Eid Al Fitr: Celebrate with Colleagues

 

With the holy month of Ramadan in full swing, you may be thinking about celebrating Eid Al Fitr with colleagues in the workplace. One of the ways to do this would be to eat together over lunch, creating a buffet that combines both English and Arabic dishes. It’s a wonderful way to bring together diverse culinary traditions. 

 

Here’s some ideas for a diverse and delicious spread that will cater to everyone’s tastes while celebrating Eid in style! 

 

• Hummus and Pita Bread (Arabic) - creamy, savoury dip made from chickpeas and tahini, served with soft, warm pita bread. 

• Mini Yorkshire Puddings (English) - traditional English puddings, perfect for dipping in gravy or serving alongside roast meats. 

• Samosas (Arabic) - crispy pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables, ideal for snacking. 

• Crispy Chicken Dippers (English) – pieces of battered chicken breast, smothered with a sticky chili sauce. 

• Biryani (Arabic/Indian) - fragrant, spiced rice dish with layers of marinated chicken, lamb or vegetables. 

• Supreme of Chicken (English) – served in a leek and mushroom sauce with white rice. 

• Shawarma (Arabic) - grilled, spiced meat (often chicken or lamb), served with fresh toppings and wraps. 

• Cottage Pie (English) – minced beef dish with rich gravy and topped with buttery mashed potato. 

 

• Tabbouleh (Arabic) - refreshing parsley salad with bulgur, tomatoes, cucumbers and lemon juice. 

• Coleslaw (English) - creamy and tangy cabbage salad to balance out the flavours. 

• Fattoush (Arabic) - fresh, crunchy salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and fried pita chips for a delightful crunch 

• Roasted Vegetables (English) – root vegetables like carrots, parsnips and potatoes, roasted with herbs for a comforting side. 

• Baklava (Arabic) - sweet, flaky pastry made from layers of filo dough, filled with nuts and soaked in honey or syrup. 

• Sticky Toffee Pudding (English) - warm, moist date-based cake drenched in caramel sauce, served with English custard. 

• Ma’amoul (Arabic) - delicate shortbread cookies filled with dates or nuts, traditionally eaten during Eid. 

• Victoria Sponge Cake (English) - light and airy cake filled with jam and whipped cream, a British classic. 

 

• Arabic Coffee (Arabic) - strong coffee spiced with cardamom, often served in small cups during festive occasions. 

• Rose Water Lemonade (Arabic) - fragrant, sweetened lemonade with a hint of rosewater, perfect for refreshing your guests. 

• English Breakfast Tea (English) - a strong black tea served with milk. 

• Soft Drinks and Water - offer a variety of soda options and still or sparkling water for hydration. 

• Decorate the Buffet Table - use a mix of Arabic and English decorations to celebrate the fusion of both cultures. You could use Arabic lanterns, crescent moons and stars, combined with English floral motifs. 

• Bilingual Signage - label each dish in both Arabic and English, so everyone feels included and can easily identify the dishes. 

• Music - play a mix of Arabic and English music to create an inclusive atmosphere. Traditional Arabic music could be paired with British pop tunes to celebrate both cultures. 

 

• Eid Mubarak Greetings - use signs or cards with "Eid Mubarak" in Arabic and English, spreading the festive spirit. 

• Fun Photo Booth – considering setting up an area with props like Arabic lanterns, tea sets and Union Jack flags where colleagues can take group photos to commemorate the celebration. 

 

By blending Arabic and English dishes, you'll create an exciting and diverse buffet for everyone to enjoy, celebrating Eid while embracing the beauty of different cultures. The combination of flavours, textures and traditions will ensure a fun and festive atmosphere for your colleagues! 

 

Reach out to the friendly team celebrating Eid gathering. Call 0121 706 6009 or email admin@robinsonscatering.co.uk – that’s the food sorted!