by ABFRLadmin | March 28, 2025
Eid is just around the corner, and you know what that means—it’s time for feasting, family, and festive flavours! Whether you’re hosting a grand dinner, visiting loved ones, or simply looking for delicious dishes to try, Eid is the perfect occasion to indulge in some of the most iconic and mouth-watering foods from across the world.
From the sizzling kebabs of the Middle East to the rich, fragrant Biryani of South Asia and the irresistible, syrupy baklava of Turkey, every culture has its own special way of celebrating Eid with food. So why not take inspiration from these global delicacies and bring something new to your Eid table this year?
Get ready for a culinary journey across the world, where we explore the most beloved Eid dishes, their rich histories, and what makes them so special. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect feast for your Eid celebrations!
Middle Eastern Magic: Kebabs, Cookies & Syrupy Delights
In the heart of the Middle East, Eid is a grand affair filled with family gatherings, vibrant street decorations, and, of course, tables overflowing with delicious dishes. The aroma of spices fills the air as people indulge in slow-cooked meats, delicate pastries, and rich desserts.
Must-Try Middle Eastern Eid Dishes:
Lamb or Beef Kebabs
Imagine biting into tender, smoky, and spice-marinated meat, fresh off the grill. The charred edges add just the right amount of crispiness, and when paired with fluffy pita, hummus, and cooling yogurt sauce, it’s a flavour explosion you’ll never forget!
Maamoul
These aren’t just cookies; they’re tiny, edible pieces of art! Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pastries stuffed with sweet dates, crunchy pistachios, or walnuts, all pressed into beautiful, intricate shapes. Every bite tastes like home, tradition, and pure Eid happiness.
Qatayef
Picture this: fluffy, golden pancakes stuffed with creamy cheese or nuts, then fried to crispy perfection and drenched in orange blossom syrup. One bite, and you’ll wonder where these little treats have been all your life!
Did You Know? In the UAE, Eid isn’t just about food—it’s also about vibrant decorations! Families hang rainbow-colored banners outside their homes, while parks and arenas are lit up with festival flags for those celebrating together.
South Asia’s Royal Spread: Biryani, Nihari & Sheer Khurma
Eid in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh is a celebration of flavours that warm the soul. Kitchens come alive with the aroma of slow-cooked stews, fragrant rice, and sweet treats simmering on the stove.
South Asian Eid Must-Try Dishes:
Biryani
If Eid had a superstar dish, this would be it! Layers of fluffy basmati rice, tender spiced meat, and golden-fried onions, all infused with saffron and aromatic spices. Every family has their own special recipe, but one thing is universal—it’s always cooked with love and served with a smile.
Nihari
The ultimate comfort food, Nihari is a rich, slow-cooked meat stew that simmers overnight, allowing all the deep flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to blend perfectly. Served with buttery naan or crispy paratha, this dish is like a warm, delicious hug on a plate.
Sheer Khurma
Eid mornings wouldn’t be complete without a steaming bowl of this creamy, dreamy dessert. Soft vermicelli noodles, soaked in sweetened milk, flavored with cardamom, and loaded with dates and nuts—it’s pure indulgence with every spoonful!
Eid Tradition: South Asian families prepare extra food and distribute it to the less fortunate, ensuring everyone shares in the festive joy. Because Eid is as much about giving as it is about feasting!
Turkey’s Sweet & Savory Treasures: Baklava, Börek & Sac Kavurma
In Turkey, Eid – known as Şeker Bayramı (Sugar Feast)—is literally a sweet celebration! Families spend days baking treats, children run around with pockets full of candy, and elders are honored with special hand-kissing gestures.
Turkish Eid Favorites:
Baklava
The crispiest, flakiest layers of filo pastry, generously filled with chopped nuts and drenched in golden honey syrup. One bite, and you’ll taste sweet, nutty perfection that’s been loved for centuries.
Börek
These savory, flaky pastries are filled with gooey cheese, spiced minced meat, or fragrant spinach. Baked to golden perfection, they make the perfect snack for festive gatherings.
Sac Kavurma
If you love bold flavors and juicy, tender meat, this is the dish for you! Chunks of marinated lamb stir-fried over an open flame, mixed with onions, peppers, and a secret blend of Turkish spices. Served with warm bread and rice, it’s the heart of every Turkish Eid feast.
Turkish Eid Fun Fact: Elders are deeply respected—it’s a tradition to kiss their right hand and place it on your forehead as a sign of honour and gratitude.
Africa’s Bold & Vibrant Eid Feast: Jollof Rice, Akara & Kunafa
Across Africa, Eid is a vibrant and communal event, filled with music, dance, and an incredible variety of dishes that bring people together. From Nigeria to Morocco and Somalia, every region boasts its own delicious take on festive food!
Eid Must-Haves in Africa:
Jollof Rice
Bright red-orange rice simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, bursting with the flavors of onions, garlic, and spices. Served with grilled chicken or fried plantains, this dish steals the show at every Eid feast!
Akara
Crispy, deep-fried bean fritters with a golden crust and a soft, fluffy center. Served hot and fresh, they’re the ultimate Eid snack, best enjoyed with a cold drink and good company.
Kunafa
Imagine a crispy, golden pastry stuffed with gooey cheese or creamy custard, soaked in sweet rose-scented syrup. Every bite is a crunchy, syrupy delight!
Did You Know? In Nigeria, Eid carnivals and parades fill the streets with joy, featuring drummers, dancers, and colorful outfits as families share home-cooked meals.
Southeast Asia’s Tropical Eid Delights: Rendang, Ketupat & Kuih
Southeast Asia’s Eid festivities, known as Lebaran in Indonesia and Hari Raya in Malaysia, are all about family reunions, heartfelt prayers, and an abundance of traditional treats. People travel miles to be with their loved ones, and the streets come alive with decorations and festive markets.
Southeast Asian Eid Delights:
Rendang
This spicy, coconut-infused meat stew is slow-cooked for hours, absorbing all the flavors of lemongrass, turmeric, and chili. The result? Tender, caramelized beef that’s so rich and flavorful, it practically melts in your mouth!
Ketupat
These cute little rice cakes wrapped in woven palm leaves are a symbol of forgiveness and gratitude. They’re usually served with satay, spicy sambal, or coconut-based curries.
Kuih
Colorful, bite-sized Malaysian and Indonesian sweets made with pandan, coconut, and sticky rice flour. They’re soft, chewy, and impossible to stop eating!
Unique Tradition: In Indonesia, people light torches and parade through the streets the night before Eid in a beautiful display of festivity and togetherness.
A Global Feast of Unity
Eid is not just about the food—it’s about love, gratitude, and bringing people together. No matter where you are in the world, the joy of sharing a meal with family and friends is a universal tradition that defines this festival.
From the spicy Biryani of South Asia to the syrupy Baklava of Turkey, each dish tells a story of culture, heritage, and celebration. So, whether you’re savouring grilled Kebabs in the Middle East or indulging in Jollof Rice in Africa, know that Eid is a time for connection, generosity, and unforgettable flavours!
Eid Mubarak! May your celebrations be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food!
