Ramadan's first Iftar: Exploring Egypt's diverse and delicious traditions
CAIRO - 1 March 2025: In Egypt, the arrival of Ramadan is met with great excitement, as families come together to prepare a varied and delicious spread for the first iftar of the holy month.
Known for their culinary creativity, Egyptians take pride in crafting traditional dishes that bring loved ones together, celebrating the spirit of Ramadan with hearty meals and time-honored flavors.
In this article, et highlights how each governorate offers its unique twist on the beloved meal, making the first iftar a true feast for the senses.
In Upper Egypt's Minya:
Citizens of Minya Governorate had unique opinions about the type of breakfast on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, but they agreed on meat, and it varied between fresh meat and poultry.
"I am used to breaking my fast on the first day of Ramadan with my family members, as we find on the first day of fasting an opportunity, and this gathering is around the table waiting for the iftar cannon, that table that includes types of vegetables, stuffed vegetables and meat," said Ahmed Mohamed, a citizen from Minya.
As for Radhi Khalaf, another resident, he said that meat always has the largest share on that table, with its various types. Some prefer fresh meat, others prefer birds such as geese, and others prefer to cook rabbits with Molokhia (green soup).
Minya Governorate is one of the important governorates in the cultivation of Molokhia and cabbage, so the people of Minya love it.
In Port Said:
Carob, licorice, and tamarind are special drinks that are fixed on the iftar table in Port Said.
In Damietta:
Locals are accustomed to eating "Damietta duck" as a main meal on the first days of Ramadan, a custom that has become a cultural heritage and a special legacy for the people of Damietta as part of their preparations to welcome the holy month.
The people of Damietta Governorate excel in presenting duck in different ways. Some prepare it with onions, and others eat it with some nuts. Raisins are one of the important ingredients in preparing the duck meal in the Damietta way.
"Morta" is one of the famous dishes on the Damietta tables that is associated with the Damietta duck meal. It consists of pieces of grated onions that are cooked with some nuts to be an additional dish with the Damietta duck meal.
In Assiut:
Sayed Zaki Muhammad from Al-Badari Center in Assiut Governorate explained that the month of Ramadan is one of his favorite months, and that the first day of Iftar in the month of Ramadan likes the table to contain meat, vegetables, and soup, and among his favorite meats is local chicken with stuffed cabbage and some vegetables next to it.
In Alexandria:
Nadia, a citizen from the Meditteranean city of Alexandria, said that stuffed vegetables and casseroles are essential for the first day of Ramadan, and women excel in cooking on this day, especially in large family feasts.
While Sahar Abdel Salam said that she prepares for the holy month of Ramadan since the beginning of Shaaban by storing vegetables to facilitate cooking food in the holy month of Ramadan, and she added that on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, they are accustomed to cooking meat, stuffed rice, and pasta in addition to various juices.
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