Iftar Etiquette

In previous posts I have shared information about Ramadan, the month long fast from sunup to sundown.  Particularly difficult during the long days in the summertime, non-fasting Americans find it especially difficult to remember the proper etiquette when it comes to observing Ramadan.

Some things to consider:


1.  If you go into a restaurant and ask "Can we get the Iftar dinner early?" it might be interpreted as "Do you serve the Iftar dinner?"

2.  If you have to wait more than 25 minutes for your drinks to arrive at the table, you can safely presume that the waiter misunderstood your earlier request.

3.  If there is a language barrier, using shoveling gestures towards your mouth and pointing to the table saying "Iftar now" can be a productive means to have your meal early.

4.  If the waitstaff has an intense conversation with the cook, gesturing towards your table, you are likely not following Iftar etiquette.  Smile and shrug shoulders.

5.  If you are thinking to yourself, "I'm starving and I can't wait 20 more minutes to eat" kindly remember that those trickling into the restaurant and quietly waiting at tables haven't eaten since sunup and you have had breakfast... and lunch...and teatime since their last meal.

6.  Try not to make eye contact with those around you waiting for Iftar (at 8:45) when your food arrives at 8:30 and you dig in.

Kevin and Greg digging into their Iftar meal...as the table behind them patiently waits for 8:45.

7.  Once you finish eating at 8:45 realize that now you have to wait for the check to come because everyone eating Iftar in the restaurant needs to be served first.

Here is the tv on the wall in the restaurant announcing sundown times for the faithful.

8.  Once the check arrives, apologize to the waitstaff, look sheepish, and leave a big tip!


Thank goodness the waitstaff was used to tourists and took it with humor!  Sorry Istanbul...I'll know better next time!