Fujairah Ramadan food market a fixed pre-iftar ritual for many residents

FUJAIRAH // Fujairah Ramadan food market has become a fixed pre-iftar ritual for the many residents who visit regularly to buy their favourite foods 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 talented Emiratis and local restaurants.

Abdullah Al Mansouri, a 43-year-old Emirati father of four, said that their iftar food table cannot 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 well-known Emirati dish,” said Mr Al Hammadi. “And we can find them fresh and well-cooked at the market.”

Another visitor said that he enjoyed the cheerful market atmosphere that reminds him of Ramadans past.

“I visit the market almost every day and most of the food sellers are my friends now. The atmosphere is very unique and it reminds me of the old days and the old souk,” said Ahmad Al Hammadi, a 60-year-old Emirati father of nine who came from Kalba.

“Today I’m planning to buy Mandi and Mahashi plus some Luqaimat as my granddaughter likes them a lot,” he said.

Busy food sellers said that 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 and especially the ones that take a lot of time to be ready like Harees and Khabees,” said Fatima Al Yamahi, a 50-year-old Emirati mother of five who sells traditional home-made food.

“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,” she said.

Ms Al Yamahi sells a variety of mouth-watering traditional food such as Marquqa, Machboos, Al Qars, Khabees, Harees and much more.

“I started learning how to cooking traditional Emirati food when I was seven years old. I learned 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 said that the market is a place where she can showcase her talents in cooking sweets and small bites and a way to be known among the community.

“This is the first time that I participate in this market and I’m really surprised by the huge number of visitors each day,” said Mozah Al Yamahi.

“It’s a great way to make more customers and market my products as I don’t have a shop for my own.”

The 39-year-old Emirati offers home-made traditional bread such as 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,” she 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 inspection rounds.

The market is located opposite Fujairah International Marine Club and opens every day during Ramadan from 4pm to 7pm.

rhaza@thenational.ae