Paneer after sunset: Halal restaurants in Canada extend late-night hours for Ramadan

Imran Kayesh has vivid memories of the bustling restaurants in Bangladesh during Ramadan, with the aroma of marinated chicken and fish sizzling on the grill before sunrise. Having immigrated to Canada in 2015, he recalls the early morning hours when the streets were alive with activity, cars packed, and the weather humid as people prepared for the day ahead.

In Canada, the Ramadan experience may be different, but Kayesh is thrilled that more restaurants are extending their hours to accommodate the fasting community. He eagerly anticipates visiting Middle Eastern, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi restaurants in Edmonton that will serve halal food until midnight, throughout the night, or even 24/7 during the holy month.

For Kayesh, the traditional practice of breaking the fast with a meal at odd hours is a significant part of the Ramadan experience. In countries with large Muslim populations, such as Bangladesh, shorter workdays and extended restaurant hours make fasting more manageable. However, in Canada, where daylight hours are longer, Muslims may fast for up to 12 hours without food or water.

Calgary-based food influencer Zareen Tasnim also looks forward to the unique dining experiences during Ramadan. Many restaurants in Calgary will offer special buffets late into the night, featuring a variety of mouth-watering dishes like kebabs, chicken tikka, naans, biryani, and butter chicken. Tasnim mentions a popular Korean fried chicken joint that will stay open later to cater to the fasting community, creating a welcoming space for Muslims to break their fast.

Wayne Smith, director of the Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research at Toronto Metropolitan University, explains that the trend of extended restaurant hours during Ramadan has grown in Canada due to the increasing immigrant population. Halal food is now more widely available, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions brought by immigrants to the country.

Smith notes that Canadians who do not observe Ramadan also appreciate the opportunity to enjoy fresh South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine at unconventional hours. With many people working in a 24/7 environment, the extended restaurant hours make sense and are well-received by the community.

While municipal bylaws in Canada generally do not restrict extended restaurant hours, the challenge lies in finding workers willing to work during unconventional times. Despite this, the hospitality industry is adept at meeting the needs of guests and ensuring that customers can enjoy their meals at any time.

For Kayesh, the extended restaurant hours during Ramadan are not only a nod to tradition but also a way for second- and third-generation Muslims born in Canada to connect with their cultural roots. Ramadan is a time of reflection, community, and family bonding, with cherished traditions of volunteering, gathering, and praying together at mosques.

As Ramadan approaches, the anticipation of breaking the fast with loved ones and sharing meals in the late hours is a source of joy for many Muslims in Canada. The extended restaurant hours offer a chance to experience the rich culinary and cultural traditions of Ramadan, creating a sense of unity and celebration within the community.