Halal Hacks for Ramadan: Easy Suhoor and Iftar Meals with Saffron Road

Author: Adnan Durrani, Founder & Chairman, Saffron Road

Salaams (Peace and Blessings) to all and Ramadan Kareem. One of the most beautiful aspects of the month of Ramadan – the ninth lunar month of the Islamic calendar – is how, after a day of fasting through the daylight hours, people gather together at sunset over a meal called iftar. 

There is something magical about sharing in the experience of breaking one’s fast at the same time as others. Busy families juggling their parental responsibilities and stress-filled days often prioritize taking a pause to make sure they collectively make time to have dinner together during this sacred month.

Deep bonds can be forged over a simple iftar meal. It doesn’t need to be difficult to invite a co-worker, friend or neighbor to partake in the communal act of coming together. Saffron Road makes it easy to have a simple but delicious meal with little effort on your part. In this age of hyper-digital interaction and device addiction, I find this increasingly important, reducing noise, seeking calm. In the beautiful words of Rumi: "Silence is the language of God, all else is poor translation.”

What’s a Better Alternative to Halal Takeout During Ramadan? When fasting during Ramadan, why put so much pressure on yourself for a perfect meal prep for every suhoor or iftar dinner? Give yourself a break with ultra convenience – without having to spend hours preparing for a hearty and fulfilling suhoor or an iftar. Saffron Road offers world class and authentic, clean label, healthy, halal, and delicious premade traditional food options. Especially given the rising costs of ordering out from a high-end restaurant (whether it be Indian, Thai, Mexican, Mediterranean, or Middle Eastern), Saffron Road is not only affordable compared to take out, but also a true halal take out alternative for Ramadan. If you want to enjoy culinary excellence with a nice variety of diverse global cuisines, then indulge in our delicious and convenient halal frozen entrees, ready in only 6 minutes, which is perfect if you are studying for finals in the early morning hours for suhoor or at work during iftar time. Chicken Biryani or Butter Chicken for suhoor anyone?  Didn’t you know these beloved meals aren’t for just dinner anymore? 😊

When snacking, consider protein-rich, CLEAN plant-based options like Saffron Road’s roasted organic chickpeas. Getting a protein fix will help curb your hunger after suhoor or can act as an excellent accompaniment to your iftar as a light snack. And of course– don’t forget a huge bottle of water! Make sure to plan ahead of time to gather the specific ingredients or specialty items you need.

Why Are Charity and Gratitude So Important During Ramadan? Ramadan reminds us that food is precious, and that it is not something to be taken for granted. Charity is another major aspect of Ramadan. Giving charity is obligatory during the month of Ramadan for all those who can afford it, and for most people, there is no better time to give. Fasting reminds you that there are people in the world who go without food and water on a daily basis, and that it is everyone’s job to empathize with this struggle and help to alleviate the suffering of those who are hungry.  

Can Food Truly Connect Families, Cultures, and Communities? Watching the chaos and joy as families excitedly gather around the table to break their fast on the first night of Ramadan is all the proof you need to know that food brings people together! At Saffron Road, we believe that food can heal societal wounds, bridge gaps of inequality, empower minority communities, and create lasting bonds, all because of its amazing power to shower joy on us, as well as nourish, comfort, and strengthen our body and soul, inwardly and outwardly.

My mission 16 years ago at Saffron Road was to provide, on a national level, authentic, international halal foods and halal frozen meals that were tayeeb (wholesome, pure, clean label) as well as of the highest quality. Fast forward to today: Mission Accomplished! I am so blessed to be able to have realized this dream, especially for the millions of American Muslims celebrating Ramadan, who can now purchase Saffron Road’s stellar halal products in 15,000 mainstream supermarkets encompassing all 50 states in the USA. Search for your nearest Saffron Road retailer on our  Store Locator.

From our family’s Ramadan table to yours, we wish you all the blessings of grace, mercy, and providence during this very enlightened month.

With gratitude, 
Adnan Durrani, Founder & Chairman, Saffron Road Foods