Sharjah Kitchen: Ramadan's Heart and Soul
Sharjah Kitchen: The Heart of Ramadan Tradition and Community
The holy month of Ramadan is a special period for every Muslim, not just for fasting, but also for strengthening the community and the spirit of giving. One place where this spirit comes to life every day is the Al Qaiem Public Kitchen in Sharjah. This kitchen doesn’t just offer food, but a tradition that brings people together, regardless of where they come from or their living conditions.
Daily 4,500 kg of food and crowd management
The Al Qaiem Public Kitchen prepares 4,500 kilograms of food daily, with harees (a traditional wheat and meat mix) and biryani (a spicy rice dish) being the most popular. The demand for food is so high that police officers are present at the kitchen gate to manage the crowd. Food distribution starts at 1:30 PM, with crowds gathering as early as 1 PM. People arrive in luxury cars, on motorcycles, or on foot, with hot pots in hand to secure their share of freshly made meals.
Harees and biryani sell out so quickly that biryani is gone by 2:30 PM and harees by 5:30 PM. People often buy in large quantities to enjoy these flavors at home as well. The kitchen is known not only for the quality of its food but also for offering it at prices accessible to all. A portion of harees or biryani costs just 10 dirhams, making this nourishing meal affordable for everyone, from wealthy families to laborers.
The secret recipe and commitment to quality
The success of Al Qaiem Public Kitchen is rooted in a secret spice blend created by the founder's father. Even though the founder passed away four months ago, his legacy lives on in the kitchen. The founder emphasized not just flavors but also the quality of ingredients, and the family continues to uphold this tradition. Preparing harees is a true art; the dish is simmered for over 10 hours on low heat to achieve the perfect smooth consistency. The morning hours are spent grinding the harees finely, and by 11 AM it's packaged and ready for distribution.
The kitchen is operated by a small team of just 10 people responsible for everything from food preparation to serving. This team works hard to offer fresh and tasty meals daily, and during Ramadan, the demand is so high that nothing is left by evening. Any leftover food is quickly packaged and sent to nearby mosques where worshippers can break their fasts.
The power of Ramadan tradition and community
Al Qaiem Public Kitchen is not just a restaurant; it’s a place where the Ramadan traditions and community spirit come to life. People visit not only for the delicious food but because this place has become a part of their lives. Guests travel from Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and even further to partake in this special experience. For many, this has been an indispensable tradition for decades, integral to the spirit of Ramadan.
The restaurant maintains high standards not only in flavor but also in hygiene. During an inspection by the Sharjah municipality, the kitchen received a 100% clean and hygienic rating, thanks to the founder's principles and the hard work of the team.
The legacy of Al Qaiem Public Kitchen
Al Qaiem Public Kitchen is not just a restaurant; it’s a place where people gather to share food, stories, and the spirit of Ramadan. The founder wanted to offer delicious food and build a community where good food is accessible to everyone. This legacy lives on today, reminding us that Ramadan is not just about fasting but also about love and understanding for one another.
