4 Muslim food creators share their go-to recipes for suhoor

Even before I was old enough to fast during Ramadan, I remember getting up during the early hours of the morning to participate in suhoor. The holy month has always felt like such a special and exciting time of the year, especially during the bustling pre-dawn meals with my family. 

It seemed as though everyone had a different preference when it came to their ideal suhoor meal. Some adults would opt for roti with curry, yogurt or egg, while others would just have a cup of tea. I often went with a bowl of cereal.

When my husband and I observed our first Ramadan together, our choices were also quite different, despite us having similar cultural backgrounds; he loved to eat a paratha with eggs, and I still stuck to lighter options. This got me wondering how people settle on their go-to meal, so I reached out to four Muslim food creators to ask them about their suhoor staples. 

Here, they share the traditions behind certain dishes they make time and time again — plus their go-to recipes if you're looking to add something new to your table.

Humaira Shah (@thevariedtable)

Humaira Shah is a Toronto-based recipe developer and food photographer who is passionate about sharing recipes from her childhood as well as homemade takes on fast-food favourites.

Her suhoor staple: Khageena

"[It] has so many wonderful memories attached to it," said Shah, who learned how to make the spicy egg dish from her late father. She added that, on a practical note, it's a delicious and filling meal that can mostly be prepared ahead of time. "When we are all bleary-eyed from lack of sleep during Ramadan, it is a lifesaver."

Popular across South Asia, khageena goes by a few different names and has many variations — even from household to household. "The version I make is based on the region of Pakistan that my parents are from and is spiced with only salt and pepper, but the flavour of the onions, chilies and tomatoes shine through and complement the potatoes and eggs," Shah shared.

Fariha Ekra (@lifewithfarihaa) 

Fariha Ekra is a Toronto-based food and lifestyle content creator who shares simple, flavourful and nourishing recipes that are ideal for busy families.

Her suhoor staple: Espresso almond date shake 

"While dates are often associated with iftar, I love incorporating them into suhoor as well to benefit from their lasting energy and nourishment throughout the fast," she said. For a bit of added nutrition, she often likes to add a quarter cup of oats and a scoop of collagen to her smoothie. 

Both energizing and satisfying, it's been Ekra's go-to for years. "I still haven't gotten tired of it!" she said.  

Mishary Kamoordeen (@nomnomshot) 

Based in Toronto, Mishary Kamoordeen is a videographer and content creator known for her cinematic style of storytelling that blends culture, food and personal reflection. 

Her suhoor staple: Golden turmeric overnight oats with almond-date milk

"Turmeric, ginger and cinnamon have always been staples in my kitchen, [since they're] deeply rooted in Sri Lankan cooking and [are] the comforting flavours I grew up with," said Kamoordeen. Her overnight oats bring these warming spices together and are easy to prepare in advance, making them a natural choice for her suhoor meal.

The dish is also a "powerhouse combo," thanks to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric, and the filling nature of the oats. "This recipe is a modern, nourishing way to honour [my] roots while embracing a health-focused lifestyle," she said. 

Bayan Kawsara (@breakingbreadwithbayan)

Recipe developer Bayan Kawsara, who is originally from Syria and was raised in Ontario, believes in keeping traditions alive through food. She loves to share recipes that feel nostalgic and approachable.

Her suhoor staple: Banana-date smoothie

Before developing this recipe, Kawsara would often include bananas and dates in her suhoor meal because they would help keep her full and energized throughout a day of fasting. "At some point within the last couple of years, I had the idea to combine the two, along with a few other ingredients, into a delicious smoothie that the whole family would enjoy," she said. 

Many of the ingredients are "both culturally and religiously significant," she added. "We Muslims also believe that it is sunnah — tradition [or] good habit based on the way of our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him — to do things in multiples of three, so if you can manage to fit three dates in your smoothie, even better!"