Eid Mubarak!
Friday 20 March signifies the final day of the month of Ramadan. This is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr and is usually commemorated with a large communal meal to end the fasting of Ramadan. With a large Muslim community here at CMY, we reached out to some of our staff members to reflect on Eid and share their favourite Eid meals.
Farah, Egyptian
Kahk (Sweet honey and nut shortbread filled biscuit and rolled in powdered sugar)
“We come together as a family the week before Eid to make kilos and kilos of Kahk, which is then distributed to loved ones, neighbours, coworkers, and so on during Eid. Each year, on the first morning of Eid, I enjoy a cup of tea and a Kahk (or two), allowing myself a slow morning.”
Ayesha, Pakistani
Biryani and Kheer (Sweet rice pudding)
“I am not sure if other cultures do, but another famous activity on Eid in South Asia is Henna application that girls do the night before Eid. It’s a significant part of the Eid excitement, like my girls are today.”
Ellysa, Singaporean
Ketupat with Sayur Lodeh
“I remember learning how to wrap the ketupat with my family in the kitchen while we sat on newspapers to avoid dirtying the floor.”
Ilily, Oromo
Marqaa/Genfo (Barley or flour porridge served in Dhadhaa (Spiced butter) and Barbare (Chilli powder)) with Buna (Coffee)
“The warmth of the food, coffee and family are a perfect end to the early morning Eid prayer at the Mosque.”
Ikram, Somali
Halwa (Xalwad, a traditional sweet and sticky confection)
“It’s meaningful because it holds memories of being surrounded by family and warmth that makes Eid feel super special.”
Aeri, Indonesian
Opor Ayam and Nastar
“They remind me so much of home and it’s sooo so tasty, could never stop eating it.”
Sameera
Chocolate covered dates, cakes and cookies, ma’amoul, chai and baklava
“Giving the kids Eid money and going out for dinner – which always involves chicken and rice in some form. Those small acts of connection and sharing.”