Masjid on this arterial Mumbai road bear a festive, mela like atmosphere with food stalls and carts wafting savoury aromas and the sweet shops overflowing with colourful mithai. There is fried chicken, biryani, mutton bhuna, ‘chaap’ (chops or ribs), haleem, khichda, various tawa delicacies, organ meat preparations like gurda, kaleji, bheja, khiri, kapoora, paya and so much more on offer.
The sweets, particularly at the huge sweet shop Suleman Usman include rich phirnis, syrup soaked malpuas, brightly coloured fruity burfis (purple black currant, bright pink strawberry and neon yellow pineapple), malai and mawa khajas and untold other delights. You are generously offered a taste of anything that you find interesting; that is your dessert done right there! In Mumbai we find the influence of Bohri cuisine (there is a large population of this south Gujarat Muslim sect on Muhammad Ali Road), Irani cuisine and even Parsi cuisine here.
Jama Masjid, Delhi
A part of crowded old Delhi, the winding streets may not be for the faint hearted, but for the gastronomically inclined, they are a must visit. The food here is more traditional with more of the Mughlai and Lucknowi traditions to be seen. The biryanis, the kebabs, the kheema (mince), the tawa delicacies and organ meat will all be on offer, as will a vast array of desserts and a wonderful and festive atmosphere.
Charminar, Hyderabad
The special offering all throughout Ramzan is Haleem, a must have if you’re in Hyderarbad. Made from spices, pounded wheat, daal, meat and lashings of ghee this is rich dish is a meal in itself and the city’s signature dish that you will remember forever. Shops around the Charminar and Mecca Masjid area offer not just haleem but a host of other irresistible delicacies.
Over the years, Mohammad Ali road has almost become a tourist attraction and hence caters to a more cosmopolitan demand whereas Delhi’s Jama Masjid is still thought to retain much more customary culinary traditions. The variety in Delhi and Hyderabad may not match Mumbai’s but you may find your meal costing less than it would in Mumbai and you will likely have a more authentic experience. Bhathiyar Gali in Ahmedabad and Shivaji Market in Pune also have much to offer you, so take your pick, wherever you are, there is an Eid feast just waiting to happen for you… to help you say Eid Mubarak!
Author – Reena Daruwalla
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