Blog post

Getting Ramadan Ready

Ramadan is a special time for UAE residents, visitors, and, of course, restaurants, and yet, it can also often be a challenging month for restaurateurs with business levels dropping off during the day when people fast and difficult to forecast iftar and post-iftar business.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re offering iftar and suhoor in your restaurant or sticking to your usual menus – it’s worthwhile to take a little time to make sure your restaurant is Ramadan ready. A little preparation goes a long way and can help you to capitalize on dining-out and delivery during the Holy Month.

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, regulations for Ramadan dining have become more relaxed in recent years, but it’s always a good idea to check the latest regulations and guidelines issued by Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, or your local government bodies. If you’re part of an active community of restaurateurs like Tawreed, you’re bound to get the latest updates as soon as they’ve been published. Make sure you’ve got all the necessary permits in place and then take a look at your inventory and talk to your suppliers. Some suppliers may have reduced working times or longer delivery timelines, so it’s best to be prepared.

Depending on your restaurant’s location, you may decide to adapt your opening times, and you’ll certainly have to tweak your rotas to reflect the shortened working hours for your team-members. The busiest times for many restaurants during Ramadan are just before and during iftar (fast breaking), so ensure you’ve got enough staff on hand and, if you’re offering delivery, are checking your delivery orders carefully to make sure you’re not getting overwhelmed.

People love the food during Ramadan, whether they are fasting or not. If you’re offering iftar, why not introduce some international Ramadan favourites like Beshbarmark from Kazakhstan, Harira from Morroco, or Bubur Lambuk from Indonesia? You can find all ingredients easily on Tawreed Market and special menus will attract more guests and increase your sales during Ramadan.

Food-waste is a particular concern during the Holy Month. If you’re planning to offer iftar buffets, consider keeping the portions you put on the buffet smaller and refilling them more often. Alternatively, offer your guests a set menu with choices for each course, so you can cook dishes to order. Should you have supplies to spare, do consider feeding the less fortunate in and around your neighbourhood.

Remember to work smarter, not harder. Iftar prep and service can be hectic, so it pays to make dishes quickly and efficiently. Ready-to-use products can make a big difference and opting for cheaper cuts of meat, thighs, ribs, loins, or brisket, can help you keep food costs down – properly seasoned and prepared, these cuts can deliver great dishes your guests will love.

Lastly, remember to get into the Ramadan spirit yourself and connect with your family, friends, team, and fellow restaurateurs. Tawreed lets your order remotely from wherever you are 24/7, so you always have access to the best deals.

Ramadan is a special time for UAE residents, visitors, and, of course, restaurants, and yet, it can also often be a challenging month for restaurateurs with business levels dropping off during the day when people fast and difficult to forecast iftar and post-iftar business.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re offering iftar and suhoor in your restaurant or sticking to your usual menus – it’s worthwhile to take a little time to make sure your restaurant is Ramadan ready. A little preparation goes a long way and can help you to capitalize on dining-out and delivery during the Holy Month.

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, regulations for Ramadan dining have become more relaxed in recent years, but it’s always a good idea to check the latest regulations and guidelines issued by Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, or your local government bodies. If you’re part of an active community of restaurateurs like Tawreed, you’re bound to get the latest updates as soon as they’ve been published. Make sure you’ve got all the necessary permits in place and then take a look at your inventory and talk to your suppliers. Some suppliers may have reduced working times or longer delivery timelines, so it’s best to be prepared.

Depending on your restaurant’s location, you may decide to adapt your opening times, and you’ll certainly have to tweak your rotas to reflect the shortened working hours for your team-members. The busiest times for many restaurants during Ramadan are just before and during iftar (fast breaking), so ensure you’ve got enough staff on hand and, if you’re offering delivery, are checking your delivery orders carefully to make sure you’re not getting overwhelmed.

People love the food during Ramadan, whether they are fasting or not. If you’re offering iftar, why not introduce some international Ramadan favourites like Beshbarmark from Kazakhstan, Harira from Morroco, or Bubur Lambuk from Indonesia? You can find all ingredients easily on Tawreed Market and special menus will attract more guests and increase your sales during Ramadan.

Food-waste is a particular concern during the Holy Month. If you’re planning to offer iftar buffets, consider keeping the portions you put on the buffet smaller and refilling them more often. Alternatively, offer your guests a set menu with choices for each course, so you can cook dishes to order. Should you have supplies to spare, do consider feeding the less fortunate in and around your neighbourhood.

Remember to work smarter, not harder. Iftar prep and service can be hectic, so it pays to make dishes quickly and efficiently. Ready-to-use products can make a big difference and opting for cheaper cuts of meat, thighs, ribs, loins, or brisket, can help you keep food costs down – properly seasoned and prepared, these cuts can deliver great dishes your guests will love.

Lastly, remember to get into the Ramadan spirit yourself and connect with your family, friends, team, and fellow restaurateurs. Tawreed lets your order remotely from wherever you are 24/7, so you always have access to the best deals.