Ramadan kicks off on May 26 this year and ends on sundown on June 24. During those days, many Muslims will be fasting all day until the sun sets, when they’ll gather to break their fast with a celebratory meal known as an Iftar. While any food eaten then would count, there are certain traditional dishes and observances associated with Iftar meals around the world. Several restaurants around L.A. are offering special menus and buffets representing Muslim communities from India, Pakistan, the Middle East and Africa, for religious observers and curious eaters of all backgrounds to enjoy together. Try for yourself at one of these spots!
India’s Restaurant
This fully Halal-compliant Indian restaurant is a local favorite when it comes time to break a day-long fast. Before you dig into comforting dishes of lamb, goat and vegetarian specialties, the staff are known to bring out dates to open the meal in traditional style.
India’s Restaurant, 4366 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Aladin Sweets & Market
This modest restaurant and Halal market in Koreatown has been specializing in Bangladeshi and Burmese fare for over 20 years. During Ramadan they offer an Iftar buffet of traditional delicacies nightly.
Aladin Sweets & Market, 139 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Olive Tree Restaurant
Lines at the annual Iftar buffets here are legendary, so much so that the restaurant has moved into a new, larger space just in time to handle the crowds during this year’s festivities. Considered a staple of Anaheim’s Little Arabia district, the dishes on offer are Palestinian and Egyptian in origin.
Olive Tree Restaurant, 512 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA
Revolutionario L.A.
During Ramadan, Revolutionario will serve their Iftar specials starting before sundown for those who just want to try the dishes and stay open extra late, until 10pm, to accommodate traditional after-dark dining. The menu changes daily, focusing on north African flavors of couscous, merguez and tagine. Twice a week, they’ll offer free cooking classes so you can master a few signature dishes of your own.
Revolutionario L.A., 1436 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
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