Aaaahhhh, Ramadan…. one of the reasons I love it is the food! And I don’t think I’m the only one – my Emirati friends often tell me that despite the fasting they fear putting weight on during Ramadan because of the divine iftar food. There are so many things that are special for this time of year. I guess that’s similar in lots of religious celebrations – I know it’s difficult to prize a mince pie from my hand at Christmas!!

I haven’t actually been to many iftars this year – but I’ve still managed to visit my local sweets and pastry shops and stock up on special food. Being vegetarian the savory dishes don’t interest me quite as much as the sweets!! heee heee!! But I can’t resist falafels… look how crispy they are…

Ramadan

The sun sinks down low

And the long day is done

With dates and fresh fruit

our Iftar has begun

All day we have fasted

With joy in our hearts

For pure throughts and deeds

Set this fair month apart

We feel for the hungry, the helpless and weak

And master our hunger, our throughts and our speech

When the sun sinks down low

And the day’s at an end

We break bread togethether

With family and friends

 Ramadan Poem by Piyu Majumdar (used with permission).

I love the poem – it really sums up Ramadan so well in so few words – it’s just one peom about this part of the world featured in the book “Children of the Sun – growing up in the Gulf” which Piyu colaborated on with fantastic photographer Paul Thuysbaert. 

Most people will recognise this place – Lebanon Flower Restuarant – I love this image – these guys definitely look happy that it’s iftar time and they can break their fast.

Right, I’m off for some yummy treats now, Hope you’re all having a wonderful Ramadan, Kirsty x