Kolkata is an amalgamation of different religions. In this holy month, Kolkata celebrates Ramadan with all pompousness and grace. People come together for daily Sehri and Iftar. Iftar is the evening meal consumed by the Muslims to mark the end of their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. The word means breakfast or breaking the fast together. Kolkata’s love for food is eternal. This makes the occasion more joyous. People meet in the evening and have Iftar after a long day of fasting, spreading love and brotherhood. Without much ado let’s dig into some famous Iftar dishes to try in Kolkata.
1. Haleem
A high-calorie dish made with barley, lentils, meat garnished with rich ghee, and crispy fried onions. It is a wholesome food and can also be compared to dal gosht. It can be consumed with freshly cooked naan or tandoori roti. It makes a proper wholesome food after fasting throughout the day. In Kolkata, Zakaria street is very famous for it. It is a must-try.
2. Kebabs
Kebab is the absolute delight of Mughlai cuisine. There are different types of kebabs available across Kolkata. Mutton Galawati Kabab, Murgh Qalmi Kabab, Shikampuri Kebab are to name a few. It is generally cooked in skewers under slow heat. The smoked taste and melting feel of the kebab make it a specialty. Adding a hint of lemon gives an unforgettable taste.
3. Halwa Paratha
Nothing can compensate for the place of a good paratha in the meal. This thin, crispy, flaky Indian bread can complement any side dish. In this case, it is greasy, sweet, and delicious halwa. This classic combination makes it worth every calorie. This not only fills the stomach but also our hearts.
4. Keema Samosa
A perfect savory appetizer for the elaborate and delicious evening spread. These are crispy, golden, thin-crust samosas filled with cooked meat, spices, and onions. Served hot with mint chutney, it tastes wonders. It is often considered among the masses as a favorite fast-breaking snack. I am sure you cannot stop at one piece.
5.Shahi Tukda
It is a rich, delicious and festive dessert enjoyed during Iftar in the month of Ramadan. It is made with ghee, bread, sugar, milk, and nuts. It is often topped with saffron to increase its richness. This is considered a royal dessert and was often enjoyed by the Mughal Emperors. So you try this today and feel like an emperor. This mouth-watering dessert is high in calories. So it gives a perfect finish to the extensive Iftar parties.
6. Nihari Gosht
Often cooked in the royal kitchens of Mughal palaces, Nihari Gosht is an absolute delicacy. This is a traditional dish of Muslims, vastly consumed during Iftar. It is a slowly cooked mutton stew loaded with rich spices and herbs to tingle your taste buds. This is a very popular dish in Pakistan as well. It can be consumed with naan, paratha, or rice. As you like it.
7. Phirni
Phirni is a slow-cooked Indian version of sweet pudding. It is made with basmati rice, milk, sugar, nuts, and flavors like saffron or cardamom powder, or rose water. Its thick and creamy consistency will tempt you to have some more. Traditionally it is cooked in small earthen bowls which makes it richer and gives an earthy taste.
8. Biryani
Biriyani is one of the most popular dishes among Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent. Different versions of this dish are available throughout the country. Among them, Kolkata biriyani has a special place in the hearts of people. Basmati rice cooked with spices, meat, and fluffy potatoes that will just melt in your mouth. The ghee and the saffron make it an all-time favorite meal.
9. Jalebi
It is a very popular sweet snack in India. It has many names like Jilapi and Jilipi. This is a deep-fried maida flour batter in a circular shape and then soaked in rich, thick sugar syrup. Yummm. Just looking at it can increase your cravings. It makes a perfect accompany at the Iftar dinner.
10. Gajar Ka Halwa
Gajar ka Halwa, very popular in Kolkata, is a rich carrot-based sweet pudding. It is cooked with carrot, milk, sugar, ghee, and cardamom. A glimpse of it can make your mouth water. It is calorie-dense and delicious which makes it perfect as an Iftar dessert.
11. Gulab Jamun
It is a very popular sweet dish that originated in the subcontinent of India. It is famous for its availability and its melting feel. It is traditionally prepared with khoya which is milk reduced to a soft dough of milk solids. It is often garnished with cashews and almonds. This dessert is an absolute must in the Iftar feast. This will make you fall in love with Bengal sweets.
12. Murgh Malai Tikka
Murgh Malai tikka is a type of Indian chicken dish known for its distinct smoky flavor. Pieces of chicken marinated in cream and spices, then grilled over charcoal. If you want to make it more exotic, you can top it off with cheese or simple lemon juice. Finally, garnish it with coriander leaves.
13. Dry Fruit Halwa
This delicious sweet is a combination of the richness of different dry fruits. Figs, dates, pistachios, almonds, cashews to name a few. These are cooked in milk and ghee is added to them. Then it is garnished with saffron. If you are searching for a healthy Iftar dessert, this is the right choice.
14.Bhuna Gosht
Bhuna gosht is a very popular dish in India and Pakistan. It is a delicious mutton curry cooked with various spices, onion, and yogurt. It is traditionally cooked under a slow flame. The mutton is cooked in its juices which makes it such a delicacy. You can have this with naan or paratha.
15.Kheer
Kheer is an epic Indian rice-based dessert, very popular among the masses. It is a slow-cooked dish made with basmati rice, milk, sugar, nuts, cardamom, and saffron. Its rich and creamy texture will make your mouth water. One bowl of kheer after a meal is a must during the times of Iftar.
16.Fruit Salad
Another healthy option for Iftar is having a fruit bowl. After fasting for the entire day it is very essential to replenish the nutrition of the body. No better way to do that without fruits. It will not only give you freshness but also satiety. You can choose any fruit of your choice and garnish it with yogurt, lemon juice, or maybe mint leaves.
17.Rezala
It is a yogurt-based Mughlai dish. Chicken is slowly cooked in the yogurt gravy with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and bay leaves. It has a sweet and tangy taste which makes it unique. The softness of the chicken is a bonus to it. Enjoy it with naan or warm basmati rice.
18.Lachha Paratha
Lachha Paratha is an integral part of Indian cuisine. It is also known as Lachedar Paratha or Parotta. These are whole wheat flatbread but its preparing and cooking technique makes it a specialty. Their crispy and flaky layers will mesmerize you. You can accompany it with any kind of gravy-based dish.
19.Sewai
Sewai is an Indian dessert made with vermicelli. This dessert is very common in India and available in different forms. It is a quintessential recipe for Iftar festivities. It is cooked in milk. Ghee and dry fruits are added to it to increase its richness and taste. This recipe is a must in every household celebrating the occasion of Eid.
20.Falooda
This is a Mughlai dish made with vermicelli, milk, rose syrup, ice cream, jelly, and chia seeds. This dessert is served cold. It is delicious. It will surely cool you down after a long hot day. Ingredients are added to it in the form of layers. This beautiful dish is a must-try during the Iftar festivities.
