Best iftar spots during Ramadan in Amsterdam
Fasting until sundown, visiting family and plenty of prayer: it’s Ramadan once again. For most of the world's observing Muslims, this holy month means no eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset. But when it’s dark outside again, it’s time to break the fast with an iftar meal. Amsterdam is full of special restaurants where you can enjoy the iftar, from delicious Lebanese food to authentic Turkish kebabs.
Important: Most restaurants adjust their opening times during Ramadan. The iftar meal takes place when the sun sets. When Ramadan starts on 10 March, it begins at 18:45. With summer approaching, the days are getting longer, and iftar will be a little later every day. At the end of March, the clocks go forward one hour. From 31 March, iftar will be at 20:20. On the last day of Ramadan, iftar is at 20:35.
Restaurant Mozo
Restaurant Mozo in De Pijp is a favourite with locals. When it’s time for the iftar meal, the call to prayer sounds over the restaurant speakers, and it's time to enjoy the flavours of Morocco. The Ramadan menu includes harira soup and tagine with couscous, fries or rice. Dates – an essential for every iftar – are also included. Afterwards, you can stick around for a mint tea.
Restaurant Mozo | Van Woustraat 89
Restaurant Mesken
If you've worked up a big appetite after a day of fasting, then Mesken is the place to be. This restaurant on the Sumatrastraat has been serving affordable Turkish food for over 30 years. During Ramadan, they offer an open iftar buffet, where you can enjoy unlimited delicious soups, tapas, salads, desserts and various grill dishes.
Restaurant Mesken | Sumatrastraat 35-37
Sallora Lebanese Restaurant
If you prefer more variety during iftar, try the Lebanese restaurant Sallora in Osdorp. The chain has 18 branches in the Middle East and one here in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. In the kitchen, you can find Syrian chef Ziyad and Lebanese chef Abu Tiam, who have a combined 65 years of culinary experience. The menu includes dishes from Lebanon and Syria, and the standard Ramadan menu has dates, milk, soup, a main course, and dessert. The Middle East has never felt closer than at Sallora.
Sallora | Osdorpplein 1010
Krabi Thai
If you’re looking for something other than Middle Eastern cuisine, try Krabi Thai. This popular halal restaurant on the Vlugtlaan is known for its classic Thai dishes. During Ramadan, they offer a menu with a starter, main course, drink and dessert, served in a lively and trendy atmosphere.
Krabi Thai | Burgemeester de Vlugtlaan 9
Hayran Shawarma
In the mood for shawarma? After sunset, you can head over to Hayran Shoarma in De Pijp. Every year, this restaurant is completely full during Ramadan. If you call in time, your meal will be ready for iftar, and what’s better than having your dinner waiting for you after a long day of fasting? Our tip: try the shawarma dish with vegetables. Not a shawarma lover? There's still plenty to choose from, including grilled meats and pizzas.
Hayran | Tweede van der Helststraat 12
Enter a mosque for a free iftar meal
Many mosques organise free iftars almost daily during Ramadan. Mosque-goers help prepare dishes and set tables. The costs are paid by generous donors or by the mosque itself. Muslim or non-Muslim, rich or poor, anyone is welcome to participate in these iftar meals.
- Centre | Fatih Mosque | Rozengracht 150
- West | Mevlana Mosque | Baas Gansendonckstraat 2
- Nieuw-West | Süleymaniye Mosque | Ookmeerweg 206
- Oost | Ulu Mosque | Zeeburgerdijk 119
Leziz Restaurant
Generosity is an essential part of Ramadan, and that’s something that Turkish restaurant Leziz takes to heart. The portions are generous, and afterwards, the tea and dessert – Turkish baklava, of course – are on the house. The restaurant is an ode to Istanbul, with paintings of the city hanging on the walls. The attractive wooden interior, the enormous chandelier and the authentic Turkish dishes make you feel as though you are sitting by the water of the Bosphorus this iftar.
Leziz | Pieter Calandlaan 945
