About the interviewee
From Egypt to the World with my hashtag #NKtraveljournal
Nadine Khaled
1. Tell us a little bit about how Muslims in Egypt prepare for Ramadan? Is there anything they do specifically before the first day of Ramadan?
Egyptians prepare for Ramadan by doing decorations and lights inside their houses and in the streets. You’ll find a lot of groups preparing and distributing food boxes for poor people.
2. How would you describe the overall Ramadan spirit in Egypt? Does it have a different feeling on the streets when you go out in Ramadan?
Ramadan in Egypt is super different from any country. It has its own spirit and vibe shown in the decorations in every street in Egypt. There are tents and food trucks for iftar and suhoor that creates a very special Ramadan spirit.
3. How does a typical iftar would look like?
A typical iftar in Egypt often contains Egyptian local food. Like all kinds of mahshy, molokheya, and doves.
4. How does a typical suhur (suhoor) would look like?
A typical suhoor always contains eggs, bean “foul”, musqaea, fries, and yogurt.
5. Is there any food or drink that is specifically consumed in Ramadan? Yes, please tell us about the deserts.
Of course, you’ll always find different kinds of Egyptian Ramadan drinks like subia, dom, qmar el deen, and roselle “karkadeh”. And when we come to “kunafa” dessert, we’re the most creative people to do different toppings on it. Like lotus kunafa, Nutella kunafa, mango kunafa, caramel kunafa, and a lot more.
6. How do people celebrate Eid al-Fitr?
Egyptians celebrate Eid al-Fitr right after praying for it. All mosques are always completely full inside so we pray outside in the streets. After that, you’ll find people distributing “kahk” the most famous Egyptian dessert in Eid al-Fitr. Balloons, music, and people smiling at you is what you’ll see in the streets.
7. What makes Egypt special in Ramadan? Tell us about any activities, festivals, bazaars, etc..
What makes Egypt special in Ramadan is mostly food. You’ll find food festivals everywhere in Egypt for iftar and suhoor. Long tables in the streets having iftar for poor people so they can have iftar together as Ramadan is all about gatherings and eating with others not alone. The groups who are giving dates and juice 10 minutes before iftar for the people driving home in case they were late. Food trucks and people doing desserts in their home and selling it. Ramadan in Egypt is honestly all about food and gatherings with the beloved ones also to eat.
8. What should travelers expect to experience if they visit Egypt in Ramadan?
Travelers should experience doing what Egyptians do in Ramadan starting from decorating with them to distributing dates before iftar to eating all kinds of food cooked in Ramadan to finally celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
9. If I was visiting Egypt in Ramadan, where would be the best place to have iftar?
The best place to have iftar is in any Egyptian home to feel Ramadan vibes at its finest. Or in any Ramadan tent that serves Egyptian food.
10. Anything else you want to share about Ramadan in Egypt?
Just come visit Egypt in Ramadan and have fun eating the best food.
RAMADAN 2020 PROJECT: Fellow sisters and brothers around the world joined Halal Travel Experts to spread the joy and knowledge of Ramadan. To become a part of this exciting project, email us at blog@halaltravels.com. It is just 10 simple questions but the answers go beyond the oceans.
