During my early years before I could observe fasting during Ramadan, I recall waking up in the early morning hours to partake in suhoor. The holy month has always been a special and thrilling time of year, particularly during the lively pre-dawn meals with my family.
Different people seemed to have varying preferences for their ideal suhoor meal. While some adults would go for roti with curry, yogurt, or eggs, others would settle for just a cup of tea. Personally, I often opted for a bowl of cereal.
When my husband and I experienced our first Ramadan together, we realized that our choices differed, despite us sharing similar cultural backgrounds. He preferred a paratha with eggs, while I stuck with lighter options. This made me curious about how people decide on their go-to suhoor meal. Hence, I reached out to four Muslim food creators to inquire about their suhoor essentials.
In sharing their experiences, they shed light on the traditions tied to the dishes they repeatedly prepare, along with providing their favorite recipes for those seeking to diversify their table.
Humaira Shah, a Toronto-based recipe developer and food photographer known for sharing childhood recipes and homemade versions of fast-food favorites, considers Khageena as her suhoor staple. This spicy egg dish holds special memories for Shah, who learned it from her late father. Describing it as a delicious and filling meal that can be mostly prepared in advance, she emphasized its practicality during the sleep-deprived days of Ramadan.
Fariha Ekra, a Toronto-based food and lifestyle content creator, considers the Espresso Almond Date Shake as her suhoor staple. She incorporates dates into her suhoor routine to benefit from their sustained energy and nourishment. To enhance its nutritional value, she often adds oats and collagen to the smoothie, making it both energizing and satisfying.
Mishary Kamoordeen, a videographer and content creator based in Toronto, opts for Golden Turmeric Overnight Oats with Almond-Date Milk as her suhoor staple. Rooted in Sri Lankan cooking, the warming spices of turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon in this dish hold sentimental value for Kamoordeen. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the ingredients, along with the filling nature of oats, make this recipe a modern yet nourishing homage to her roots.
Bayan Kawsara, a recipe developer originally from Syria and raised in Ontario, cherishes traditions through her culinary creations. She shares nostalgic and accessible recipes, with her suhoor staple being the Banana-Date Smoothie. Combining bananas and dates into a smoothie was inspired by the desire to stay full and energized throughout the fasting day. Kawsara highlights the cultural and religious significance of the ingredients, emphasizing the tradition of incorporating three dates due to its association with the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings.
These talented food creators offer insights into their suhoor choices, showcasing a blend of tradition, personal history, and cultural influences in their culinary practices.