The Ramadan is just around the corner! During this holy month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. The fast is broken at ftour (or Iftar), when families and friends gather to share a meal. These gatherings often feature hearty dishes and traditional specialties that are the hallmark of this special Ramadan period.
Ramadan 2026: Where to Break Your Fast at Restaurants in Paris? Top Halal Spots for Iftar
Are you on the hunt for a great restaurant to enjoy iftar in Paris? Check out these top halal spots where you can break your fast during Ramadan 2026. [Read more]
Whether you're religious or not, it's a perfect opportunity to explore the traditional Ramadan dishes. Many Parisians might not be familiar with these culinary delights. Curious to try these specialties? We reveal the must-try ftour treats during Ramadan and the best spots in Paris where you can savor them.
Harira or Chorba: Essential Soups to Nourish Ramadan
Traditionally, breaking the fast is accompanied by very comforting soups. In Morocco, the star is mainly Harira, a hearty blend of tomatoes, vegetables, chickpeas, vermicelli, and lamb or mutton. Across North Africa, particularly in Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, you’ll find Chorba, a rich soup made with seasonal vegetables and frik (cracked wheat). Depending on the region, it might feature either sheep meat (lamb or mutton), veal, chicken, or even fish. This dish is a staple, often shared with the less fortunate after prayer.
Bricks and Briouats: Irresistible Pastries
These are a Moroccan take on savory pastries. Bricks are essentially larger versions: a flaky pastry shell envelops a filling that varies according to taste. Common options include tuna with capers, seasoned minced meat with potatoes, chicken, or even cheese sometimes topped with a runny egg. Once assembled, they're fried until golden and served piping hot. Briouats, on the other hand, are smaller, often shaped into triangles or rolls, and come in both savory and sweet varieties.
Zlabia and Chebbakia: the Sweet Stars of Iftar
Oriental pastries are enjoying huge popularity, but these two treats remain less well-known. Let’s start with Zlabia. If you happen to walk past an oriental bakery during Ramadan, you’ve likely noticed a round confection that resembles a tangled nest of branches, often in a vibrant orange hue.
The Zlabia is just that. Sitting comfortably between a sweet treat and a cake, it’s made from flour, sugar, honey, and sometimes a touch of cardamom. It’s then fried to achieve that irresistible crispy texture that everyone loves. The Chebbakia is a Moroccan twist on Zlabia. Thicker and richer, this version is flavored with orange blossom water, saffron, almonds, green anise, sesame seeds, and cinnamon.
Matlou or Batbout: The Traditional Semolina Bread
This is a beloved Berber specialty widely enjoyed across the Maghreb. Known as Matlou in Algeria or Batbout in Morocco, this round, thick, and fluffy semolina bread is a staple that might just become your new guilty pleasure. For those who prefer savory bites, it’s perfect for making delicious sandwiches with grilled fillings. Sweet-toothed fans, on the other hand, love spreading it with creamy spreads. And bread lovers simply enjoy it plain—the natural way. We’re all about it!
And to enjoy these delicacies, here are some top spots to check out!
Moroccan restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
If you're looking to savor dishes with bright colors and spices that will take your senses on a journey, you've come to the Moroccan restaurants of Paris. [Read more]
Algerian restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
Here are the best addresses of Algerian restaurants in Paris for a colorful and tasty lunch! [Read more]
Tunisian restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
How about Tunisian for lunch? Here are the best addresses for Tunisian restaurants in Paris! [Read more]
Middle Eastern restaurants in Paris, our top picks
As diverse as they are varied, Middle Eastern restaurants are plentiful in Paris, and promise some wonderful discoveries. Here are the best addresses! [Read more]
Oriental pastries in Paris, our top picks
In Paris, oriental pastries combine the traditions of the Maghreb and the Middle East with a love of good food. Almonds, honey, orange blossom... a rich, generous repertoire of sweet treats, always made to be shared. [Read more]
Ramadan 2026: Where to Break Your Fast at Restaurants in Paris? Top Halal Spots for Iftar
