Celebrating Eid: Traditional Dishes from Around the World

The arrival of the crescent moon heralds the beginning of Eid and the end of Ramadan. After a month of fasting, prayer and reflection, Eid is a time of joy, gratitude and community, where families, friends and neighbours come together to celebrate the culmination of a month-long spiritual journey. One of the most integral aspects of Eid celebrations is the shared communal meals, where delicious food is prepared and enjoyed with loved ones, symbolising unity, generosity, and abundance.

Although most religious and spiritual elements of the Islamic faith are shared between worshippers in all countries, many of the meals–and some of the traditions–that Muslims around the world enjoy during Eid are heavily influenced by local culinary culture, giving these celebrations their own character and identity. Let’s take a closer look at a few.

Traditions from Around the Globe

We begin our journey in the Middle East. In Lebanon, Eid is a time when households come alive with the aromas of traditional Lebanese cuisine. From succulent grilled meats like shawarma and kebabs to fragrant rice dishes like mujadara and maqluba, Lebanese Eid feasts are a celebration of flavours and culinary heritage. Fresh herbs, spices, and olive oil are used generously, creating dishes that are both hearty and aromatic. 

Far to the East, in Malaysia, Eid is known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Households prepare elaborate feasts featuring dishes like rendang, a slow-cooked meat dish simmered in coconut milk and spices. Malaysian Eid celebrations also feature an array of colourful sweets and desserts, including dodol, a sticky sweet confection made from coconut milk and palm sugar.

In Ethiopia, Eid al-Fitr is known as ‘Salla’. Families gather to enjoy dishes like Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew, and Yebeg Wat, a flavorful lamb stew, served alongside injera flatbread. Fasting during Ramadan is broken with a special porridge called Genfo, made from barley or wheat flour, and enjoyed with butter and spices.

Popular Eid Recipes and a Little Bit About Them

It wouldn’t be fair to start talking about these delicious dishes from around the world without at least telling you how you can get your hands on them this Eid. Here are three tasty, meat-based meals perfect to try for yourself–just remember to share!

Lebanon- Kafta Bil Sanieh

Kafta Bil Sanieh reflects the Lebanese emphasis on fresh, flavorful ingredients and the use of simple cooking techniques to create hearty and satisfying dishes. It is often enjoyed as a comforting family meal, especially during gatherings and celebrations like Eid. Kafta Bil Sanieh takes seasoned ground meat and incorporates it into a layered casserole-style dish with potatoes and tomatoes. Here is an excellent recipe from Farah at Every Little Crumb!

https://everylittlecrumb.com/kafta-bil-sanieh/

Malaysia- Beef Rendang

In Malaysia, rendang has become a cherished dish, particularly during festive occasions such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, where it is served as part of the celebratory feast known as “Hari Raya Open House.” During this time, Muslims open their homes to family, friends, neighbours–and even strangers–to celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid together. Beef is slow-cooked with a blend of spices such as lemongrass, ginger, and chilli, along with coconut milk and kerisik (toasted grated coconut) for added richness. The slow-cooking process allows the meat to absorb the flavours of the spices and coconut milk, resulting in a tender, aromatic dish with complex flavours. This beef rendang recipe from RasaMalaysia is fantastic!

https://rasamalaysia.com/beef-rendang-recipe-rendang-daging/

Ethiopia- Chicken Doro Wat

Over time, Doro Wat has become one of Ethiopia’s most beloved and iconic dishes. This hearty, chicken-based stew is packed full of delicious berbere flavour and is incredibly popular with Ethiopian Muslims celebrating Eid. One of the most distinctive features of Doro Wat is the use of hard-boiled eggs, which are often added to the stew and symbolise fertility, prosperity, and abundance. Here’s a Doro Wat recipe from Kimberly at The Daring Gourmet that has tons of flavour!

https://www.daringgourmet.com/doro-wat-spicy-ethiopian-chicken-stew/

Share Your Eid Traditions

Celebrate the spirit of Eid by sharing your own cherished traditions and delicious recipes! Whether you’re preparing mouthwatering dishes like Kafta Bil Sanieh, Rendang, or Doro Wat, or you have unique culinary customs and celebrations that make Eid special for you and your loved ones, we want to hear all about it. Join us using the hashtag #EidWithABM, and let’s share and celebrate together! 

Eid Mubarak!