The Many Flavours of Eid

You’ve seen your Muslim friends around you fasting this past month. And you know what’s coming next. Eid, or as it is officially known, Eid-al-Fitr. This day marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a time dedicated to fasting so that Muslims learn the importance of the things they might take for granted. It is also a time for generosity, and reflection.

After the crescent moon is seen, the next day is considered to be the day of celebration. The day is dedicated not only to commemorate the end of fasting but also give thanks to Allah as the Quran was received by the Prophet Muhammad in this month.

The one thing Indians generally associate with Eid is biryani but that is not the only dish prepared on this day. Read about the different foods you can taste and savour at these exciting locations.

Jordan

A land with a long-lasting tradition of welcoming people. Its history is steeped with diverse cultures all thanks to the Nabataean tradesmen, the Roman legionnaires, Muslim armies and zealous Crusaders who have left their mark. Today it is a prominent part of the Middle East and with a Muslim majority, Eid-al-Fitr is an amazing time to visit the country. Jordan has a variety of dishes to satisfy your palate during the festival of Eid. Kanafeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made of semolina dipped in a rich sugary syrup topped with a layer of cheese or cream. Each bite is a wave of flavour as it melts in your mouth. Then there are Baklava and Qatayef, also popular sweets in the country. A novelty during the month of Ramadan is the drink Tamer Hindi, a popular summer drink made of tamarinds. And once you’ve had your fill, explore the rich and amazing monuments of Kingdom of Jordan.

Petra, an ancient city lingering with the myths and mysteries of the past is on the top of every visitor’s must-see list. There are options of desert camping and hiking so it will certainly be an exciting visit. The moody Wadi Rum desert is the perfect site to teach yourself the joy of simple living. A two-day desert camp is enough to go back to the basics. And a dip in the Dead Sea will rejuvenate you after a tiring day. Though you won’t really be able to dip in it as the high salt concentration makes you float on water. And who would want to miss that chance!

Malaysia, One of the Best Place to Visit on Eid-al-Fitr

This Asian country is a lively and zestful mix with fast-paced cities and languid beaches. One thing you may not have known about this place though is the fact that it a majority of the population practises Islam. So, it’s no surprise that Eid-al-Fitr is a big deal here. And the best thing about the festival is the food. The tastes vary from spicy, meaty dishes like Rendang which is (usually) beef cooked in coconut milk and a mix of flavourful spices to its simple accompaniment Ketupat (a rice dumpling). Other traditional dishes are Lontong (rice cakes), Serunding (fried coconut) and Satay (grilled meat). And then you can take your pick from the kuih-muih – different bite-sized desserts.

This was just the food. Malaysia has even more to offer to its visitors. The iconic Petronas Towers, the world’s tallest twin towers are a must-visit in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. And if you want to relax away from the rapid city life, head to Langkawi Island. Soak in the sun as you breathe in the fresh air along the gentle waves of the sea. Or if you prefer a little more activity go to the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park where you can go hiking, trekking, swimming and scuba diving. Then there’s always the Genting Highlands. A favourite among locals and tourist, it has a wide range of things on its plate. Amusement parks and restaurants, plus the location gives visitors a chance to pick fresh produce from the different fruit and vegetable farms.

Suggested Read : A Small Travel Guide to make the most of Malaysia

Egypt

The land of the mummies has a long and wealthy history. And steeped in it are the people of Egypt. A link between the African continent and the Middle East, the country’s current dominant population are Muslims. But the Eid delicacies you will find here are quite different from the Middle East. A famous dish is the Samak Mashwi, which is a succulent marinated and grilled fish. Another item that is generally recommended is Fatta – an authentic dish which is a delectable meat soup served with rice. And to finish off with a dessert have some Kahk, these are Egyptian cookies with a scrumptious filling of nuts and a coating of powdered sugar.

Egypt has always been a favourite for every traveller. And rightly so with all the breathtaking sites it has. Everyone starts with the Pyramids Sphinx of Giza, and you certainly shouldn’t miss out on the chance to witness these architectural marvels of the Ancient World. They are followed by the temples at Abu Simbel when it comes to imposing and grand designs. They are a testimony to the Pharaohs of a time long gone by. Just like the different museums in the area, which are treasure troves of Egyptian history. Visit the Badr Musuem or the Coptic Museum to learn what we know about this ancient civilization.

Also Read : Shopping in Egypt – 8 Best Places For The Shopaholics Out There

Turkey

Turkey has always been a favourite destination for everyone, and one of the reasons is its cuisine. All Turkish food is a delight, not just the confections with the similar name. This is definitely the place to be on Eid-al-Fitr. You can begin celebrating Eid with a bowl of Corba, a healthy soup with a base of your choice. Get a bite of Kumpir near Ortakoy – a different take on baked potatoes. And then there are the world-famous kebabs. They are not limited to one type. There is the Testi (a mix of vegetables and cooked meat), the spicy Adana kebab (grilled minced meat) and the Iskendar kebab. Have these with a plate of hummus and pita bread, staples that will be devoured to the last morsel.

A place with a wealth of history, food is not the only aspect Turkey excels at. Take a trip to the geological marvel that is Cappadocia. Honeycombed hills and towering boulders, you can see the innovative ways people have built structures in this land. The Goreme Open-Air Museum is one of the most famous among them. If you ever wondered what the ancient cities looked like, Ephesus is the place to go. It is the best preserved and the grandest of the ancient ruins of Turkey. Another prime spot to visit is the Aya Sofya Museum, which is a testimony to the diverse and dynamic history of the country.

Wherever you wish to celebrate, Thomas Cook will take you there. Contact us for more details about our different packages