Watch: Inside the Federal family’s Dubai home for a unique Bohra iftar during Ramadan

Dubai: As the call to Maghrib prayer echoes through Dubai’s Al Garhoud neighbourhood, the Federal family’s villa buzzes with the preparations of deep-rooted traditions in Ramadan.

Here, the holy is not just about fasting — it’s about coming together for iftar (breaking the fast) in a way that resonates deeply with the Bohra community’s values of hospitality, spirituality, and the joy of sharing.

The Federal family, including Kaizer and Jumana Federal, along with their two daughters, Arwa Badani and Sherbanu Ezzy, and extended family, got together for a close-knit family iftar when Gulf News visited them.

We found that their iftar is a far cry from the lavish, heavy meals often found in restaurants. It was all about simple, yummy and wholesome food.

Dates, jaggery water and salt

The iftar at the Federals begins in a distinct style of Bohra community members hailing from India.

“We always break our fast with dates either with a drink like harira (dry fruit milk), or gol paani, or sometimes tea or coffee. It is very personal, depending on who prefers what,” said Arwa.

Once the fast is broken, the family performs the prayer and get back together to have a proper meal.

Before having anything else, the Federals observe a crucial step: eating a pinch of salt in a symbolic way, just like all Bohra community members.

“It is a belief that salt is known to cure many diseases and it helps activate taste buds,” said Kaizer, who runs a namesake leather company and a retail display design company in Dubai.

The Thaal platter

A key feature of the Bohra iftar is the Thaal, a large platter around which family and friends gather. “We don’t put an empty Thaal and sit in front of it. We first fill it up, then place it on the holder called Chumli, which is a round stand, for the family to enjoy together around it,” said Sherbanu, who works with her father in the family business.

Each dish is placed thoughtfully to ensure no one goes hungry and portion sizes are small to ensure no food is left over as it is an important policy of the community to strictly avoid food wastage.

“We make sure not to waste food. Portions are small so that everyone finishes what’s on their plate, and there’s never excess,” said Jumana, a homemaker known in the community for her quilting skills.

To begin, the hosts present a Chilamchi Lota to the guests for handwashing. This set includes a kettle-shaped vessel to pour water and a bucket-like container to catch it as the hands are cleaned. The Chilamchi Lota is brought out again for guests to wash their hands after the meal.

“In our culture, when you invite someone over, it’s a sign of respect. The host and family serve the food, whether it’s a small gathering or a large one, just like we help guests with washing hands,” said Kaizer.

What’s on the Thaal?

The Federal family’s Thaal included eight different items plus rice that was served separately. This is where the food comes to life: from Russian chicken cutlets and delicious mutton-filled samosas to dahi vada (lentil fritters, dunked in creamy yoghurt and topped with both spicy, sweet chutneys) and chana bateta made of chickpeas. “We also have lagan ni seekh — a meatloaf-like preparation made with minced meat, potatoes, tomatoes, and spices. It’s a very traditional Bohra dish which is baked,” explained Sherbanu.

In addition, a mutton kaari made with slow-cooked mutton and coconut milk, infused with Bohra-style spices brought over from India, was a special dish. “The kaari (gravy) is made with special Bohra kaari masala that we usually get from India,” said Jumana. This rich dish is accompanied by jeera (cumin) rice, topped with fried onions (birista) and fresh coriander.

Arwa, a passionate baker, prepared a special dessert for the occasion. “I make these cookie tarts for Ramadan. It’s decorated with mixed berries and shaped like a crescent moon, which is symbolic of the holy month.”

This dessert is a family favourite during iftars and one of the best sellers at her namesake cake studio.

However, the sweet treat that the family began savouring immediately after tasting salt was malpua, a fried, sweet pancake made with eggs, semolina (sooji), wheat flour (aatta), and saffron. “It’s a classic during Ramadan,” said Jumana.

Community spirit of Ramadan

The Bohra community, known for its strong sense of togetherness, usually gathers at community centres for prayers and communal iftar. It is only when the extended family gets together, they prefer to hold iftars at home. “We do go to the community centre where we sit together, pray, and share a meal,” said Sherbanu.

There, as in their home, the Thaal system is followed, with people eating together from a shared platter. “It’s a very meaningful tradition. It’s not just about the food, but about being present with the community, reflecting on the significance of Ramadan.”

These centres, scattered throughout Dubai, offer a place where families come together, share their blessings, and deepen their connection with the spiritual aspects of Ramadan, she added.