Menu Offerings for Ramadan Events

We're in the midst of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims engage in various group events and activities that hold cultural, social and religious significance. While Muslims fast every day from sun up to sun down during the month, they often gather when they break their fasts and for Eid al-Fitr, the holiday following Ramadan.

Traditional foods vary widely across different cultures and regions during Ramadan, according to CKC Good Food Corporate Catering Chef Najil Bagdadi. "The foods will vary heavily depending on the region," he said. "There is a huge Muslim population in the Maphilindo (Malaysia, Philipines, Indonesia) region, so what they're eating will differ from what's eaten in Afghanistan or Albania, which will also differ from Lebanon or Turkey or North Africa. The only food that is universal is dates with butter milk, the food the Prophet (PBUH) reportedly ate to break his fast. It's high in calories and very filling. The general theme of Ramadan foods is high calories, high nutritional value and filling."

Chef Naj has many MENA-influenced items on CKC Good Food's catering menu that would be suitable for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr gatherings:

  • Appetizers: There are lots of snackable options! Consider: Thai-style satay or Gen. Tso's tofu skewers, chicken tikka or beef tenderloin kabobs, caprese or zucchini & mozzarella Skewers, baba ghanoush or hummus with pita chips/bread.
  • Soups: Potato leek with chive oil, North African chicken noodle with bedouin-style spices, Thai chicken coconut soup.
  • Rough-Cut Tabouli Salad with cucumber, tomato, onion, couscous, parsley, dill, iceberg lettuce, pita chips, lemon and garlic vinaigrette.
  • Greek Chop Chicken Salad with chicken breast, romaine, kalamata olives, cucumber, tomato, pepperoncinis, feta cheese with Mediterranean vinaigrette.
  • Sandwiches: Mediterranean tuna or grilled zucchini sandwich.
  • Grilled Meats: Any of our beef or chicken whole meats or BBQ classics would make hearty main courses for Eid events. The pollo alla brassa, BBQ chicken thighs and carne asada would be among our recommendations.
  • Pastries, Sweets & Desserts: Chef Naj recently expanded his dessert offerings to include MENA-favorites of basbousa, shirpera, semsmieh and cardamom snickerdoodle cookies.
  • Beverages: Sheer chai, a milk-based tea with a dash of honey and cardamom.

Ask about our Halal options when you place your catering inquiry.