8 Cape Malay recipes for Ramadan

By Fayruza Abrahams, 7 March 2025

Whether you’re looking for Ramadan recipe inspiration, or are just interested in trying your hand at Cape Malay cooking, Fayruza Abrahams has come to help. She shares 7 sweet and savoury recipes that will hit all the right notes.

1. Quick-and-easy air-fryer baklava

In my home we try to eat healthier meals during the week and reward ourselves with a sweet treat over the weekend. The pastry for this cheeky air-fryer baklava is made using leftover samoosa pastry! This is definitely something the kids will love helping you make.

Quick-and-easy air-fryer baklava

Quick-and-easy air-fryer baklava recipe.

2. Creamy chicken-and-jalapeño samoosas

The samoosa is the number one Ramadan staple. A week before we start fasting, all the ladies in my family get together with my mom to fold samoosas for the upcoming holy month. There are many different fillings, but this chicken-and-jalapeño version is my favourite. When fried, it gets a lovely gooey cheese pull with a hint of spice and fresh herbs.

Creamy chicken-and-jalapeño samoosas

Creamy chicken-and-jalapeño samoosas recipe

ALSO READ: Clever ways to prepare for Iftar during Ramadan

3. Date-and-coconut bars

here’s always room for a bit of dessert during the month of Ramadan, and what better way than to get that from nourishing dates? This is by far my go-to recipe date and coconut bars as it includes coconut, another wholefood, and together these two provide not only a bit of sweetness, but nourishment as well.

Date-and-coconut bars

Date-and-coconut bars recipe

4. Creamy prawn halfmoons

We love trying a variety of snacks during Ramadan while breaking fast. This is a lovely fried snack: crispy, creamy and not oily at all. Using Panko crumbs as a coating makes them extra crunchy. Creamy prawn halfmoons will be a wonderful snack for kids and adults alike and very filling for hungry tummies!

Creamy prawn halfmoons

Creamy prawn halfmoons recipe

ALSO READ: 5 popular picks for Suhoor

5. Sweet vermicelli dessert with toasted almonds

During the month of Ramadan when we reach the halfway mark or the 15th night, we embark on a mini celebration to acknowledge our progress, and to applaud and inspire the younger kids to keep going. And what better reward than serving this sweet vermicelli dessert treat? Vermicelli and boeber milk desserts are an absolute must. Be sure to have all the ingredients ready as this is very quick!

Sweet vermicelli dessert with toasted almonds

Sweet vermicelli dessert with toasted almonds recipe

6. Patata waras

The original name for this savoury bite is batata vada, but over the years locals have changed it to patata wara! I love these fried savoury potato balls as they’re quick and easy to make.

Patata waras

Patata waras recipe

ALSO READ: Local foodies share their favourite Iftar ideas and tips

7. Pofdas with butter chicken filling

Pofdas with butter chicken filling are an old-time favourite. My mom used to make these with any type of mince, even leftover samoosa filling. In my home we love butter chicken, so this is my fancy puff version. It’s a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, since the dough is made of potatoes.

Pofdas with butter chicken filling recipe

8. Cheddar and basil muffins

These savoury muffins are perfect for early mornings during Ramadan when you feel like a muffin, but it’s way too early to have a sweet one. I usually make them the night before as they take just five minutes to put together. I bake, cool and store them in a sealed container in the fridge. In the morning I reheat them for 2–3 minutes in the air-fryer to enjoy with a cup of coffee. These muffins are also great for an on-the-go breakfast on busy weekdays, and make a delicious addition to lunchboxes. I love using leftover broccoli, spinach, corn or mushrooms for variety. Add a spicy jalapeño for those who love more heat!

Cheddar and basil muffins

Cheddar and basil muffin recipe

Fayruza Abrahams

Article by Fayruza Abrahams

Fayruza Abrahams is passionate about demystifying Cape Malay cooking and sharing the flavours with as many people as possible. She hosts a variety of food experiences at her home in Bo-Kaap, including a unique, Cape Malay fine-dining extravaganza. She also offers online classes. She is currently writing her second cookbook.
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