A guide to Ramadan in Cape Town

Most folks are exhausted by the time they get home. Preparing a whole meal after work is the most defeating act. Thank goodness for the home cooks who’ve turned their talents into a business. 

One such business is Tharas Kitchen. Based in Crawford, Athlone, Tharas Kitchen specializes in platters. Think savories like samosas, sausage rolls, and burger sliders. Orders must be placed two days in advance. WhatsApp: 076 659 0319.

E-Logistics and A-Enterprises SA has a launch special. Single meals start at R59, and family combos are R299 for a family of four. Collections only in the northern suburbs. 

FitFoodz caters to the calorie-conscious set. You can build your own meal package, or you can choose from the weight-loss or lean muscle options. The company delivers nationwide. All meals are shipped frozen using cold-chain methods.

myHalal values quality, convenience, and sustainability. All their products are sourced from halaal-accredited suppliers. The best part is that the menu is divided into categories, and you can filter by price.

Dates are the superfoods of Ramadan. They serve as the traditional way to break our daily fast. They provide an energy boost, are high in fibre, and help replenish the body after a long day of fasting.

So, for Muslims, dates are not merely a fruit. It may look like a date, but does it taste like a juicy, full-bodied date? 

Medjool dates, often referred to as the “Cadillac of dates,” are large, soft when you bite into them, and taste like caramel. Don’t go thinking your Woolies dates meet the standard. If you’re buying your dates there, you’re missing out. Big time. 

Komati Foods in Observatory is where you’ll find every kind of date under the sun. The only thing is that their organic dates are always out of stock during Ramadan, so order yours online long before the time.

Frozen Delicacies in Gatesville stocks fresh Khalas dates. Characterized by a distinct soft, sticky texture and a rich, caramel-like flavour, these beauties are imported from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Cape Spice Emporium (176 Imam Haron Rd, Lansdowne) stocks all the Ramadan essentials. When it comes to dates, they don’t play around. From Zamli to Khalaas, each varietal is available in 500g, 1kg, and 5kg packs.

Taraweeh are special, voluntary evening prayers performed every night during the holy month of Ramadan. Derived from an Arabic word meaning “rest,” these prayers are performed after the Isha (nightly) prayer. It’s also the opportune time to visit some of Cape Town’s most beautiful masjids.

Zeenatul Islam Masjid, situated in Chapel St, Zonnebloem, has a colourful, rich history. The mosque hosts many lectures and is a place of seeking wisdom for international scholars. But it’s the architecture that will leave you speechless. In 2010, the mosque underwent extensive upgrades.

Palm Tree Mosque is the oldest, unaltered building in Long Street. Small and unassuming, its green walls hold stories of decades gone by. The mosque derives its name from the two palm trees that stood in the front garden. Today, one of the original trees remains.

Islamia Masjid Al-Furqaan in Lansdowne is attached to Islamia College. The sprawling, ornate building houses The Academia, a multi-purpose conference and event venue facility. Yes, the same spot as Alhambra Restaurant.

Well, there you have it; Time Out’s take on doing Ramadan in Cape Town. So, you see, it’s not about the food or the aesthetics. For us, it’s about community, belonging, giving and expecting nothing in return, and having hearts filled with gratitude.