Fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan is more than just abstaining from eating and drinking; Fasting is a holistic experience that comes not everyday. The sacrifice that comes with it is a life lesson to consider specially on how you are able to go beyond the facade and admit to your flaws and imperfection. Fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan is a lifelong event that shan’t be missed.
Although Ramadan means abstaining from eating; Ramadan is also about food. Traditional (Muslim) dishes you’ve once craved for are prepared and cooked in time for Iftar. The same goes for Suhur. Personally, I felt as though I was part of a culinary show — creating a menu, preparing and cooking dishes to be feasted on. However, whenever I’m home, I always, always spoil myself to the many foodie finds in trade fairs. Don’t we all?
Of the many choices, I love the cooked viands available in stalls like candies inside a candy store. The color, the smell and the taste, though of one origin, varies from one tribe to another. And that’s another thing about food fairs — a delicious diversity coming together.
A list of favourite Ramadan food finds? Well, basically, it varies from person to person. A favourite of mine may not be another’s cup of tea. One may crave for hot, savoury food finds while a bunch may go for some cold , sweet treats. For me? It typically depends on my mood. Though i have a few Iftar staples still I go for a variety on a daily basis.
Many of us prefer slices of fresh fruits or dates upon breaking a fast. I, on the other hand, requires water to break mine.
A bowl of hot, savoury arrozcaldo or bowl of sweetened champorado is always a welcome sight. Add to that a slice of anything sweet to balance the taste and flavour. Also, a bowl of boiled sweetened mung beans with milk and ice will make you smile with glee.
Aside from the usual, a bowl of binignit or ginataan or pangat (as we fondly call it) come sunset is a best treat after a day of fasting. Simmered slices of banana, heaps of sugar and splashes of coconut milk — simple yet very invigorating. Best partnered with slices of bread or roti. Or pieces of freshly baked bulua on the side. (Bulua are mini-muffins baked over open fire and are traditionally served during celebrations.)
On days that one craves for rice, pastil and slices of salted egg is a pairing you cannot say ‘no’ to. Add to that some spicy palapa and tinapayan. Now, that’s very traditional. Speaking of which, many also opt to drink a hot cup of native coffee while feasting on some rice fave combo.
For the more on-the-go peeps, many Muslim brothers and sisters feasts on a delectable plate of pancakes, hot off the oven cinnamon rolls, sandwiches and fast food staples. Of which, BreadTalk has been one of my delicious solitude during the past month. If permitted, I whip up a Singaporean Kaya toast with eggs to soothe my tummy.
The Holy month of Ramadan may be over and we are back to our regular munching but let us not forget the sacrifice and lessons we have endured and come across with during the past month. Let us not waste them and be constantly reminded that, though the month comes only once a year, we can always look back and relieve the totality of the month on a daily basis.
Want to know my latest food finds? Follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and Facebook @RoyalChefEats. Happy munching, #royalistas!
