Ramadan is a special time for Pakistani families, bringing everyone together for Iftar with delicious food and heartfelt moments. In 2025, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are buzzing with Iftar recipes that are easy, tasty, and perfect for breaking your fast. From crispy Pakistani snacks to healthy twists on classics, these top 10 trending Iftar recipes are winning hearts in Lahore, Karachi, and beyond. We’ve picked these based on what’s hot online, keeping it simple and relatable for Pakistani home cooks. Let’s dive into these mouthwatering dishes you can whip up for your Iftar table!
Why Iftar Recipes Are Trending in Pakistan
Iftar is all about sharing love through food, and Pakistanis are turning to social media for quick, budget-friendly ideas. With over 87 million internet users in Pakistan in 2024, platforms like TikTok and Instagram are packed with short recipe videos that fit busy schedules. These recipes focus on local flavors, easy ingredients available at markets like Anarkali in Lahore, and dishes that vibe with our desi taste buds. Whether you’re fasting or hosting, these trending picks will make your Iftar unforgettable.
Top 10 Iftar Recipes Trending on Social Media
1. Chicken Pakoras
- Why It’s Trending: Crispy, spicy, and a Ramadan must-have, chicken pakoras are all over TikTok for their quick prep.
- How to Make: Marinate chicken strips in yogurt, chili powder, and gram flour. Deep-fry until golden. Serve with mint chutney. Takes 20 minutes!
- Why Pakistanis Love It: Perfect for Iftar dawats, available at stalls in Karachi’s Burns Road. Earns millions of views for its crunch.
- Where to Find: Check TikTok creators like @pakistanifoodie for recipes.
2. Dates and Nut Energy Balls
- Why It’s Trending: A healthy twist on breaking the fast, inspired by Prophet Muhammad’s tradition, trending on Instagram.
- How to Make: Blend dates, almonds, pistachios, and a pinch of cardamom. Roll into balls. No cooking needed!
- Why Pakistanis Love It: Quick, nutritious, and great for kids in Islamabad homes. Costs ~PKR 500 for a batch.
- Where to Find: Search #RamadanRecipes on Instagram.
3. Air-Fried Samosas
- Why It’s Trending: Health-conscious Pakistanis are loving air-fried samosas, with recipes racking up views on YouTube.
- How to Make: Stuff samosa pastry with spiced potatoes or keema. Air-fry at 180°C for 15 minutes. Pair with tamarind chutney.
- Why Pakistanis Love It: Less oil, same taste. Popular in DHA Lahore households. Buy pastry at Daraz.pk for ~PKR 200.
- Where to Find: YouTube channels like “Desi Kitchen Vlogs.”
4. Chana Chaat
- Why It’s Trending: This tangy, filling snack is a Ramadan staple, going viral for its simplicity on Facebook.
- How to Make: Mix boiled chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, chaat masala, and yogurt. Top with sev. Ready in 10 minutes.
- Why Pakistanis Love It: Budget-friendly (~PKR 100 per serving) and a hit at Iftar parties in Rawalpindi.
- Where to Find: Facebook groups like “Pakistani Food Lovers.”
5. One-Pot Chicken Biryani
- Why It’s Trending: TikTok’s 30-minute biryani recipes are a lifesaver for busy Iftar preps, with millions of likes.
- How to Make: Cook marinated chicken with rice, spices, and fried onions in one pot. Garnish with coriander.
- Why Pakistanis Love It: A South Asian classic, loved in Karachi for its aroma. Costs ~PKR 800 for a family.
- Where to Find: Search #IftarBiryani on TikTok.
6. Dahi Baray
- Why It’s Trending: Creamy and refreshing, dahi baray are trending on Instagram Reels for their cooling effect.
- How to Make: Soak and grind urad dal, fry into dumplings, and soak in yogurt with chaat masala. Takes 30 minutes.
- Why Pakistanis Love It: A Lahore favorite, perfect for hot Ramadan evenings. ~PKR 300 for a batch.
- Where to Find: Instagram creators like @foodfusionpk.
7. Fruit Chaat
- Why It’s Trending: Light and hydrating, fruit chaat is blowing up on Pinterest for its vibrant look.
- How to Make: Toss bananas, apples, mangoes, and grapes with chaat masala and lemon juice. Ready in 5 minutes.
- Why Pakistanis Love It: Cheap (~PKR 200) and refreshing for Iftar in Multan. Kids love it!
- Where to Find: Pinterest boards under “Ramadan Iftar Ideas.”
8. Shish Tawook Skewers
- Why It’s Trending: These Middle Eastern grilled skewers are gaining traction on YouTube for their smoky flavor.
- How to Make: Marinate chicken in yogurt, garlic, and paprika. Grill or bake, serve with naan. Takes 25 minutes.
- Why Pakistanis Love It: A protein-packed option, popular in Islamabad’s F-7 markets. ~PKR 600 for 4 servings.
- Where to Find: YouTube’s “Middle Eastern Recipes” playlists.
9. Lentil Soup (Shorba)
- Why It’s Trending: This hydrating soup is a TikTok favorite for its simplicity and health benefits.
- How to Make: Cook red lentils with tomatoes, cumin, and onions. Blend smooth, serve hot. Done in 20 minutes.
- Why Pakistanis Love It: Soothes the stomach after fasting, loved in Peshawar homes. ~PKR 150 per pot.
- Where to Find: TikTok hashtag #RamadanSoup.
10. Jalebi
- Why It’s Trending: Crispy, syrupy jalebi is lighting up Instagram Stories for its festive vibe.
- How to Make: Mix flour batter, pipe into hot oil, and soak in sugar syrup. Ready in 30 minutes.
- Why Pakistanis Love It: A sweet end to Iftar, iconic at stalls in Lahore’s Food Street. ~PKR 400 per kg.
- Where to Find: Instagram Reels under #DesiDesserts.
Tips for Pakistani Home Cooks
- Shop Smart: Buy ingredients at local markets like Sunday Bazaar in Islamabad or online at Daraz.pk for deals (e.g., gram flour ~PKR 150/kg).
- Prep Ahead: Marinate chicken or chop veggies in the morning to save time before Iftar.
- Stay Hydrated: Start with dates or fruit chaat to rehydrate, especially in Karachi’s heat.
- Use Air Fryers: For healthier samosas or pakoras, get an air fryer (~PKR 15,000 on PriceOye.pk).
- Avoid Scams: Stick to verified recipe creators on social media. Don’t trust random links promising “free Iftar kits.”
- Share the Love: Post your Iftar dishes on WhatsApp groups or Instagram with #Ramadan2025 to join the trend!
Conclusion
These top 10 Iftar recipes trending on social media in 2025 are perfect for Pakistani families looking to make Ramadan special. From crispy chicken pakoras to refreshing fruit chaat, they’re easy, affordable, and packed with desi flavors. Try them out, whether you’re hosting in Lahore or breaking your fast in Quetta. Want more ideas? Follow creators on TikTok or check recipe blogs for the latest Iftar inspo. Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and make this Ramadan delicious!
