This Ramzan, Chennai offeres Arabain, Hyderabadi, Vegan Iftar boxes and some restaurants have special Arabian menu during this period

Ramzan specials in Chennai: Abid, Hatimy, Zaitoon, Palmshore. Vegan options from Ecolyfe. Iftar buffet, snacks, and more.

Executive chef Mohammed Nizamudeen has introduced a few new items for Ramzan such as the Turkish lamb adona kebab, Russian cutlets, chicken cheese cigars and peri peri grilled chicken. The Arabian-style kebabs and snacks are the popular items. Abid Zahid, who runs the restaurant, says “This year we are providing vada along with nombu kanji as it is a popular combo in Tamil Nadu.” They continue to offer an iftar buffet, as well as a spacious prayer hall. Abids adds that each year, they sell over 500 kilograms of haleem per day during Ramzan. This creamy mutton haleem is so popular that people buy it in party packs of three kilos. “Until recently, we used to fly down chefs from Hyderabad to prepare haleem and Hyderabadi food. But now, we have a team of cooks from Hyderabad in-house permanantly. Our Signature Mutton Haleem is prepared by Chef Mojahid Khan, under the supervision of our executive chef,” says Abid. They also have iftar takeaway boxes. End with their marasi Arabic pancakes made with honey and dates. Keeping with tradition, they continue to offer an Iftar buffet (₹699 per person) as well as a spacious prayer hall seperately for men and women.

Abids is on Spurtank Road. To pre-book the Iftar buffet and order take away boxes, call: 9841284703

The Ambur Canteen, which showcases home-style Ambur food, has joined the bandwagon of places that serve iftar specials in the city. One of the co-owners of Ambur Canteen, Mohamed Samee, says, “The menu that has been curated is exactly what families in Ambur break their fasts with.” The menu includes mutton keema kanji, mutton biryani, Ambur bade (vada), chicken roll, chicken cutlet, bread halwa and a mocktail. All this is priced at ₹500.

Ambur Canteen, Habibullah Road, T Nagar. To pre-order, call 8925142541.

Well known for its iftar snacks for over 10 years, Hatimy’s draws large crowds every evening during this season. Owner Mohammed Patel says, “Out of the 28 items on our menu, crispy chicken is the hottest selling item followed closely by chicken candy kebab and chicken cheese sandwich.” The price range starts from ₹35 and goes upto a maximum of ₹150. The mango pudding is the most popular dessert on its menu. Try and get there early to avoid crowds.