Iftari time varies each day as it is determined by sunset (Maghrib prayer time). In Liverpool, UK, Iftari times during Ramadan typically range from around 5:30pm in early March to 8:00pm in early April, depending on the year.

Ramadan Dining in Liverpool: What Is Iftari?

Every year, over 1.8 billion Muslims around the world observe Ramadan — a month of fasting, reflection, and community. At the heart of each day is Iftari (also called Iftar): the evening meal that breaks the day's fast at sunset. It's a moment of gratitude, togetherness, and some of the most delicious food you'll ever taste.

What Is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn (Suhoor/Sehri) to sunset (Iftari/Iftar), abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs. The fast is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is observed as a time of spiritual discipline, self-reflection, and increased devotion.

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Ramadan shifts approximately 10–11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin in late February and end in late March.

What Is Iftari?

Iftari (from the Arabic "ifṭār", meaning "breaking of the fast") is the meal eaten at sunset to end the day's fast. It's more than just dinner — it's a spiritual act. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended breaking the fast with dates and water, a tradition that continues today.

In Pakistani households, Iftari is often the most anticipated meal of the day. Families gather around a spread of specially prepared foods, many of which are unique to the Ramadan season. The atmosphere is one of celebration, generosity, and communal joy.

Traditional Pakistani Iftari Foods

While Iftari menus vary across the Muslim world, Pakistani Iftari has a distinctive character — rich, flavourful, and wonderfully varied:

To Start: Dates and Water

Following the Sunnah (prophetic tradition), the fast is almost always broken with dates and water. Dates are naturally high in sugar and provide quick energy after a long day of fasting.

Fruit Chaat

A refreshing fruit salad dressed with chaat masala, lemon juice, and sometimes a drizzle of honey. The tangy, sweet flavours are the perfect gentle start to eating after fasting.

Pakoras and Samosas

No Pakistani Iftari is complete without crispy pakoras and golden samosas. These fried snacks are prepared in every household and are the quintessential Ramadan comfort food.

Dahi Baray (Lentil Dumplings in Yogurt)

Soft lentil dumplings soaked in spiced yogurt, topped with tamarind chutney and chaat masala. Cool, tangy, and incredibly satisfying — a classic Ramadan-only delicacy in many families.

Chana Chaat

Spiced chickpeas tossed with onions, tomatoes, green chillies, fresh coriander, and lemon juice. Simple, nutritious, and packed with flavour.

Rooh Afza

A sweet, rose-flavoured syrup mixed with cold water or milk. Known as the "drink of the East", Rooh Afza is synonymous with Ramadan in Pakistani and Indian households.

Suhoor: The Pre-Dawn Meal

While Iftari gets most of the attention, Suhoor (also called Sehri) is equally important. This pre-dawn meal is eaten before the Fajr prayer to sustain energy throughout the fasting day. Pakistani Suhoor typically includes paratha with eggs, lassi (yogurt drink), fruit, and sometimes leftover curry from the night before.

Ramadan Etiquette for Non-Muslims

Ramadan is an inclusive time, and many Muslims welcome friends and colleagues of all backgrounds to share in the experience:

You're welcome at Iftari: Sharing food during Ramadan is a cherished tradition — accepting an invitation is a lovely gesture
Be mindful of fasting colleagues: While you don't need to fast yourself, being discreet about eating and drinking around those who are fasting is appreciated
"Ramadan Mubarak": A simple "Ramadan Mubarak" (Blessed Ramadan) is the standard greeting during the month
Arrive on time: If invited to Iftari, punctuality matters — the meal begins at a specific time tied to sunset

Iftari in Liverpool

Liverpool has a vibrant Muslim community, and Ramadan is celebrated enthusiastically across the city. Mosques host community Iftari events, families invite neighbours, and restaurants offer special Ramadan menus.

At Fozia's at The Grand Central, we offer a special Ramadan Iftari buffet during the holy month. Our fully halal, alcohol-free restaurant is the ideal setting for breaking fast with family, friends, or colleagues. The buffet features a generous spread of traditional Pakistani dishes — from starters and chaats to curries, biryani, and desserts.

Join Us for Iftari This Ramadan

Experience an authentic Pakistani Iftari buffet at Fozia's — dates, pakoras, chaats, curries, biryani, and desserts. Family-friendly, fully halal, alcohol-free.

View Ramadan Events

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iftari?

Iftari (also spelled Iftar) is the evening meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast at sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. It typically begins with dates and water, followed by traditional foods.

What time is Iftari?

Iftari time varies each day as it's determined by sunset. In Liverpool, times range from around 5:30pm in early March to 8:00pm in early April.

What foods are traditionally eaten at Iftari?

Traditional Iftari foods include dates, water, fruit chaat, samosas, pakoras, dahi baray, chana chaat, rooh afza, and various fried snacks.

Can non-Muslims attend an Iftari?

Absolutely. Sharing Iftari is welcomed. Many mosques and restaurants host open Iftari events for the whole community.

Where can I have Iftari in Liverpool?

Fozia's at The Grand Central on Renshaw Street offers a special Ramadan Iftari buffet. The restaurant is fully halal and alcohol-free.