The holy month of Ramadan also has great impact on Muslim culture. In many countries around the globe, people make special arrangements to pray together and listen to the recitation of the Holy Quran. Special food is prepared to end the fast each day. After sundown, the evening meal Iftar is eaten to break the fast. Iftar is traditionally done as a community, with people gathering to eat together. The Iftar meal brings a wonderful diversity in the foods that are served to break the fast. 
Although Iftar meals are typically held at Muslim households, they are also often held at mosques, and Islamic centers for Muslim families in the community. Rich and affluent people throw special Iftar parties where people get together to eat. In the United States, the President usually hosts an Iftar dinner for community leaders and foreign officials at the White House. The first President to attend an Iftar dinner was Thomas Jefferson.
The menu at an Iftar dinner could be both casual and formal. At that time many types of elaborate Ramadan recipes are served. Centuries of this tradition has brought great variety and flavors to the dinner table. Ramadan meals vary from country to country. Since Muslims are spread all over the world their local customs and cuisines also affect their recipes and the menu of Iftar dinner. Traditionally, a date is eaten to break the fast, however fruits are the most typical menu item served in most Muslim countries during dinner. 
The people of Pakistan usually drink a rose flavored drink called Rooh Afza. In rural parts some families serve Lassi or Yogurt Milkshake instead of rose flavored drink. Other dishes include chicken rolls, spring rolls and Shami Kebabs. In Indian, Ramadan recipes are quite similar to Pakistani Ramadan recipes. Samosa and Pakory are common in both countries. Another common recipe is Fruit Chaat recipe, in which fruit salad is served with spices and sugar.
In Turkey, many restaurants offer special deals on the Iftar menu. The menu typically includes soup or an appetizer platter called Iftariye which consists of dates, olives, cheese, Turkish Pride bread and various pastries called borek.
In Sri Lanka, many Muslim households eat special snacks and appetizers such as samosas, cutlets and rolls. In Malaysia, Iftar dinner also called berbuka puasa, begins with dried or fresh dates, followed by native dishes such as nasiayam, ayam percek, chicken satay and sugarcane juice.
For a more detailed listing of Ramadan recipes from around the world, click on the link below.
