It’s from the souq, or it’s just not iftar
Regulars from Fujairah, Kalba and Khor Fakkan flock to the Ramadan Food Market to load their tables with fast-breaking delicacies, writes Ruba Haza
FUJAIRAH // The Ramadan Food Market has become a pre-iftar ritual for the many regulars, who shop for their favourite food and sweets in a festive atmosphere.
Residents came from all parts of Fujairah, Kalba and Khor Fakkan to the 56 kiosks at the market near Fujairah beach.
The market offers Indian and Arabian dishes, along with the traditional food prepared by Emiratis and local restaurants.
Abdullah Al Mansouri, an Emirati father of four, said the families iftar food table would not be complete without fresh samosas and harees from the market.
“Some types of food are considered essential and should always be on our iftar table, such as cheese and vegetables samosa and harees – the traditional wellknown Emirati dish,” said Mr Al Hammadi, 43. “And we can find them fresh and well-cooked at the market.”
Another visitor said that the market’s cheerful atmosphere reminded him of his Ramadans past.
“I visit the market almost every day and most of the food sellers are my friends now,” said Ahmad Al Hammadi, 60, an Emirati father of nine from Kalba.
“The atmosphere is unique and it reminds me of the old days and the old souq. “Today I’m planning to buy mandi and mahashi, plus some luqaimat as my granddaughter likes them a lot.”
Busy food sellers said hundreds of people had visited the market since the start of Ramadan. “The market has been busy since day one and a lot of people come each day to buy their favourite meals , especially the ones that take a lot of time to be ready, like harees and khabees,” said Emirati Fatima Al Yamahi, 50.
“I wake up early in the morning each day to prepare and cook the food in order to serve it fresh. I joined the market in 2013 and each year the number of visitors increases.”
Ms Al Yamahi sells mouth-watering traditional food such as marquqa, machboos, al qars and much more.
“I started learning to cook traditional Emirati food when I was 7 years old,” she said. “I learnt everything from my mother who gave me all her secret recipes, and now I use this talent to support my family and make customers happy and satisfied.” Another Emirati, Mozah Al Yamahi, said the market was a place where she could display her talents in cooking sweets and small bites, and a way to be known among the community.
“This is the first time that I have participated in this market and I’m really surprised by the huge number of visitors each day,” said Ms Al Yamahi, 39.
“It’s a great way to make more customers and market my products as I don’t have a shop for my own.”
She offers home- made traditional bread such al khamir and al jabab, along with small pastries, sweets and samosas
“All of them are freshly baked in the morning and people love them, and I got so many orders booked in advance for Eid,” Ms Al Yamahi said. The Ramadan food market is under the supervision of Fujairah Municipality, which provides health and food inspectors to control and supervise the quality of food being served, through regular inspections. The market is opposite Fujairah International Marine Club and opens every day during Ramadan from 4 to 7pm.