The Many Flavours of Eid
by: BTM - Tue, 10 Mar 2026
Around the globe, different cultures have their unique and mouthwatering dishes that are common fixtures of Eid. Here’s a delightful list of seven Eid delicacies from different parts of the world that will inspire your festive table.
Sheer khurma
Where it’s enjoyed: India and Pakistan
Main ingredients: Vermicelli, milk, sugar, dates, nuts, dried fruits
A traditional festive dessert prepared with toasted vermicelli cooked in sweetened milk and garnished with nuts and dried fruits
Balaleet
Where it’s enjoyed: Throughout the Arabian Gulf
Main ingredients: Vermicelli, eggs, sugar, cardamom, saffron, rose water
Balaleet is a traditional Khaleeji breakfast dish combining sweet and savoury flavours, featuring spiced vermicelli topped with a fried egg.
Watalappam
Where it’s enjoyed: Sri Lanka
Main ingredients: Coconut milk, jaggery, eggs, cashew nuts, cardamom
Watalappam is a traditional Sri Lankan steamed pudding made with coconut milk and jaggery, flavoured with cardamom and often garnished with cashew nuts.
Sayur lodeh
Where it’s enjoyed: Indonesia
Main ingredients: Coconut milk, vegetables such as green beans, eggplant, chayote, tofu, tempeh
Sayur lodeh is a traditional Indonesian vegetable stew cooked in a fragrant coconut milk broth, often seasoned with spices and herbs, providing a rich and comforting flavour.
Turkish Delights
Where it’s enjoyed: Turkey
Main ingredients: Sugar, starch, water, flavourings such as rose water or lemon, optional nuts like pistachios or walnuts
Turkish delights are soft, chewy confections that are often dusted with icing sugar or desiccated coconut, cherished for their sweet and floral flavours.
Ma’amoul
Where it’s Enjoyed: Throughout the Middle East
Main ingredients: Semolina, dates, nuts, butter, sugar
Ma’amoul is a traditional filled pastry commonly enjoyed during religious holidays and special occasions across the Middle East.
Halwa
Where it’s Enjoyed: Throughout the Arabian Gulf
Main ingredients: Sugar, starch, ghee or oil, nuts, cardamom, rose water
Halwa is a traditional sweet treat enjoyed across many countries in the Arabian Gulf. It is known for its rich, dense texture and sweet taste, often served during celebrations and special occasions.
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July 2026
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