PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ELEPHANT WALK INDIAN BAR AND GRILL
With the start of Ramadan less than a week away, devout Muslims are busy planning ahead for a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset. While many have a Ramadan routine that reflects their beliefs, the two meals defining the fast—the suhoor (the meal eaten before dawn) and the iftar (the meal eaten at sunset)—have their own culinary traditions usually tied to regional customs that become a predominant part of the month-long menu. However, keeping in mind the abundance of food diversity that the Queen City offers, here are some must-try foods that may not be on the daily menu.
Lamb Saag at Adeep India
Adeep India has a packed menu if you’re into Indian food. In addition to a rich catalog of vegetarian dishes, all lamb and goat offerings at the restaurant are halal. And it’s not easy to shortlist one’s pick even within the lamb and goat categories. If you are craving rice you could go for the goat or lamb biryani and get a taste of the dish most commonly affiliated with Indian food. However, we would strongly recommend trying one of the curries, with lamb korma or lamb saag especially tasty. The latter, lamb cooked with spinach, gives you a true taste of North India, which isn’t just about the meat, but also the array of greens that the region has to offer. Adeep India, 211 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, (513) 421-6453
Beef Tibs at Elephant Walk Indian Bar and Grill
While Elephant Walk has a dedicated Indian menu as well, with chicken tikka masala one of its specialties along with a range of thaalis, it’s the Ethiopian flavors that make the place stand out. And it’s the beef tibs which reflect the gastronomic essence of Ethiopia, a country which owner G. Singh reiterates has a “rich Islamic history and a special affiliation with Ramadan.” The beef tibs at Elephant Walk Indian Bar and Grill won’t just be your ideal introduction to Ethiopian cuisine this Ramadan, but also is the perfect meal to muster some energy after a long fast. In addition to full Indian and Ethiopian menus, the place also offers varieties from elsewhere, with the burritos especially popular. Oh and the Mango Lassi is the ideal drink to quench your thirst after a full day of fasting. Elephant Walk Indian Bar and Grill, 170 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, (513) 526-1555
Chicken Shawarma at Al-Amir Café
Halal Inc. has three restaurants across Cincinnati. The one on East Court Street, known as Al-Amir Café, serves some of the best sandwiches in all of town. According to Alina Saheem, one of Halal Inc.’s three cofounders, the chicken shawarma is number one in Cincinnati, and Al-Amir’s sandwich puts forth a strong case. Packed with marinated chicken, the sandwich is hearty as it is, and the ideal dish to have after spending the entire day without food. If this is your first meal after a long fast, it is definitely worth the wait. Al-Amir Café, 121 E. Court St., downtown, (513) 381-1424
Snacks (Including Medjool Dates) at Dean’s Mediterranean Imports
While the date is the food item most commonly affiliated with Ramadan—it’s what many Muslims break their fasts with—the Medjool date at Dean’s comes in a delicious array of flavors. The top picks of owner Kate Zaidan are butter scotch and caramel. Oh, and the date shake with ice cream and yogurt is a scrumptious drink to have after a full day without any liquids. Dean’s also has a wide gamut of sweets, from the halwa (the chocolate and raspberry flavors are the most popular) to a wide range of Turkish delights. The homemade hummus and tahini sauce are top draws as well. Dean’s Mediterranean Imports, 108 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 241-8222
Catering from Olive Tree
Both Dean’s and Halal Inc. offer catering opportunities, and frequently serve food at various events, including iftar meals at mosques across Cincinnati, in addition to offering the dishes at their retail locations. But Olive Tree now only does catering so your opportunity to get a taste of one this Middle Eastern restaurant’s offerings is at one of their catered events. Chef Owner Ibtisam Masto, who’s originally from Syria, confirms that one of those places will be Clifton Mosque, where Olive Tree will provide food to an estimated 350 people breaking their daily fasts in Ramadan. Olive Tree, (513) 954-1705
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