Ramadan is approaching! During this holy month, Muslims fast throughout the day until sunset. The fast is then broken at ftour(or Iftar). Practicing Muslims gather around a meal, often a rich one, featuring the specialties of the Ramadan period.
Ramadan 2025, eating out in Paris? Good halal places to break the fast
Are you looking for a good restaurant where you can break your fast in Paris? Discover the best halal addresses where you can break your fast during Ramadan 2025 at iftar time. [Read more]
Whether you're a believer or not, this is an opportunity to discover the typical dishes of Ramadan. Some of these are little-known to Parisians. Would you like to try some of these specialties? Here are the must-try Ramadan ftour dishes and the Parisian addresses where you can try them.
Harira or Chorba: the must-try soups of Ramadan
Traditionally, the breaking of the fast is accompanied by comforting soups. In Morocco, this is especially true of Harira, made with tomatoes, vegetables, chickpeas, vermicelli and mutton or lamb. Throughout North Africa, and more specifically in Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, you'll find Chorba, a rich soup made with seasonal vegetables, vermicelli and frik (cracked wheat). Depending on the region, it may be served with mutton or lamb, veal or chicken, or even fish. This is a popular dish that is also offered to the poor after prayer.
Bricks and Briouates: irresistible friands
This is a North African version of friands. Bricks are the larger version: the puff pastry surrounds a filling, the recipes for which vary according to taste: tuna and capers, minced meat and potatoes, chicken or cheese, sometimes with an egg, are the most common. The brick is then fried and eaten hot. Briouates are a smaller version, often in the shape of a triangle or roll, and come in savory or sweet versions.
Zlabia and Chebbakia: the star sweets of ftour
Oriental pastries are all the rage, but these two specialties are less well known. Let's start with Zlabia. If you pass an Oriental patisserie during the month of Ramadan, you'll probably have noticed a round confection resembling a tangle of branches, often bright orange.
That's what Zlabia is. Halfway between a sweet and a cake, it's made from flour, sugar, honey and sometimes cardamom. It's then fried to give a crunchy texture that we love. Chebbakia is a Moroccan variant of Zlabia. Thicker, this recipe is enhanced with organ flower water, saffron, almond, green anise, sesame and cinnamon.
Matlou or Batbout: traditional semolina bread
This is a Berber specialty that is very widespread in the Maghreb. Matlou in Algeria, or Batbout in Morocco, is a round, thick, soft semolina bread that's a must-have and just the thing to become your favorite. For savoury eaters, it's used to make a toasted sandwich. For the sweet tooth, it's topped with a spread. And lovers of good bread like to enjoy it plain. We love it!
And here are the best places to try these specialties!
Moroccan restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
If you're looking to savor dishes with bright colors and spices that will take your senses on a journey, you've come to the Moroccan restaurants of Paris. [Read more]
Algerian restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
Here are the best addresses of Algerian restaurants in Paris for a colorful and tasty lunch! [Read more]
Tunisian restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
How about Tunisian for lunch? Here are the best addresses for Tunisian restaurants in Paris! [Read more]
Restaurants in the Middle East
As diverse as they are varied, Middle Eastern restaurants are plentiful in Paris, and promise some wonderful discoveries. Here are the best addresses! [Read more]
Eid El Fitr 2024 in Paris: our favourite oriental patisseries and tearooms
Ramadan comes to an end and Eid El Fitr is celebrated this Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Oriental pastries are a must! Zlabia, gazelle horns or chebakia, here's where to find them! PS: it's also an opportunity for everyone to discover some must-have Oriental pastries! [Read more]
Ramadan 2025, eating out in Paris? Good halal places to break the fast
