Ramadan in UAE: Kozhikode biryani and more at Keralite family’s Malabari iftar

Abu Dhabi: Kerala’s Malabar region is famous for its unique and vibrant iftar celebrations during Ramadan. Even though they are miles away from their coastal city roots in Kozhikode, an Abu Dhabi-based Keralite family strives to strike the perfect blend of food, tradition, culture, and the spirit of sharing during the holy month.

“We’ve been in Abu Dhabi for more than a decade now. We’re from the Malabar region in Kerala, which is known for its delicious food,” said Masroora KK, who lives with her husband and two children Shanza Zafreen, 11, and Izhaan Zaeem, 6, in Abu Dhabi’s Al Khalidiyah.

Sharing the joys and struggles of observing Ramadan far from their homeland, she noted: “Honestly, we don’t feel homesick because we prepare everything at home. My mother and grandmother were amazing cooks, so I learned a lot from them. And if I ever have any doubts while cooking, I just do a video call with them to get it right.”

Her husband, Nisar KK, who works as a finance controller at a private-sector firm, said: “I have a lot of friends and family members living in the Emirates, so we often get together for iftar. It feels just like home when we break our fast as a group.”

Nisar pointed out that the community spirit in the UAE is “unbelievable”.

“Every other day, there is some iftar gathering to attend. But personally, I prefer breaking my fast with my family and children. The best part about Ramadan is the shorter working hours, which means we get to spend more time together.”

Iftar in Kozhikode isn’t just about a lavish spread of dishes, but a community event and a time for bonding. Things are no different in the UAE. Joining the family for iftar were Masroora’s cousin, Anvar T. Rehiman, a civil engineer, his wife Naseeha Anvar, and their three children Saeed Anvar, 10, Hatim Anvar, 7, and one-year-old baby Hezlyn Amira. Since both families live nearby, they meet often and break their fast together.

“Sometimes, we prepare food and head to a nearby park so the children can enjoy themselves. The weather is nice now, so it is great to be outdoors for iftar,” said Anvar.

“We share food with our neighbours, and they often share theirs with us. That is what Ramadan is all about — sharing and community.”

For iftar, Masroora usually prepares Kozhikodan biryani — Malabar biryani made with fragrant rice, tender meat, and aromatic spices, and mutton curry, along with popular Keralite snacks like ari pathiri (pancakes made of rice flour), unnakaya (spindle-shaped sweet dumplings made from banana), kallumakkaya fry (fried mussels), and other items like dates, fruit salad, Malabar-style kebabs, cutlets, and juices.

“Kozhikode is known as the ‘City of Spices’, and our mix makes the dishes special and beloved by many. Even though I knew how to cook these dishes before, I have improved a lot since moving to the UAE,” Masroora admitted. “Back home, my mother was always there, so I didn’t have to do much. But here, we were on our own, so I had no choice but to learn. Now, Alhamdulillah, I can cook pretty much anything and keep my family healthy and happy,” she underlined.

As the call to prayer marked the end of the fast, the family gathered at the table to celebrate the spirit of sharing and unity.