For chef Reem Ahmed, it鈥檚 no surprise her most cherished Ramadan memories involve food. She baked desserts with her family and met her husband for the first time at an Iftar event at 色色啦 Metropolitan University. For Ahmed, it鈥檚 also the food served, shared and enjoyed with family during Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, that鈥檚 worth celebrating.
鈥淲e used to bake so many Kahk al-Eid cookies with my grandma, my mom and cousins that we would then give to neighbours,鈥 said Ahmed, who was the first hijabi Muslim contestant on 鈥淢asterChef Canada鈥 in 2018. 鈥淭his traditional breakfast cookie during Eid was a great introduction to our culture. You can turn a stranger into family by feeding them.鈥
Ahmed, who now hosts virtual cooking classes and posts cooking tips on Instagram to nearly 45,000 followers, all while raising three children, relishes the sense of community felt during Ramadan. 鈥淵ou鈥檒l find Iftar tents in Egypt where people get together with really long tables and lots of food to feed homeless people or a family who need company.鈥
Eating out is also a part of Ahmed鈥檚 Ramadan celebrations. Having lived in Scarborough, downtown and now Mississauga, she鈥檚 familiar with so much of the diversity of halal foods in the city. 鈥淚 want my children to grow up focusing on good deeds, kindness. And that every cuisine is special,鈥 she said. 鈥淪o long as they鈥檙e halal, of course.鈥
As Eid al-Fitr is celebrated across the world this week, Ahmed shares her five favourite halal dishes to try in the GTA.
CI-RAMADAN-EATS egyptian lamb shank Uploaded by: jassal, roveena
roveena chand jassal1. Egyptian Lamb Shank Fata at , Mississauga
鈥淭he lamb is braised and roasted for four hours, resulting in a succulent and tender texture. And nestled atop a bed of soft and sticky Egyptian rice, infused with notes of vinegar and garlic, the dish is perfectly complemented by crispy baladi bread that provides a satisfying crunch, similar to croutons. And to finish, this dish is topped with a secret and ancient recipe called salsa Tashaa, which adds an extra layer of depth and complexity.鈥
Boneless Chicken Karahi (Chitti) at Karahi Boys.
Karahi Boys2. Boneless Chicken Karahi (Chitti) at
鈥淜ashmiri-style Karahi is a harmonious blend of yogurt, cream, coconut and a carefully curated selection of fresh spices. The absence of tomatoes and red chili spice ensures that the spice level is mild and approachable, suitable for a wide range of palates and picky little kids. The dish features both white and dark meat, cooked to perfection and seasoned well.鈥
3. Kunefe
鈥淚ndulge in a truly authentic Turkish dessert experience with this Kunefe, a must-try delicacy, especially on Eid morning. Kunefe is a delightful combination of shredded wheat and unsalted cheese that is expertly baked then drizzled in homemade syrup. Topped with a generous amount of finely chopped pistachio, the result is a heavenly, sizzling hot dessert. For the ultimate indulgence, pair it with a steaming teapot of black chai latte.鈥
Beef Skewers on Hot Sizzling Plate at Chinese Halal Restaurant
Chinese Halal Restaurant4. Beef Skewers on Hot Sizzling Plate
鈥淚f you鈥檙e a fan of bold flavours and sizzling hot dishes, you鈥檒l love this. The grilled beef skewers are served on a hot plate that creates a seared caramelized crust and enhances the overall flavour of the dish. The tender and juicy beef is bursting with flavours. Whether you鈥檙e a meat lover or simply looking for a delicious East Asian dish, these sizzling skewers are perfect. I would recommend pairing it with fried noodles.鈥
Peri Peri Chicken Full Pack at Nandos
NANDOS5. Peri Peri Chicken Full Pack
鈥淔or a truly satisfying and flavourful meal, look no further than Nando鈥檚 chicken full pack. It鈥檚 a combo of South African and Portuguese flavours. The chicken is prepared with Nando鈥檚 signature Peri Peri seasoning, which gives it a unique and bold flavour. And the best part? It鈥檚 halal!鈥
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