Ramadan at Home: Authentic Turkish Iftar Menu + Shopping List
A traditional Turkish iftar begins by breaking the fast with dates and water, followed by soup (often lentil), a spread of cheeses, olives and Ramazan pidesi, a main course such as kebab or a stew with rice or bulgur pilaf, and a dessert like güllaç or baklava — all finished with Turkish tea and coffee.
Key takeaways
- Break the fast with dates and water, then soup — gentle on an empty stomach.
- The iftar table is a shared spread: cheeses, olives, pide, mains, and dessert.
- Ramazan pidesi (special flatbread) and güllaç (the signature Ramadan dessert) make it feel like Ramadan.
- A little planning and a single shopping order make hosting iftar easy.
The authentic Turkish iftar menu
| Course | What to serve |
|---|---|
| Breaking the fast | Dates & water, olives, cheese |
| Soup (çorba) | Red lentil soup (mercimek) |
| Bread | Ramazan pidesi |
| Main | Kebab, köfte, or a stew with rice/bulgur pilaf |
| Dessert | Güllaç (Ramadan classic) or baklava |
| Drinks | Turkish tea & coffee |
Your iftar shopping list
- Dates, dried fruit & sweets — confectionery & sweets
- Cheeses & olives — dairy and pickles & meze
- Soup & pilaf basics (lentils, bulgur, paste) — dry goods & pantry
- Pide, güllaç & baklava — bakery & desserts
- Tea & coffee — Turkish beverages
Tips for hosting iftar
Plan the menu a few days ahead and shop once so everything arrives in time. Prep the soup and dessert earlier in the day, set the table before sunset, and keep tea brewing for after the meal. Most pantry items are shelf-stable, so you can stock up early in the month.
Prepare your Ramadan table with TG Gourmet
From dates and güllaç to pide, cheeses, and tea, build your entire iftar table in one order. We have served Turkish families across the US since 2003 — explore the best sellers and make Ramadan at home special.
Frequently asked questions
What do Turks eat for iftar?
Turks break the fast with dates and water, then enjoy soup, cheeses, olives, Ramazan pidesi, a main course like kebab or stew with pilaf, and a dessert such as güllaç or baklava, with tea and coffee.
What is the traditional Ramadan dessert in Turkey?
Güllaç is the signature Turkish Ramadan dessert — thin starch sheets soaked in sweetened milk with rosewater and nuts. Baklava is also popular.
What is Ramazan pidesi?
Ramazan pidesi is a soft, round flatbread topped with sesame and nigella seeds, baked specially during Ramadan to accompany iftar.
How do I plan an iftar at home?
Plan the menu ahead, shop in one order for pantry and specialty items, prep soup and dessert during the day, and set the table before sunset with tea ready for after.