From sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, which began Sunday evening, March 10, and lasts until Tuesday, April 9, observant Muslims stave off eating or drinking anything during daylight hours. The fast, one of the five pillars of Islam, lasts during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. But when night falls, the fast is broken with food, prayer, family and friends.
“During the months of Ramadan, there are spontaneous organic evening events where members of the community break their fast,” Gaurav Srivastava, a representative from the planning firm Dudek, told the Orange County Register in 2023. “These are often communal events that are hosted in parking lots that function as night markets.”
In addition to impromptu events, Orange County, especially Anaheim’s Little Arabia District, offers a slew of spots for dining after fasting during Ramadan where halal meals (food deemed permissible under Islamic law) can be found a la carte or, even better, buffet style for iftar and suhoor dining. (The first pre-sunrise meal is called suhoor; the second and final meal of the day is the iftar, which doesn’t happen until after sunset.)
Here are a handful of eateries from which to choose. Reservations strongly encouraged.
Please note: This list doesn’t cover every single Orange County restaurant offering Ramadan fasting-break fare; consider it a guide to some favorites, or a starting point for your iftar meals. Check the restaurants’ websites for expanded hours of operation.
Al Amir Bakery (Anaheim): Casual dining spot — featuring Lebanese pizzas, baklava, zaatar, lahm-bajeen, kafta and cheese, and more — will extend its hours until 3 a.m. during Ramadan. 905 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim
Al Sultan Restaurant (Anaheim): An iftar buffet, including appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages, costs $40. 1707 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim
Aleppo’s Kitchen (Anaheim): Aleppian restaurant offers a set meal of its Syrian fare that includes six appetizers, one entree, a dessert and beverage. Cost is $55 for adults and $35 for kids 12 and under. Reservations only. 2414 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim
Cairo Restaurant and Cafe (Anaheim): Egyptian spot features buffet with chicken, lamb, beef, hummus, kobeba, hawawshy and more. Adults pay $38.99 and kids 5 to 12 years of age cost $19.99. 10832 Katella Ave., Anaheim
Chili Chutney (Lake Forest): Buffet is available Tuesday, March 12 through Sunday, March 17 from 7 until 9 p.m., priced at $29.99 for adults and $15 for those under 10. You can also enjoy such signature dishes from the regular menu as qabili palau, beef bolani and qorma kofta. 24301 Muirlands Blvd., Lake Forest
Desert Moon (Anaheim): Buffet of lamb, chicken, dolmas, yogurt cucumber salad and more at this halal Mediterranean spot costs $45. Gab Chabrán and Yusra Farzan of LAist recommend, among other choice dishes, the lamb mansaf, noting that the “tangy jameed yogurt sauce takes pride of place for mains — allocate time for a post-mansaf nap. You have been warned.” Reservations required. 888 Brookhurst St., Anaheim
El Mahroosa (Anaheim): Iftar buffet will revolve daily (check out El Mahroosa’s Facebook and Instagram for the daily menu), a feast that will include whole lamb with kabsa rice, molokhia, oven-roasted chicken, pasta with bechamel, hummus fatteh, rice, kushari, plus 22 different kinds of appetizers and desserts. 930 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim
SEE ALSO: Muslims’ month of contemplation and worship
House of Mandi (Anaheim): Yemeni restaurant offers lamb mandi, lamb haneeth, big mova fish (a traditional dish from Aden, Yemen), as well as a $35 buffet for the iftar. 518 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim
Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen (Fullerton): Executive chef Imran ‘Ali’ Mookhi, owner of Fullerton’s twice-Michelin recognized Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen, will offer complimentary dates, fruit and rose water for diners before serving the iftar (the first meal after the fast) each night. 229 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton
Little Arabia (Anaheim): While no buffet will be served this year, guests at Ihab Elannan’s restaurant can enjoy a set menu of Lebanese cuisine. 638 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim
Masala Bae (Tustin): Halal Indian spot will offer an all-you-can-eat iftar buffet from Tuesday, March 12 through Friday, April 12 from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., with the buffet priced at $25 for adults, $12.99 for ages between 5 to 16 years old and free for kids under 5. 13812 Red Hill Ave, Tustin
