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5 min
17/02/2026
A modern iftar party is an innovative culinary celebration that blends classic dishes with modern elements while bringing a large group together to enjoy a wide selection of soups, snacks, entrees, and desserts. By providing a balanced mix of traditional night-time food that has been made with a creative flair, like mezze platters or fusion creations, the host can create an atmosphere that is both festive for the occasion yet not too overwhelming for its attendees.
An iftar party is more than just a gathering for a meal; it is an entire cultural event driven by hospitality, family, friends and joy within a shared community. As such, breaking your fast at sunset creates an opportunity for everyone to be with one another in honour of their common faith and to connect with one another through the physical act of sharing food. Traditional items such as lentil soup, samosas, biryani, or a slow-cooked main course are considered traditional comforts that provide a sense of continuity and security within a family legacy, while the addition of contemporary mezze, fusion of ethnic foods, and creative presentation introduces a new dimension to the meal and represents the changing global palate.
By hosting a modern iftar party, hosts embrace diversity whilst still maintaining their culture and heritage by creating a menu that incorporates both local and foreign food into a new way to enjoy the simple act of eating together.
No iftar would be complete without something warm and comforting to break your fast with. Lentil soup is one of the most commonly served soups in many Muslim cultures, high in protein and very gentle on the stomach after a long day of fasting. Often topped with a squirt of lemon, lentil soup will be the first item served and will help set up a warm and inviting atmosphere for the rest of the meal while also preparing your guests' palates for the heavier dishes to come.
While all dishes will vary in every iftar and with each ethnic background, traditional snacks form the centrepiece of any iftar menu spread. Samosas, pakoras, and kebabs are among the most popular and familiar snacks for most guests, and both Indian and Middle Eastern cultures especially value these types of snacks. In addition to the texture and flavour that the snacks provide, many of them are also typically served with some sort of chutney or cool yoghurt dip to help balance the spices. Additionally, several types of street vendors also serve a variety of dishes, such as seekh kebab wraps and shawarma wraps, which will add flavour and texture to your iftar party, but can also be very filling.
Main course menus frequently display a variety of Muslim cuisines. Popular throughout South Asia, biryani is a spiced rice and meat dish that shows off its complexity when served at many iftar events. Another popular dish at iftar is Arabian chicken mandi, which consists of marinated chicken cooked with flavourful rice and spices. Many regional dishes, such as maqluba, enhance the presentation of the meal by being flipped over before they are served.
Iftar party hosts are now introducing more non-traditional items. The introduction of live mezze stations and creative small plates (e.g., hummus served with artisanal bread, grilled halloumi skewers, eclectic salads) offers lighter, more social options. Fusion dishes that incorporate global culinary trends add excitement and include creative dishes such as lamb kofta tacos finished with a drizzle of tahini and shakshuka seasoned with a kick from harissa. These creative dishes create new experiences and allow the multi-course nature of the iftar to connect people across cultures.
A celebration of sweetness and tradition takes place at an iftar party through its desserts. A range of sweets from crispy kunafeh soaked in syrup to flaky baklava layered with nuts and honey creates a lovely contrast against the savoury mains. Traditional drinks such as rose sherbet or fruit-infused juices are refreshing and hydrating for guests at the end of a long day, while also helping them rejuvenate for the remainder of the evening. Thus, with both sweet and refreshing components making up the iftar party menu, guests will be able to enjoy their experience through the balance of flavour and texture they have been given, long after they have completed their fast.
An iftar party is a celebration marking the end of the daily fast taken by Muslims during the month of Ramadan, where families come together in a display of abundance - both in food and in hospitality. The menu at today's iftar parties is filled with dishes meant to satisfy not only the body but also the soul after a day of fasting.
