Ramadan is a time of contradiction. Meant to be the most austere month in the Islamic calendar, the solemnnity of daytime fasting is in sharp contrast to the post-sunset feasting. It is this all-pervasive sense of revelry that has people likening it to Christmas — just longer, bigger and better because it spans an entire month. And as with other festivities, the core sentiment is that of giving, be it the mandatory-for-Muslims zakat or more generic gifts.
GN Focus hunted down some delectable treats that are as creative as could be — take, for example boxes full of chocolates and macaroons and with decidedly vintage Vogue covers at Vogue Café.
But if you wish to forsake the style quotient in favour of something akin to a labour of love, then how about trying a treat more decadent? The Ooey Gooey Sticky Date Bundt Cake from Hey Sugar is made with whole, organic khalas dates topped with a soft and chewy caramel. For those who just can’t get enough, there is always the option of adding extra caramel on the side. And while celebrating the season, Hey Sugar also does kunafah cupcakes — a fusion version of the traditional Arabian dessert. Each cupcake is specially crafted to reflect Middle Eastern tastes, making it a delightful blend of western and eastern flavours.
If it’s Moroccan sweetness that suits your fancy, head to Almaz by Momo, whose sweet box consists of a selection of Moroccan pastries. It includes cornes de gazelle — crescent-shaped pastries filled with almond paste — chabakia or traditional Moroccan cookies, ghriba, fakas and briouat.
Then, from the far-flung shores of Sicily comes one of the oldest sweet dishes known to man — the cassata. This delicious dessert, retailing at Carluccio’s, is made with sponge cake filled with sweet ricotta cheese and chocolate and decorated with candied fruits and royal icing. Other ingredients include almonds and citrus fruits. The usage od chocolate and sponge cake highlights the Spanish influences in the dish.
Of course, there are lots of fail-safe options that have achieved cult status because you know you can’t go wrong with them. Beautifully decorated chocolate trays make for an ideal Ramadan gift.
You could also walk into any supermarket and put together a hamper of delicious treats or get speciality stores such as Milk and Honey to deliver customised hampers of fuss-free and nutritious bites. A delicious selection of gourmet cheeses, freshly baked gluten-free bread, tangy chutneys and tantalising pâtés are available as well that you can wrap up and gift to your favourite people.
