Introduction: Breaking the fast with dates is a practice observed by Muslims worldwide during Ramadan, following the tradition of eating dates before the sunset prayer. This dish pairs that tradition with sweet vermicelli (known as sheer khurma in South Asia or sha'riyah in the Arab world), a milky, cardamom-scented dessert served at iftar throughout the […]
Introduction: Paneer butter masala is one of the most popular restaurant dishes across India, built around a rich tomato and cashew gravy. The Jain version omits the usual onion, garlic and ginger, drawing its body and sweetness instead from cashews, tomatoes and a touch of cream, making it just as indulgent while remaining suitable for […]
Introduction: Bright, multi-coloured rice is a festive centrepiece for weddings and Eid gatherings across Djibouti, reflecting the influence of Arabian and Indian Ocean spiced-rice traditions. Cultural Background: Bright, multi-coloured rice is a festive centrepiece for weddings and Eid gatherings across Djibouti, reflecting the influence of Arabian and Indian Ocean spiced-rice traditions. The vivid colours symbolise […]
Introduction: Dense, fragrant sweets made from roasted semolina, sugar and coconut, ladu (also spelled laddu) reflect the strong Indian influence on Comorian sweets, most often appearing at weddings and religious celebrations. Cultural Background: Dense, fragrant sweets made from roasted semolina, sugar and coconut, ladu (also spelled laddu) reflect the strong Indian influence on Comorian sweets, […]
Introduction: A festive, richly spiced rice dish cooked with meat and dried fruit, bilahouri is prepared for weddings, religious feasts and other major celebrations, standing as a grander cousin to the everyday pilaou. Cultural Background: A festive, richly spiced rice dish cooked with meat and dried fruit, bilahouri is prepared for weddings, religious feasts and […]
Introduction: Morog rezala is a mild, creamy chicken curry with roots in the Mughlai kitchens of old Dhaka, known for its pale golden colour and gentle use of yogurt, cream and whole spices rather than heavy chilli. Cultural Background: Morog rezala is a mild, creamy chicken curry with roots in the Mughlai kitchens of old […]
Introduction: Shemai, a sweet vermicelli pudding made rich with milk and dried fruit, is the quintessential Eid-ul-Fitr morning dish in Bangladesh, prepared in nearly every household on the morning of Eid to be shared generously with family, neighbours and visiting guests throughout the day. Cultural Background: Shemai, a sweet vermicelli pudding made rich with milk […]
Introduction: Qoozi is the centrepiece of Bahrain’s grandest celebrations, a whole slow-roasted, tender lamb served over a mountain of spiced rice studded with nuts and raisins. Cultural Background: Qoozi is the centrepiece of Bahrain’s grandest celebrations, a whole slow-roasted, tender lamb served over a mountain of spiced rice studded with nuts and raisins. Traditionally prepared […]