Ramadan is looming and so is the much-awaited hosting season. There’s a lot that goes into a successful iftar and every year the stakes are higher — whether it’s with friends or family — planning what food to serve, how to decorate the table, what to wear, etc can feel overwhelming.

But we got you: Our guide this week will help minimize hosting stress so you can enjoy your meal just as much as your guests and make sure your iftar is a hit. And the best part? All of our choices are local brands.

Note: The prices in this guide reflect those announced at the date of publication — prices may vary at the point of purchase.

FOOD-

GET CATERERS IF YOU CAN’T COOK…(or choose not to)

If you don’t want to sweat it out in the kitchen, try out these recommended caterers to fill up your tables with winning dishes.

#1- BABBO’S EATS-Aside from their selection of vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian items offered at the Ramadan pop-up in Downtown Cairo this season, Babbo’s offer their hearty and healthy goodies in catering packages with a preference for outdoor venues to fully capture that Babbo’s vibe.

#2- SET EL BEIT CATERING-This caterer creates platters that range from EGP 1.9 k to EGP 6.6 k. Each option includes a variety of proteins (depending on the price level you choose) they also have stuffed dolma, rice, salad, and other mains.

#3-GOOD EATS CATERING- They offer Ramadan packages for 15 people with prices ranging from EGP 8.2 k to EGP 12.2 k. The first package includes three appetizers and a dip, four main dishes with one side dish, and one mixed dessert. The second, more expensive package, includes five appetizers and a dip, six main dishes with two sides, and also mixed oriental desserts.

#4- CHEF’S KISS- They provide numerous options in both Egyptian and Western cuisines. If you fancy an Egyptian meal, you can go for the EGP 1 k/per person set menu that includes cutlery, a welcome drink, serving dishes, three appetizers, two salads, and one of two main course choices.

You can also go buffet-style if that’s more your speed: The iftar buffet is the whole package. For EGP 1.3 k per person, this menu comes with a variety of starters, salads, and mains as well as a chef doing all the cooking live. They also throw in decorations and set up.

The suhoor buffet is the same but costs EGP 800 per person instead. But if you want a more casual evening, you can opt for the suhoor tray which will set you back EGP 8.5 k and it includes a one-meter tray with bread, and classic suhoor dips, veggies, and finger foods, fit for 20-25 people. No matter what you choose, there is the option to customize the set menus to your preferences.

#5- MATBAKHII-Here you can find a plethora of options: Frozen or cooked plates, soups, salads, mini-sandwiches, pastries, and party platters. For the frozen or cooked dishes, prices range from EGP 180 for stuffed vine leaves to EGP 2 k for a salmon filet. You can pair those with soups and stews, such as molokhia, peas, knuckle soup, etc for EGP 160 - EGP 440 for four people. Their salads and dips can account for 10 people for EGP 150 - 250 per person — depending on the item, for example, tahini, baba ganoush, etc. The mini-sandwiches and pastries, such as shawarma or goulash, will run you EGP 250- EGP 450.

For bigger spreads…you can opt for the party platter. This comes with a protein option and oriental rice (khalta rice with nuts and dried fruits). Prices range between EGP 750 - EGP 4 k depending on how much protein you’d like (you can go up to a whole turkey). Their flat plate dishes are another option with the choice of either bechamel, potatoes, gratin, or fattah. These prices are dependent on the party size: EGP 400 for four people, EGP 500 for six people, EGP 600 for 10 people, and EGP 1.1 k for 20 people.

#6- ZAHRAWAN-If you’d like to pick out the spread yourself and help others, this place is for you. Zahrawan is an association focused on empowering women by support their small businesses. Their menu has been tried and true for several years and they do not disappoint. Expect to find all the classics — main courses, vegetable dishes and stews, soups, pizza, salads, sambousek, shawarma, sides, and more — as well as some meat specialties like maklouba, sweet and sour chicken, sharkaseya, cordon bleu, and kofta. They also offer desserts to wrap up the night. You can use their services for either a full buffet or regular catering by calling 19466.

DECORATIONS-

The crescents, Arabic calligraphy, and mini lanterns are all the rage during Ramadan.Whether you want some simple adornments or intend to have the entire theme running in your space, you’ll find great local options below.

#1- REVIVE STUDIO-The page allows you to stock up on everything from tea lights to stands, all with unique metal work, with prices ranging from EGP 100 - EGP 2.5 k.

#2- WOODPECKER- This is an online store that sells cozy decorations made of a mix of wood, metal, and macrame. Their prices range from EGP 370 to EGP 2.75 k.

#3-SAJA- They have that oriental touch with calligraphy prints, ottomanesque lanterns, and Ramadan covers. Their prices for lanterns range from EGP 1.85 k - EGP 7.9 k and cover from EGP 600 to EGP 2.5 k.

#4-EFRESHLI-You can use their website, app, or social media to shop for all things decorations and furnishings. This season, they’ve come out with a Ramadan collection that includes items such as themed mugs and plate sets with prices starting from EGP 145 and going up to EGP 13.8 k.

#5- TOP NOTCH- These event planners can set you up with three different packages. For EGP 26.8 k, you’ll get decorations and setup, as well as a live oud performance as entertainment. If you go up to EGP 30.8 k, you’ll get added Ramadan drinks and Suhoor, minus the entertainment, but for EGP 34.6 k they’ll throw in live oud entertainment with all their other services.

BONUS TIP- If you manage to book within the first 10 days of Ramadan you’ll get a 10% off. You’re welcome.

WHAT TO WEAR-

It’s kaftan and kimono season. To play the part you should dress the part, and there are plenty of local shops out there offering Ramadan-style attire for women, men, and children.

#1- MIX AND MATCH- A tried and true local brand that primarily produces 100% Egyptian cotton and linen products for both men and women. This Ramadan season, you can get an outfit between EGP 750 - EGP 11k.

#2- ZAWAYA ART HOUSE- This online store has a more traditional aesthetic for both men and women with prices ranging between EGP 350 - EGP 7.8 k for her and EGP 650 - EGP 9.4 k for him.

#3-MAISON SAAS- They deliver more intricate Ramdan attire for women, from kaftans to dresses. Prices start at EGP 2.5 k and go up to EGP 4 k.

#4- SARA BESHIER FASHION- Their Ramadan collection is a youthful take on the month’s classic outfits with items costing EGP 1.5 k - EGP 3.3 k.

#5- COTTONOVI- This shop gives you a chance to let your little ones get in on the Ramadan fun with their mini kaftans for EGP 450 - EGP 1.5 k. You even have the option to match with your kid.

#6- FRILLU-Here you’ll find a wide variety of female kaftans and kimonos that will probably be quite popular this season.

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