Ramadan: This is what the Islamic month of fasting looks like for me

Address: Honey and Smoke, 216 Great Portland St, London W1W 5QW
Website: honeyandco.co.uk/honey-smoke

Open Iftar, various locations 

The Open Iftar initiative by the Ramadan Tent Project started to bring people from different faiths and cultures together to open the fast more than a decade ago. With a mission to build bridges across diverse communities, they have connected over 500,000 people through their daily iftars, hosted nationwide, from Trafalgar Square to Coventry Cathedral. This is an excellent option if you want to learn more about Islam and want a taste of what Ramadan stands for; just be sure to make a booking early to secure your seat at the next big iftar!

Ritu, St Johns Wood 

In St John’s Wood, Ritu has created an exceptional iftar menu for families and friends breaking fast together. For £30 per person, you will be presented with a platter of dates, fruits, a rose and nut sherbet, and laban (a buttermilk drink) to end your fast, followed by the appetisers of corn and jalapeno samosas and yellow pepper pakoras. Mains are served shortly after, consisting of chicken tikka and Nawabi-style lamb chapli kebabs served with masala and cheese kulcha. 

Address: Ritu, 1 Blenheim Terrace, London NW8 0EH
Website: ritu.london

The Orangery by Sapnas, Stockley Park

The three-course iftar menu at The Orangery by Sapnas is the ideal destination if you’re looking to take the family out during Ramadan. Break your fast with Medjool dates and crispy pakoras before being served an assortment of starters, including the famous Sapna’s aloo papri chaat, masala fish, seekh kebab and chicken tikka. Tuck into butter chicken, palak paneer and lamb karahi with rice and fresh naan for the mains and then end your meal with some sweet gajar halwa and kulfi with kadak tea. You won’t even need to have suhoor after this meal! 

Address: The Orangery, Golf Club, Stockley Park, Hayes, Uxbridge UB11 1AQ
Website: theorangery.uk

Melur by Pak Awie x Nasi Bungkus, Paddington 

For some of the finest Malaysian cuisine in town, head for the iftar buffet at Melur by Pak Awie restaurant, who has joined forces with Alia Ahmed of Nasi Bungkus. Expect tables filled with an assortment of classic Malaysian dishes, including fish, chicken and lamb curries, chilli lamb, fried chicken and asam laksa, fruit platters, desserts, and plenty of teh tarik and kopi tarik (tea and coffee made with sweet condensed milk) to keep you going through the night. You’ll be able to get all of the above for £25 per person, but booking is essential.

Address: Melur, 175A Edgware Rd, Tyburnia, London W2 1ET
Website: melur.co.uk