Join me this Ramadhan to enjoy the Ramadhan recipes, customs and traditions of the Cape Muslims; descendants of political prisoners, slaves and migrants from the Dutch and British colonies of South East Asia.
Our cuisine, customs and genetics had their roots in both that of the colonized and the colonizer, as well as the plethora of migrants that landed on our shores since the middle of the 17th century.
Read more: Cape Malay Ramadhan traditions
Every group brought with them the food and culture of their homeland and over time they adapted it to suit the available produce, the climate and the economic realities of life as an enslaved people. Modern day Cape Malay cooking bears very little resemblance to it’s historical forerunner and it appears that the only thing that we have retained are names of fruits, vegetables or the occasional dish that sounds vaguely familiar.
If you are observing the fast for Ramadhan, what are the traditions or customs of your family or community at large?
My favorite Ramadhan tradition is our custom of exchanging plates of sweet and savory snacks with our neighbors for breaking the fast. It is one I have missed most during my time in Dubai because it exemplifies the spirit of sharing and caring during Ramadhan. I realised recently that many of my favorite iftar treats were the ones that we received from our neighbors and my Aunty Gadija who lives at the end of our road. Even now, the items I crave for at iftar are the snacks that Aunty Dija used to make: fluffy daltjies, basboosa and gulab jamboo.
Our family favorite Ramadhan recipes use basic pantry ingredients and under current lockdown conditions when many ingredients are either out of stock or not available, we will be keeping it simple. Do you have any favorite Ramadhan recipes that you would like to share with us?
Most of us will spend this Ramadhan under lockdown in our respective homes and be unable to attend congregational prayers or socialise with family and friends around iftar feasts. May Allah make it easy for you and your families and protect you during this strange period of isolation and quarantine.
Read more: What is Ramadhan and why do Muslims fast?
Ramadhan Recipes for Suhoor
Ramadhan Recipes for Iftar
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slmz lovely recipes