10 Healthy Fast-Breaking Food Menus

Breaking the fast is a long-awaited moment after a day of holding back hunger and thirst. However, choosing the right food when breaking the fast is very important to maintaining body health and keeping energy stable. 

In this article, we will discuss iftar menus that are not only delicious but also rich in nutrients to support health during Ramadan. 

Why is choosing food to break the fast important? 

Choosing the right iftar food is essential to help the body recover after a day of fasting. When fasting, blood sugar levels drop, metabolism slows down, and the body becomes dehydrated. 

If the food consumed when breaking the fast is unbalanced, such as too much sugar or fatty foods, this can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar, digestive problems, and a feeling of weakness after eating. 

On the other hand, healthy food can help restore energy gradually, maintain body hydration, and stabilize mood. Balanced nutrition also supports the digestive system to stay healthy and prevents lethargy after breaking the fast. 

Therefore, it is important to choose foods that contain complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and sufficient fluids to keep the body energized and ready to carry out worship during Ramadan. 

The function of breaking the fast for the body 

Breaking the fast is not just ending the fasting period, but also plays an important role in restoring body functions by consuming nutritious food. After a day without receiving food and drink, the body experiences a decrease in blood sugar levels, which can blur concentration. 

By choosing the right foods, blood sugar levels can return to stability, so that the body's energy recovers gradually without causing excessive sugar spikes. 

In addition, when fasting, the body's metabolism slows down in response to the lack of energy intake. Consuming nutritious foods when breaking the fast helps reactivate the metabolism, so the body can digest and absorb nutrients more effectively. 

By restoring blood sugar levels, activating metabolism, and maintaining hydration, breaking the fast with healthy foods helps to keep your mood more stable, so you can stay comfortable and productive during Ramadan. 

Principles of balanced nutrition when breaking the fast 

To keep the body energized and not easily weak after breaking the fast, it is important to apply the principle of balanced nutrition in choosing food. Combining complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and minerals can help maintain energy longer. 

• Complex carbohydrates: such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, or wholemeal bread are digested more slowly by the body than simple carbohydrates, helping to keep blood sugar levels stable and energy lasting longer. 

• Protein: from sources such as lean meat, eggs, or nuts plays a role in repairing body cells and supporting a feeling of fullness for longer. 

• Fiber: found in abundance in fresh vegetables and fruits, helps smooth digestion and prevents rapid spikes in blood sugar. 

• Minerals: such as potassium and magnesium from dates, melon, bananas, or coconut water are very important to restore the body's electrolyte balance lost during fasting. 

By applying this principle, the body not only gets enough energy to do activities after breaking the fast but also does not get hungry easily after tarawih and does not get sleepy easily. This helps maintain the quality of worship and productivity during Ramadan. 

10 menu choices from IKEA restaurants suitable for breaking the fast

After understanding the importance of choosing healthy and balanced foods to break the fast, now is the time to look for a menu that is practical but still nutritious. IKEA Restaurant offers a healthy menu for breaking the fast that is practical without the hassle of cooking. 

In addition to being famous for its furniture products, IKEA also has a restaurant that serves various dishes that can be the right choice for breaking the fast. Here are 10 iftar foods from IKEA Restaurant that are suitable for breaking the fast. 

1. Swedish Meatballs 

Swedish Meatballs is a typical IKEA Restaurant meal, consisting of Swedish meatballs served with mashed potatoes and a savory lingonberry cream sauce. 

This combination creates a balance between protein and carbohydrates, making it a filling and delicious dish. This menu is perfect for breaking the fast with family, providing a satisfying and comfortable culinary experience after a day of fasting. 

2. Grilled Salmon 

Grilled salmon is a nutrient-rich dish, consisting of quality salmon cuts grilled to perfection and served with a fresh lemon dill sauce. 

As a high source of protein and rich in omega-3, this menu is not only delicious but also provides health benefits, such as supporting brain function and maintaining heart health, making it an ideal choice for breaking the fast. 

With its elegant taste and good nutritional content, grilled salmon is a healthy choice for breaking the fast with a classy European feel. 

3. Fish and Chips 

Fish and Chips is a classic dish consisting of crispy fried fish and savory French fries. This combination provides a balance between protein from the fish and carbohydrates from the potatoes, making it a filling and indulgent meal. 

With the texture of the fish being soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, as well as a distinctive taste, this menu is a popular choice among various groups. Fish and Chips is one of the main food menus that is suitable for breaking the fast. 

4. Chicken with rujak seasoning 

Ayam Bumbu Rujak is a typical Indonesian dish that presents a combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors from the rujak spices that are perfectly absorbed into the chicken meat. 

This menu contains high protein from chicken, combined with typical Indonesian spices to create a rich and authentic taste. This dish is suitable for various occasions, both as a family meal or a special menu, especially for breaking the fast with family. 

5. Soup and Salad 

Soups and salads from IKEA are light yet nutritious menu choices, perfect as a takjil menu when breaking the fast. The menu choices for this meal are Mushroom Soup and Plant-Based Chicken Salad.  

Mushroom soup has a soft texture and a warming savory taste, and contains fluids that help hydrate the body after a day of fasting. Meanwhile, Plant-Based Chicken Salad is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that play a role in increasing the body's immune system.  

This combination is not only refreshing but also provides balanced nutrition, making it an ideal choice for breaking the fast before eating the main course. 

6. Pastries 

Pastries from IKEA Restaurant, such as croissants and cinnamon buns, are one of the practical yet filling menus. Croissants with their crispy and buttery texture, and cinnamon buns with their distinctive cinnamon aroma, offer a delicious and indulgent combination of flavors. 

Due to its ease of serving, this menu is perfect for those who need a fast-breaking dish on the go or as a snack option before eating the main course. The combination of practicality and deliciousness makes it an ideal solution for those who are busy during Ramadan. 

7. IKEA sweet desserts 

IKEA Restaurant desserts, such as Daim cake, ice cream, and strawberry cake are sweet dessert options that pamper the tongue. Each dessert presents a unique texture and taste, from the crunchy chocolate in Daim cake to the freshness of berries in mixed berry cheesecake. 

As a dessert, this dessert not only completes the meal with a delicious sweet taste but also provides a happy and relaxed sensation after eating. With a tempting combination of flavors, this dessert choice is perfect to end the dining moment with maximum satisfaction. 

Tips for enjoying the IKEA menu during Ramadan with family 

Enjoying IKEA's menu during Ramadan can be a fun experience, especially when breaking the fast with family. In addition to serving a variety of delicious dishes that are suitable for breaking the fast, the comfortable atmosphere of the restaurant also supports a more quality moment of togetherness. 

The cozy atmosphere of the IKEA restaurant 

IKEA restaurants are designed with a spacious and family-friendly concept, resembling a warm and cozy living room. With a spacious layout and supportive atmosphere, this restaurant is an ideal place to gather and enjoy a meal together. 

These advantages make it the right choice for quality time during Ramadan, where families can break their fast comfortably while enjoying a variety of IKEA specialties. 

Recommended IKEA menu combinations that fit perfectly 

For a more practical and enjoyable breaking-of-the-fast experience, IKEA offers a well-curated breaking-of-the-fast menu package. This package consists of a selection of main dishes, sides, and drinks designed to meet nutritional needs and tastes, including a healthy breaking-of-the-fast menu. 

With the IKEA iftar menu package, customers do not need to bother choosing food one by one, making it more efficient and practical. The portions provided are also just right for a small family, making it an ideal solution for those who want to enjoy delicious dishes with just the right portion. 

Take-home alternative to the IKEA menu to open at home 

For those who want to enjoy delicious IKEA dishes at home, the IKEA Takeaway Menu is a practical solution. This menu is designed to be easy to take home and reheat without compromising the original taste. 

With a variety of food choices, customers can enjoy IKEA's signature dishes without the hassle of cooking. This alternative is very flexible, especially for those who have a busy schedule or do not have time to prepare their food to break their fast. 

Make breaking the fast a meaningful moment.

Breaking the fast is not just a time to fill your stomach after a day of fasting, but also a valuable moment to strengthen relationships with family. 

Food becomes a bridge of closeness that brings warmth and togetherness to the dining table, making Ramadhan more memorable and meaningful. 

IKEA is here to provide a comfortable and enjoyable breaking-fast experience. Not only providing quality food with delicious taste but also offering a family-friendly place, so that every breaking fast moment becomes more special. 

Enjoy the warmth with your family, with a variety of delicious menu choices from IKEA Restaurant for breaking-fast moments.

Author: 
Ayu Nindyakirana
(Web & Digital Content Specialist)