Eid al Fitr: traditional sweet treats enjoyed around the world

Known as the “Festival of Sweets”, Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan fasting and is a time of spiritual reflection

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is an important Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting and prayer. It is a time for Muslims around the world to come together with family and friends, exchange gifts, and enjoy special meals. But what are some of the most popular sweet treats enjoyed during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, and what are some tasty Eid chocolate gift ideas to share with loved ones?

Traditional Eid al-Fitr desserts and treats

Around the globe, people celebrate Eid al-Fitr in a variety of ways, including enjoying some traditional foods. Eid commemorates the ending of the Ramadan dawn-til-dusk fast, and so the occasion calls for a little bit of indulgence. Here are some of the most popular Eid desserts and treats from around the world.

Lokum from Turkey and Iran

Lokum — also known as Turkish delight — is a chewy, sugar-dusted confection popular throughout Turkey and Iran. It originated during the Ottoman Empire, enjoyed by those in the royal courts. Over time, it became a staple in Turkish culture.

Lokum is made from a combination of sugar and cornstarch, which creates an irresistibly thick, gooey mixture. Rosewater is a popular flavouring, giving Turkish Delight a sweet and aromatic element. Lemon is also a great addition. Once the mixture has been poured into a pan and left to set, confectioners cut it into bite-size cubes. A dusting of icing sugar adds the final touch. Lokum pairs beautifully with a cup of hot Turkish tea.

Khaliat Nahal (sweet buns) from Yemen

Khaliat Nahal are Yemeni sweet breads filled with cheese and drizzled with honey syrup. Sometimes called honeycomb buns, these fluffy bites are best served warm. They’re ideal for sharing with family and friends during Eid al-Fitr.

Senegal’s lakh

Originally a Senegalese dish, Lakh is a creamy porridge made from millet or cornmeal and flavoured with vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. With its comforting texture and heavenly aroma, it’s no wonder lakh is popular on festive occasions, like Eid. It’s great for big gatherings, as you can prepare a big batch to ladle out.

Moroccan sweet samosas

While samosas can be a fantastic savoury snack, they also make a wonderful dessert. And in Morocco, sweet samosas are a popular Eid treat. Crisp, flaky pastry conceals a decadent nutty filling — usually a blend of almonds, cinnamon, and sugar. Once folded into a triangle of layered phyllo dough and baked to golden perfection, these nibbles are dusted with powdered sugar. You can eat them hot or cold, but fresh from the oven provides an irresistible combination of flavours, aromas, and textures.

Stuffed dates

Dates are perhaps one of the most popular Eid treats, enjoyed all around the world. In fact, dates are one of the best foods to eat during Ramadan, too. They are easy to digest and provide a fast source of energy and nutrients after a day of fasting, helping balance the body’s glucose levels.

Dates are also very versatile — you can stuff them with an array of fillings. From nuts and peanut butter to cream cheese, stuffed dates make wonderful appetisers or post-meal nibbles.

To bring an extra layer of decadence, why not dip dates in chocolate? We recommend melting our Pistachio and Honey Slab Selector for an indulgent Eid treat sure to impress loved ones. The contrast between the chewy, sweet date, salty nuttiness, and rich notes of cacao make this Eid treat a satisfying experience for all the senses.

Baklava from Turkey

Baklava is another popular Middle Eastern dessert that unites a sweet filling with crisp phyllo pastry and nuts for a crunchy delight. Fine layers of pastry are filled with chopped nuts — usually walnuts or pistachios — and then baked until golden brown. After baking, it’s traditional to drench the dessert in syrup or honey, giving it a sweet and sticky texture.

Egyptian Kahk (or Ma’amoul)

Both children and adults enjoy kahk — shortbread cookies with a nut or date filling. Crumbly and satisfying, these treats are ideal for nibbling alongside a cup of tea or hot chocolate.

Ma’amoul is another name for this Egyptian biscuit, and it is a staple in many households during Eid festivities.

Eid al-fitr chocolate gifts from Hotel Chocolat

Baked desserts make fantastic Eid treats. However, if you’re looking for luxury gifts to share with loved ones, you can’t go wrong with luxurious chocolate made with ethically sourced cacao. Our Eid chocolate collection has an array of cacao-rich truffles, pralines, Batons, and more — ideal for passing around the dinner table.

From opulent Dunking Biscuits to pair with tea to Double Chocolate Enrobed Cherries and Cherry Macarons for lovers of fruit, you’re sure to find something for everyone here. These tidbits are decadent and satisfying without being too heavy.

Explore our range of Eid chocolate gifts and have a wonderful Eid al-Fitr celebration with your loved ones. Eid Mubarak from the Hotel Chocolat team!