Delectable Ramadan Tents

Ramadan is a time of reflection and worship when Muslims around the world practice daytime fasting. In Bahrain, when the sun sets, the city comes to life as people head to elaborate Ramadan tents and ballrooms to break their fast with a sunset Iftar meal or fuel up for the coming fast with an early-morning Suhoor. A Ramadan tent is a venue erected during the month of Ramadan for people to eat the daily Iftar meal.

They are common across the Middle East and can be found anywhere there are communities of Muslims. The tents provide a place for people to meet with friends and family after the daily fast is broken at sunset. People gather there to eat Iftar, drink tea, and smoke shisha. They are traditionally a family or neighbourhood affair in the Middle East. In recent years, restaurants and hotels have begun running Ramadan tents to attract customers. Many hotels in Bahrain feature a newer and larger Ramadan tent which is hosting both Iftar and Ghabga.

Offerings include a selection of refreshing juices, as well as hot and cold Mezze with an enticing selection of salads, home-baked bread, shawarma and, falafel. Add to this a wide variety of traditional Arabic dishes including Arabic Quozi, Thareed, Harees and a delectable array of Arabic desserts such as Um Ali, Kunafa and Mahalabiya. Many of these tents feature a wide selection of traditional Bahraini fare as well as Lebanese, Moroccan, Indian, Turkish and global cuisine with a number of live cooking stations prepared by famous chefs. More upscale Ramadan tents also often have music or other entertainment.