WASHINGTON — It's officially Ramadan, and during the holy month, Muslims from all over the world and in our own backyard will abstain from eating or drinking from dawn til dusk.
Fasting during Ramadan is said to encourage spiritual reflection and lasts 29 to 30 days, depending on the moon. Early-morning meals before dawn are known as suhoor and sehri, and iftar is the fast-breaking evening meal at the time of adhan of the Maghrib prayer.
Islam is based on five core principles, aka the Five Pillars of Islam. Fasting is one of the five pillars, meaning fasting during Ramadan is mandatory for all able Muslims.
Here are 9+ restaurants in the DMV to check out during Ramadan:
1.) Joon-8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA
The Persian restaurant offers guests a seat at an Iranian dinner table.
It will host a special iftar dinner to benefit the Syrian American Women's Association, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Syrians in need. Tickets are $150 per person to attend and include access to a buffet curated by Chef Chris Morgan, a 2024 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, along with nonalcoholic beverages. Those who can’t attend can donate here.
2.) Lapis-1847 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, D.C.
The Afghan restaurant is located in D.C.'s Adams Morgan neighborhood, and it offers indoor and outdoor seating.
Officials say all meats here are Hala, meaning the food is permissible to eat under Islamic law. (For a meat to be certified halal it cannot be a forbidden cut or animal and it must be slaughtered in a specific way. Foods that are not permitted are called haram.)
3.) Villa Yara- 2815 M Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
The Lebanese restaurant and garden in Georgetown is offering up a prix fixe menu for a three-course, Ramadan meal at $65 per person starting Tuesday, March 11 and running through April, 9.
4.) Fava Pot-Falls Church and Dupont Circle
The Egyptian and Mediterranean restaurant first started out as just a food truck that eventually led to the brick-and-mortar business it is today.
Throughout the month, the restaurant is offering a special iftar menu to help guests "break their fast like an Egyptian."
Customers can also order from the regular menu at this time.
5.) Ilili-100 District Square, SW, Washington, D.C.
The Lebanese restaurant sits on the Wharf's waterfront.
From Monday, March 11 through Tuesday, April 9, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., the restaurant will offer a prix fixe, iftar menu for $75 per person.
6.) Ottoman Taverna-425 I Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
The Turkish spot in D.C.'s Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood will serve a four-course iftar menu for all 30 days of Ramadan.
7.) Bawadi Mediterranean Grill-6304 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA
The restaurant offers a buffet after sundown every day of Ramadan.
Customers can also purchase to-go meals from the restaurant in three sizes: for one, for two to three people, and for four to five people.
8.) La Tingeria-626 S. Washington Street, Falls Church, VA
The hala taco business in Falls Church is extending its hours on Saturday until 9 p.m. to give people a little more time pick up their food after sundown.
It is open for dine-in until 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, and Tuesday through Thursday.
9.) Mama Ayesha's-1967 Calvert Street, NW
The Middle Eastern restaurant in Adams Morgan is completely halal.
It is open for dine-in until 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, and Tuesday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
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