As the sun dips and the azaan echoes across neighbourhoods, kitchens and food streets across India begin their quiet rush. Iftar is not just about breaking the fast. It is about gathering, sharing, and returning to food that carries memory. Every city has a plate that signals Ramadan evenings have truly begun. From slow-cooked stews to smoky grills, these dishes travel from bustling markets to dining tables where families sit together after a long day of fasting.
Here is a look at how Iftar tastes across different Indian cities.
Hyderabad – Haleem
In Hyderabad, Ramadan and Haleem move together. But haleem is no longer limited to Hyderabad. Over the years, it has travelled to cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, where local kitchens prepare their own versions during the holy month. In some places, you’ll find subtle tweaks in spice levels or texture, reflecting regional tastes. Large vessels simmer through the day as wheat, lentils and meat are stirred for hours into a thick blend. By late afternoon, queues begin forming outside well-known outlets. For many families, bringing home a pack of Haleem is almost a responsibility during Ramadan.
At home, the bowl is placed at the centre of the table after dates and water. It is eaten slowly, sometimes with a squeeze of lemon on top. Even those who eat lightly at Iftar make space for at least a few spoons. On days when traffic feels overwhelming, many families simply check Zomato to see which Haleem kitchens nearby are delivering, making it easier to bring the same tradition home without stepping into the rush.
Delhi – Kebabs and Fruit Chaat
Around Jama Masjid in Delhi, Ramadan evenings stretch into food walks. Seekh kebabs come off open grills while fruit chaat vendors mix fresh cuts with chaat masala and lime. The combination of grilled meat and fruit balances the table — something filling, something refreshing.
In many Delhi households, someone heads out shortly before sunset to collect parcels wrapped in foil. But over the years, ordering in has become common too. Families scroll through Zomato, compare ratings of kebab outlets, and place timed orders so that the food arrives just before the azaan. It allows them to avoid crowded lanes while still enjoying the flavours of Old Delhi.
Mumbai – Nalli Nihari
Mumbai’s Mohammad Ali Road has its own Ramadan energy. Among the many dishes served there, Nalli Nihari stands out. The slow-cooked gravy and tender meat make it suitable for an evening meal that follows a long fast. It is usually paired with naan or roti and eaten at a steady pace.
In homes across Mumbai, Nihari is often ordered on weekends when relatives gather. Instead of cooking multiple dishes, families choose one trusted restaurant and order a larger portion. Zomato becomes a practical tool here — especially for checking delivery time estimates during peak Ramadan hours, when kitchens are handling high demand.
Lucknow – Galouti Kebabs
Lucknow’s Galouti kebabs remain central to its Ramadan tables. Soft and served with paratha, they are easy to eat and carry the city’s culinary history in each bite. Many families return to the same outlets year after year, building loyalty around taste and consistency.
At Iftar, Galouti kebabs are placed alongside sharbat and light snacks. In recent years, even traditional households have begun ordering them online. Through Zomato, they can filter by rating and delivery distance, ensuring that the kebabs arrive warm without someone needing to navigate evening traffic.
Kolkata – Chicken Chaap
In Kolkata, Zakaria Street becomes the heart of Ramadan evenings. Chicken Chaap, rich and slow-cooked, is often paired with paratha or roomali roti. Families either step into the crowd to soak in the atmosphere or recreate that experience at home.
Many now prefer ordering through Zomato, especially when elderly family members are present. The app allows users to sort by top-rated restaurants or fastest delivery. Some outlets list offers such as “up to 60% off,” though these are usually capped and valid only during certain hours. Free delivery benefits, where available, help when placing group orders for larger families.
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During Ramadan, convenience matters as much as taste. Zomato’s premium filters — like rating, cuisine type, and delivery time — make it easier to narrow down choices quickly in that short gap between sunset and prayer. The discounts, while time-based and limited, can ease the cost of repeated evening orders through the month.
Across Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow and Kolkata, the dishes may change, but the purpose remains constant. Iftar is about gathering after a day of restraint. Some families still step into crowded streets to bring food home. Others prefer the quiet of their dining tables, placing orders online and waiting for the doorbell to ring. However it arrives, the Iftar plate continues to connect homes across cities, carrying memory, routine and shared conversation with every bite.
