From my past experiences, having a full meal at Iftar before Ishak and Tarawih prayers make it hard to focus during prayers.

So I thought about it, and found that it’s best to have something light, like an appetizer before Ishak and Tarawih. I tried this out, and I felt less groggy or lethargic!

So here’s some appetizers (edited to make them a crowd favourite!) to be the highlight of your table before you proceed for Ibadah.

p.s. If you’re still hungry after a serving, cook a few of these together in batches and if it’s too much, reserve them for suhoor!

Crispy Potato Samosas

Golden, flaky, and packed with spiced potatoes, samosas sounds so delicious for Iftar. This is a classic appetizer that you can have any other day but if you have guests, you can impress them by playing with the spices. Let your guests learn that not all samosas are made the same!

How to Make It:

1. Boil and mash potatoes.
2. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices (cumin, coriander, garam masala).
3. Mix the spiced potatoes and let them cool.
4. Fill samosa wrappers with the potato filling and fold them into triangles.
5. Deep fry until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve with tamarind or mint chutney.

Cheese-Stuffed Dates

A sweet and savory combo that’s both easy and elegant. This is hands down the easiest and quickest way to get yourself filled with energy after a long day of fasting. Plus it doesn’t get too much!

How to Make It:

1. Slice Medjool dates in half and remove the pits.
2. Fill each date with cream cheese or goat cheese.
3. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios or drizzle with honey.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Spiced Lentil Soup

Sometimes our stomach takes time to get used to the change in mealtimes. So consider planning for a nourishing and comforting starter for Iftar.

How to Make It:

1. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil.
2. Add red lentils, cumin, turmeric, and vegetable broth.
3. Simmer until lentils are soft.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon.

Mini Chicken Kebabs

An easy and popular one that will always be sold at bazaars! Juicy, flavorful, and easy to eat!

How to Make It:

1. Marinate small chicken cubes with yogurt, lemon, garlic, and spices.
2. Skewer onto small sticks and grill or pan-sear.
3. Serve with garlic sauce or tzatziki.

Chilled Yogurt Cucumber Bites

For a cool and refreshing treat for Iftar, try these chilled yogurt cucumber bites. It looks simple, but it is a treat!

How to Make It:

1. Slice cucumbers into thick rounds.
2. Top each slice with a dollop of seasoned Greek yogurt.
3. Sprinkle with fresh dill and a dash of paprika.

Crispy Onion Pakoras

In case you are craving for something crunchy and savory, deep fry some crispy onion pakoras! It is a deep-fried delight that’s crunchy and can be full of flavor.

How to Make It:

1. Mix thinly sliced onions with chickpea flour, spices, and water.
2. Drop spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until crispy.
3. Serve with tamarind chutney.

Spicy Shrimp Skewers

A quick, protein-packed option for seafood lovers and one of my favorites. Grill it until there’s a little bit of char, for the best crunch.

How to Make It:

1. Marinate shrimp with garlic, chili flakes, lemon, and olive oil.
2. Skewer and grill until lightly charred.
3. Serve with a squeeze of lime.

Hummus & Pita Chips

A classic that never fails to impress. This can be easy to make if you buy ready-made hummus. Definitely something I always have in my fridge!

How to Make It:

1. Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
2. Serve with homemade or store-bought pita chips.

Stuffed Grape Leaves

A Mediterranean favorite packed with flavor. This one has a unique flavor, and would definitely be worth a try for your guests.

How to Make It:

1. Mix cooked rice, herbs, lemon juice, and spices.
2. Roll the mixture into grape leaves.
3. Steam and serve with yogurt sauce.

Refreshing Fruit Chaat

For a refreshing dessert, create a light and tangy fruit salad perfect for breaking fast.

How to Make It:

1. Chop assorted fruits (apples, oranges, bananas, pomegranate seeds).
2. Toss with chaat masala, lemon juice, and honey.
3. Serve chilled.

Cheesy Spinach Fatayer

If onion pakoras are too light, try this Middle Eastern pastry that’s buttery, cheesy, and delicious.

How to Make It:

1. Mix cooked spinach with feta cheese and spices.
2. Fill small dough rounds and fold into triangle shapes.
3. Bake until golden and crisp.

---

These 11 easy Iftar appetizers are perfect for that light fill before Ibadah. Have a shot hosting a Ramadan gathering or just adding variety to your evening meal.

Ramadan Mubarak!