Hyderabad is a city rich in history, culture, and deep-rooted traditions. One of its most beautiful aspects is its diversity—where people of different faiths and backgrounds live harmoniously. The city’s old-world charm blends seamlessly with modern life, creating a unique cultural fusion. This is one of the main reasons why I have called Hyderabad home for the last 15 years.
At Vibrant Living, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. From the people we employ to the food we create, our mission is to bring people together through nourishing, delicious meals that celebrate both tradition and well-being.
For the past few years, we have had the privilege of being part of Iftar celebrations at our local mosque, offering thoughtfully curated, plant-based dishes to help the community break their fast in a way that is both delicious and healthful. While the mosque follows a simpler tradition of breaking fast with dates and fruits, post-Iftar meals often consist of fried foods and meats, which can be hard on digestion after a long day of fasting.
This inspired us to showcase that clean, whole foods can be just as indulgent and festive—without compromising on health. We introduced flavours and textures that were both familiar and innovative, proving that Iftar can be a celebration of nourishment as much as it is of tradition.
The Significance of Fasting Across Cultures
Fasting is not unique to Islam—it is a practice deeply embedded in cultures and religions worldwide. It has long been recognized for its spiritual and physiological benefits in various traditions:
- Islam – Ramadan fasting as an act of devotion, discipline, and self-purification.
- Hinduism – Fasting during Ekadashi and Navratri for spiritual cleansing.
- Christianity – Fasting during Lent as a form of self-discipline.
- Buddhism – Abstaining from food after midday to encourage mindfulness.
- Ayurveda & Wellness – Intermittent fasting to aid digestion and detoxification.
In Islam, fasting allows the body to reset, slowing down digestion while cultivating a deeper connection with faith and gratitude. However, the way one breaks the fast is just as important. A light, hydrating meal allows the digestive system to reawaken gently, preventing strain on the body.
I personally fast once a week and prefer to break my fast with fruits or a vegetable salad, allowing my body to absorb nutrients easily. This philosophy is what we bring to our Iftar meals at the mosque, offering wholesome and deeply satisfying foods that nourish the body and spirit.
Our Journey with Iftar at the Mosque
Our local mosque is situated right next to our original Vibrant Living location. With Muslim employees alongside Hindu and Christian team members, we saw an opportunity to build a stronger sense of community through food.
So, a few years ago, we started preparing nutritionally rich, plant-based Iftar meals for the mosque. The response was heartwarming—people were intrigued, pleasantly surprised, and most importantly, delighted by the flavors.
Each year, we introduced new dishes, thoughtfully curated to be festive and healthful. This initiative not only strengthened our community bonds but also showcased the beauty of wholesome plant-based eating in traditional celebrations.
Memorable Iftar Menus Over the Years
Each year, we carefully design an Iftar menu that aligns with tradition and wellness. Here are some of our most loved dishes which we have served
1. Barley Malpua – Traditional malpua is deep-fried and made with maida, but we created a healthier version with barley flour. It’s indulgent yet light—without frying, of course! (Check out the recipe on our YouTube channel.)
2. Bajra Millet Junnu – Inspired by my grandmother’s recipe, Bajra Millet Junnu was a hit last year! Made with freshly squeezed bajra milk, coconut, jaggery, and cardamom, this dish is both delicious and nutrient-dense. It supports digestion and sustained energy—a perfect Iftar treat. Try making it yourself! (Find the recipe on our YouTube channel.)
3. Barnyard Millet & Pumpkin Halwa – This comforting dessert is slow-cooked with jaggery, dates, almond milk, and pumpkin for a naturally sweet and creamy texture. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that replenishes energy levels after fasting. (Recipe available on our YouTube channel.)
4. Ragi & Peanut Butter Laddus – These bite-sized delights were beautifully decorated with rose petals and packed in small gift boxes for Iftar. Made with mineral-rich ragi, creamy peanut butter, and natural sweeteners, they provided an energy boost without refined sugar.
5. Nutty Chocolate Burfi – Made with pistachios, pure cacao, and natural sweeteners, this burfi is rich, wholesome, and completely free from artificial ingredients. It’s a must-try for chocolate lovers! (Check out the recipe on our YouTube channel.)
6. Aam Panna Juice – A refreshing drink made with raw mango, packed with essential electrolytes and digestive benefits—perfect for rehydration after fasting.
7. Cabbage & Onion Pakodas – A deliciously crunchy snack made without excessive oil, keeping it light yet bursting with flavor.
A Healthier Approach to Iftar
Our goal is to encourage a more balanced, nourishing approach to breaking the fast—one that prioritizes natural ingredients, mindful eating, and traditional flavors.
As we continue to share plant-based, nutrient-dense Iftar meals, we hope to inspire others to explore healthier alternatives without losing the essence of celebration.
Would you like to recreate these dishes at home? Check out our YouTube channel for detailed recipes, and let’s make Iftar both delicious and wholesome together!
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