As the sun sets during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide gather to break their fast with dates and water before indulging in a meal known as iftar. With approximately 1.9 billion Muslims globally, accounting for about 25 percent of the world's population, the iftar tradition holds immense cultural significance. However, the escalating costs of food have posed challenges for many households, forcing them to reconsider their favorite Ramadan dishes.
To shed light on the impact of rising food prices, Al Jazeera conducted a comparative analysis of ingredient costs across various supermarket chains in 14 countries. Below, we explore traditional iftar meals from different corners of the world, accompanied by insights into the corresponding price fluctuations.
Argentina:
In South America, Argentina offers a locally-inspired iftar featuring beef asado, empanadas, and dulce de leche pancakes. However, Argentina's staggering inflation, reaching 303 percent in February 2024, has resulted in a fourfold increase in the cost of preparing this meal, now priced at 7,200 pesos ($8.4) per serving.
Australia:
Reflecting its multicultural landscape, Australia's iftar experience includes a halal snack pack and lamingtons. Despite a nominal increase in costs, with the meal now priced at 12.5 Australian dollars ($8.1), key ingredients like meat and eggs have witnessed significant price hikes.
Bosnia and Herzegovina:
With its diverse culinary heritage, Bosnia and Herzegovina offers pita krompiruša, topa, and hurmašica for iftar. While the meal's overall cost has risen by 7 percent, potatoes, sugar, and butter have emerged as primary contributors to the increased expenditure. Combining all the meals it was calculated that it costs about 2.9 BAM ($1.6) for a single serving of this meal this Ramadan. Last year it 2023 the same meal cost 2.7 BAM ($1.5), a 7 percent increase.
Egypt:
Egypt's rich culinary traditions feature grape leaves, chopped molokhiya, and kunafa for iftar. To quench one’s thirst, qamar al-din, a traditional apricot drink, is a crowd favourite. However, record levels of inflation have inflated the meal's cost by 74 percent, with ingredients like ghee and sugar witnessing exponential price hikes.
India:
India's iftar repertoire includes ghugni, pakora, and suji halwa. Surprisingly, the overall cost of the meal has decreased by 9 percent, primarily attributed to a drop in onion prices following a government-imposed export ban. India is the world’s largest exporter of onions. Despite that the country imposed a ban on all onion exports to increase domestic availability and drive down prices which have more than halved since the ban took effect. On March 23, the ban, which was due to expire on March 31, was prolonged indefinitely.
Indonesia:
Indonesia's bubur, bakwan, and kolak pisang highlight the nation's diverse cuisine. Despite a marginal increase in costs, the meal remains accessible, priced at 66,600 rupiah ($4.2) per serving.
Malaysia:
Malaysia's beef rendang, sayur lodeh, and seri muka offer a flavorful iftar experience. However, a 7 percent increase in costs, driven by price hikes in fresh food items, challenges affordability, with the meal now priced at 6.9 ringgits ($1.5).
Nigeria:
Nigeria's jollof rice, moi moi, and fruit salad represent the nation's diverse culinary landscape. Yet, with a 68 percent increase in costs, exacerbated by soaring inflation rates, affordability remains a concern, with the meal now priced at 6,500 naira ($4.4).
Pakistan:
Pakistan's dahi baray, fruit chaat, and jalebi epitomize the country's iftar traditions. Despite an 18 percent increase in costs, primarily driven by inflation and price hikes in vegetables, the meal remains relatively affordable at 172 rupees ($0.6).
Palestine:
Palestine's maklouba, dagga, and katayif showcase the region's culinary diversity. However, a notable 11 percent increase in costs, attributed to soaring olive oil prices, challenges affordability, with the meal now priced at 31.5 shekels ($9).
South Africa:
South Africa's pap en vleis, chakalaka, and koeksisters offer a diverse iftar experience. Yet, a 13 percent increase in costs, driven by price hikes in store-bought chakalaka and pantry items, poses affordability concerns, with the meal now priced at 77 rand ($4.0).
Turkey:
Turkey's dolma, cacik, and muhallebi celebrate the country's culinary heritage. Despite a 20 percent increase in costs, primarily attributed to dairy products, the meal remains accessible, priced at 60.5 lira ($1.9).
United Kingdom:
The UK's salmon fillet, fruit yoghurt, and green tea reflect its multicultural society. With a marginal 4 percent increase in costs, the meal remains relatively affordable, priced at 2.2 pounds ($2.7) per serving.
United States:
The US's oven-roasted chicken, fattoush, and kunafa offer a fusion of Middle Eastern flavors. Despite a 5 percent increase in costs, primarily attributed to poultry and dairy, the meal remains accessible, priced at $7.1 per serving.
Despite these challenges, families worldwide endeavor to uphold Ramadan traditions, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. As prices fluctuate and economies evolve, the spirit of Ramadan perseveres, fostering unity, compassion, and community across diverse cultures and nations.
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