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Doughnuts: The Unofficial Treat of American Eid al-Fitr Celebrations
As the morning of Eid al-Fitr dawns, marking the culmination of Ramadan, Muslims across America are not only celebrating the end of fasting but also a unique culinary tradition: indulging in doughnuts. Following thirty days of abstinence from food and drink during daylight hours, the sweet, circular pastries have become a staple at mosques nationwide, signifying the joyous breaking of the fast for Eid celebrations. This post-Ramadan treat has become deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Muslim community gatherings in the United States.
The Sweet Start to Eid Day
For many observing Eid al-Fitr, doughnuts are the first thing on their minds after morning prayers. Actor Saagar Shaikh of Hulu’s “Deli Boys” humorously describes his immediate post-prayer ritual: “My eyes scan the room, and I’m looking for the nearest Krispy Kreme box, because that’s what I’m conditioned to do.”
Across the nation, whether it’s Dunkin’, Krispy Kreme, or a local bakery providing the pastries, tables at mosques are laden with boxes of assorted doughnuts – chocolate-frosted, glazed, or jelly-filled. This sugary bounty serves as a welcoming gesture for congregants as they reconnect with loved ones and fellow worshippers.
“It’s Not Eid Without Doughnuts”
Sharaf Mowjood, a CBS News producer, encapsulates the sentiment succinctly: “It’s not Eid unless there’s doughnuts,” he states. “This is just the beginning — that doughnut sets the tone for the rest of the day.”
Why Doughnuts? The Rise of a Sweet Tradition
The popularity of doughnuts within American Muslim communities can be attributed to several factors:
- Affordability: Doughnuts are a cost-effective option for catering to large groups.
- Convenience: They are easy to procure and transport in large quantities, especially for early morning events.
- Coffee Pairing: Doughnuts are the perfect accompaniment to the eagerly awaited first morning coffee after Ramadan.
- Halal-Friendly: Often, they are considered halal-friendly, aligning with Islamic dietary guidelines.
Shaikh finds it curious that major doughnut chains haven’t officially recognized this trend. “Don’t they question that? Don’t they want to capitalize on it?” he wonders, noting a missed marketing opportunity.
Global Eid Treats, Local American Preference
While various cultures across the Muslim world boast their own traditional sweet treats for Eid – from African American bean pies to South Asian sheer khorma, North African assida, and Arab ma’amoul – doughnuts have emerged as the unifying choice in American mosques. These institutions serve the most diverse Muslim population in the United States, and doughnuts appeal to a wide range of palates.
Zaynab Issa, author of “Third Culture Cooking: Classic Recipes for a New Generation,” explains, “I think there are familiar ties to the idea of fried dough across so many cultures.” She points out global examples such as South Asian gulab jamun, Middle Eastern luqaimat, and East African mandazi and kalimati, stating, “On Eid, when so many cultures are converging, it makes sense.”
Artisanal Doughnuts for Eid
Beyond mainstream brands, independent bakeries are also crafting special Eid confections. Detour Doughnuts in Frisco, Texas, offers crescent moon and star-shaped Eid doughnuts in flavors like date crème brûlée and pistachio-rose. Sohayla Shahsavand of Saffron Bakes in Milwaukee creates Eid doughnut bouquets featuring mini lemon-rose-pistachio hoops. Raised Doughnuts in Seattle features rosewater doughnut holes during Eid weekend.
Doughnuts as a Symbol of Unity
Moe’s Doughs, a halal bakery in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, plays a significant role, delivering green and white glazed, sugared, old-fashioned, and sprinkled pastries to mosques each Eid. Hossam Saleh, son of founder Mohamed Saleh, emphasizes the unifying aspect: “It’s about bringing people together, living together in peace, harmony and happiness,” he says, linking this tradition to the core values of Islam.
“Donut Forget My Eid Donut”
The significance of doughnuts in American Eid celebrations is so profound that Nabiha Haider, founder of Lil Deenies children’s clothing, has designed pajamas featuring the phrase “Donut Forget My Eid Donut.” Haider explains, “What do you see at every masjid on Eid day? You see everyone bringing in boxes and boxes of doughnuts,” highlighting the visual prominence of this sweet treat during the holiday.