As dusk falls over Bengaluru during Ramadan, several neighbourhoods turn into vibrant food hubs. The call to prayer at sunset marks the end of the day’s fast — with no food and no water — and soon the smell of grilled meat, spices, and desserts fills the air. From traditional Muslim neighborhoods to newer festival sites, the city embraces a month-long celebration of culinary delights and community. Popular hotspots this year include Sheesh Mahal on Palace Grounds, Koramangala near Empire, and the Chandni Chowk area in Shivajinagar. The iftar food streets are the most iconic attractions, with rows of evening stalls serving dishes prepared specially for breaking the fast. Slow-cooked haleem is a crowd favourite, with many opting for skewers of seekh kebabs, boti kebabs, and malai tikka sizzling over charcoal grills while vendors flip baida roti, keema samosas, and crispy cutlets on large iron tawas. Many stalls also offer biryani, mandi rice, khichda, and nalli nihari, attracting both fasting devotees and curious food lovers. “I’m a mother and homemaker often bored to death at home. This year, I set up a stall with homemade kebabs, cakes, sweets, and chocolates. It is very empowering for me and other women here,” said Farah Mubarak at the Sheesh Mahal Ramadan food festival. Desserts round out the experience with phirni, malpua and rabri, jalebi, and sheer kurma and as well as Turkish sweets such as baklava and kunafa. Rose milk (mohabbat ki sharbaat) and refreshing lime soda are among the favourite drinks. A Festival Of Communities Ramzan food culture has moved beyond traditional areas, drawing a wide mix of visitors. “We welcome people from all communities. This is our second year organising this festival at Palace Sheesh Mahal, with stalls offering food, fashion, jewellery and home-made attar perfumes. Hundreds of food stalls remain open from 5 pm to 3 am,” said Muyeen Wahab, the organiser of the 20-day festival, which will end on March 19. This festival is the most sought-after this year, with organised stalls and expos under a single roof. “Most Muslims will fast throughout the month, every day with just suhur/sehri and iftar daily. This is already considered a healthy practice. So, we generally don’t dedicate special healthy meals at stalls because after fasting, people do love to indulge in all sorts of delicacies,” said Muyeen Wahab. In Shivajinagar, Chandni Chowk, Mosque Road and nearby streets, host a bustling Ramadan mela with shawarma, kebabs, seafood dishes, and elaborate iftar platters alongside classic dishes for the month of fasting. “It’s a tradition to set up stalls for everyone to enjoy delicious food and embrace the celebrations. Skewers are the most in demand among people,” said Fahad, a vendor at the Shivajinagar mela. At Koramangala, haleem vendor Abdul said they often cook the meals before dawn and after 8 pm daily, to keep them fresh. “After breaking our daily fast, we set up the food stalls for everyone.” Warm, Cosy Home Gatherings House gatherings to break the fast are an equally cherished tradition. Friends Shahista and Fathima Siraj curated a community iftar gathering at home, designing and styling the entire table with a refined, Pinterest-inspired aesthetic that blended elegance with warmth. The spread included both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies to keep it inclusive. “More than a dining experience, the gathering aimed to create a space where people from different backgrounds can connect, share moments, and celebrate the spirit of Ramadan together,” said Shahista. Tameena Ali, who recently attended two house iftars stretching till 5 am, said, “The food was mostly homemade with minimal catering.” She also went to eat from stalls in Frazer Town and Koramangala. “House gatherings feel warm and personal, while street parties are more fun and lavish.” Not just food, she was also busy buying accessories such as rings, pendants and earrings to match her newly-purchased outfits for Eid. What sets Bengaluru’s Ramadan scene apart is its diverse crowd — tech workers stopping by after work, families out for an evening, students and tourists. The lively conversations, clanging ladles and the glow of festive lights create an atmosphere reminiscent of an enchanting street carnival. Free Sehri boxes for those who are fasting Irfan Khan (36), distributes 1,100 sehri boxes daily within a 14 km radius around Chickpet Metro Station with the help of 100 volunteers. The ‘Irfan I Care Sehri Project’ distributes boxes to patients and their families in hospitals and to people living in PGs, funded mostly by contributions from relatives. Another team led by Sadiq Rahmatullah distributes 500-600 sehri meals in Shivajinagar, Ulsoor, Benson Town, Kamraj Commercial Area, Chinnappa Garden, Marappa Garden, and Vasanthnagar. “We provide sehri boxes which usually include ghee rice, dal, vegetables, sometimes mutton biryani, raita, and occasionally a sweet — enough for those fasting to start their day with dignity,” he said. Voice Box Iftar gatherings carry great blessings — sharing food, strengthening bonds and remembering Allah together. Even offering a simple date or water can become a source of immense reward.
Fayiza Sulaiha
Fayiza Sulaiha, RESIDENT, THE PROMONT APARTMENT, BANASHANKARI 3RD STAGEIftar means simply to break the fast. During Ramadan, we bond over food, rituals and conversation. We had a small get together at our place last week.One of the major pillars in Islam is zakah(zakat). It is an annual financial obligation for Muslims who meet a minimum wealth threshold. Most people give money and food during Ramadan. Money is mostly given in charity to people in need, and food is given to everyone.
Samrin Hoda
At midnight, Muslims wake up for suhoor, a pre meal before beginning the fast.In Bengaluru, many local institutions are distributing sehri and iftar food.Samrin Hoda, RESIDENT, FRAZER TOWN Our iftar gathering focused on supporting homegrown entrepreneurs, with all the dishes thoughtfully curated from local home-based food creators.
Fathima Siraj
Shahista and Fathima Siraj, HOSTSFor the past five years, during the blessed month of Ramzan, our small team has come together every night to prepare and distribute Sehri meals to people who may not have access to food before fasting. What started as a small effort has now grown into a beautiful initiative where many helping hands join us to cook, pack, and deliver around 500–600 Sehri boxes daily across areas like Shivajinagar, Ulsoor, Benson Town, and Vasanthnagar.
Sadiq Rahmathulla
Seeing people begin their fast with a warm meal gives us immense happiness and reminds us that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference. Sadiq Rahmathulla and Shivajinagar Team, BENGALURU
