Ramadan 2026: Here’s a curated list of sehri and iftar essentials for a happy, healthy meal

No iftar is complete without dates. Add cashews and mixed dry fruits for a nourishing bite between prayers (Image: Pexels)

• Fresh fruits, dates, and dry fruits are Ramadan iftar staples
• Rose syrup drinks and coconut water offer instant relief at iftar
• Eggs, oats, and yogurt provide energy for sehri meals

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There was a time when Ramadan meant handwritten shopping lists tucked into coat pockets and bustling high streets fragrant with spice and sweetness. You could tell the season had arrived by the pyramids of dates in shop windows and the clink of glass bottles filled with rose syrup. Today, the markets may be brighter and the brands shinier, yet the heart of Ramadan remains the same. Sehri still means eggs, and iftar is just as sweet with seviyaan.

Ramadan is not merely about food, of course, but food carries memory and meaning. It is in the passing of dates across the table, in the fizz of rose-tinted drinks, in the clatter of plates before dawn.

All-time favourite foods for iftar and sehri

Fresh fruits: A generous basket of bananas, apples, oranges, grapes and cherries is the gentlest way to begin or end a fast. Fresh fruit hydrates, restores energy and brings natural sweetness to the table, a reminder that simplicity often feels most luxurious during festivals.

Also read | Prevent kidney stones, UTI during Ramadan fasting with these urologist-approved tips to stay hydrated

Dates and dry fruits: No iftar is complete without dates. Add cashews and mixed dry fruits for a nourishing bite between prayers. They are rich, sustaining and celebratory, echoing tradition while keeping hunger at bay.

Juices and coconut water: As the call to prayer fades, glasses of chilled juice or coconut water offer instant relief. A splash of Rooh Afza or rose syrup stirred into cool water or milk creates that unmistakable pink drink of childhood, fragrant and wonderfully nostalgic.

Bread, eggs oats and yoghurt: Sehri demands stamina. Eggs scrambled or boiled, wholesome oats with fruits and dry fruits , and a bowl of Greek yoghurt provide slow-release energy. With toast or flatbread on the side, this humble spread keeps one steady through long daylight hours.

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Seviyan and more: Suji and roasted vermicelli are a Ramadan favourite. Sweet seviyan simmered in milk turns into a delicious dessert for iftar, while semolina dessert (Suji ka halwa) is an easy to make and a comforting dish.

Frozen snacks and meats: For busy evenings, frozen seekh kebabs and ready snacks are a blessing. A tray of fresh chicken pieces can be marinated with spice and yoghurt, then roasted to golden perfection. These hearty dishes turn iftar into a proper family feast.