HealthWorld

Eidul Fitr: Top 5 traditional dishes to celebrate the festival

Celebrate the joy of Eid with iconic dishes that honour culture and community

Eidul Fitr is being celebrated with religious zeal and enthusiasm across Pakistan and around thw world.

Small and large congregations for prayers were held in mosques and Eidgahs throughout the country, with a large number of citizens in attendance for the occasion of Eidul Fitr, according to Express News.

Special prayers were offered for the safety, progress, and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah, the country, and the nation.

Central congregations for Eid prayers took place at Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, and Polo Ground in Karachi, where prominent government officials and other political and social figures also participated.

As the crescent moon marks the end of Ramadan, Muslims around the world come together to celebrate Eid al-Fitr — a festival of gratitude, reflection, and most importantly, togetherness.

And like all great celebrations, Eid is incomplete without food that brings families and friends around the table. From aromatic rice to rich desserts, here are the top five traditional dishes that make Eid truly special.

Sheer Khurma

No Eid is complete without a bowl of sheer khurma — the iconic dessert that graces every South Asian Muslim household. Made with fine vermicelli (seviyan), dates, milk, sugar, and a generous mix of dry fruits, this warm, milky treat is often served first thing in the morning after Eid prayers.

Translating to “milk with dates” in Persian, sheer khurma perfectly symbolises sweetness after the month-long fast.

Biryani

A star dish on any festive menu, biryani is the ultimate celebration food. Layers of fragrant basmati rice, tender meat (usually chicken or mutton), aromatic spices, and caramelised onions come together in this royal dish.

Whether it’s Hyderabadi, Karachi-style, or Lucknowi, biryani is often the centrepiece of Eid lunches and dinners across many cultures.

Kebab

Served as an appetiser or side dish, shami kebabs are pan-fried patties made from minced meat, chana dal (split Bengal gram), and a blend of robust spices.

These melt-in-the-mouth kebabs are shallow-fried to golden perfection and often paired with mint chutney and onions. Easy to freeze and reheat, shami kebabs are also a popular choice for large Eid gatherings.

Siwayaan

Distinct from sheer khurma but equally cherished, siwayaan (also spelled seviyan) is another Eid dessert staple.

Unlike its milkier counterpart, siwayaan is dry and roasted in ghee with sugar, cardamom, and sometimes coconut and dry fruits. This quick-to-make sweet is often passed around to guests visiting on Eid day, offering a light and delicious end to a festive meal.

Haleem

Rich, hearty, and packed with slow-cooked flavour, haleem is a one-pot dish made with wheat, lentils, and shredded meat, all simmered for hours into a smooth, porridge-like consistency.

Spiced generously and topped with fried onions, lemon juice, fresh coriander, and green chillies, haleem is especially popular in Hyderabad and Karachi during Eid gatherings.

These dishes not only reflect the cultural diversity of the Muslim world but also the spirit of Eid — generosity, joy, and shared blessings. Whether you’re indulging in the creamy richness of sheer khurma or breaking bread over a pot of haleem, the flavours of Eid are bound to leave lasting memories.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button