Ramadan is a month of reflection, gratitude, and community — a time when millions of Muslims around the world come together to fast, pray, and reconnect with faith. But beyond the spiritual rituals, it’s also a season that brings people closer through food, hospitality, and shared experiences.
In recent years, coffee shops around the world have begun embracing this special month with creativity and sensitivity — introducing Ramadan-themed menus, extended hours, community events, and charitable initiatives that reflect the spirit of giving.
From iftar-inspired lattes to date-infused brews and midnight café gatherings, the coffee scene is finding fresh and meaningful ways to celebrate Ramadan while catering to the needs of fasting customers.
Let’s explore how coffee shops — especially halal and Muslim-owned cafés — are honoring the holy month with offerings that are both faithful and flavorful.
The Rise of Ramadan in Coffee Culture:
Not long ago, coffee shops were seen mostly as daytime hangouts — perfect for morning routines and afternoon breaks. But during Ramadan, the rhythms of daily life shift. For Muslims who fast from dawn to sunset, coffee becomes a part of iftar (breaking the fast) or suhoor (pre-dawn meal) routines rather than the typical morning ritual.
Recognizing this shift, cafés worldwide — from Kuala Lumpur to London to Toronto — have begun adapting their services and menus to better serve Muslim customers during the holy month.
The result? A growing trend of Ramadan-special coffee menus, extended evening hours, and community-driven initiatives that celebrate both faith and flavor.
“Ramadan gives us an opportunity to connect with our customers in a deeper way,” says Layla Khan, co-founder of Bean & Barakah Café in London. “We’re not just serving coffee — we’re serving community and comfort.”
Unique Ramadan Offerings: Blending Faith and Flavor:
Coffee shops are getting creative with their Ramadan specials, crafting drinks and treats that reflect the values and flavors of the month. Here are some of the most popular trends:
1. Date-Inspired Drinks:
Dates are synonymous with Ramadan — they’re the first food Muslims traditionally eat when breaking the fast. Naturally, many cafés have turned this humble fruit into a star ingredient in their Ramadan specials.
Popular creations include:
Date Caramel Latte: Espresso blended with natural date syrup instead of sugar.
Kopi Kurma: A Southeast Asian-style drink that combines robust coffee with sweet, energy-rich dates.
Cold Brew with Date Essence: A smooth, chilled option perfect for iftar evenings.
These drinks not only taste delicious but also provide natural energy and nutrients — making them ideal post-fasting pick-me-ups.
2. Saffron, Rose, and Cardamom Infusions:
To capture the comforting essence of Ramadan, many halal and Muslim-owned cafés are infusing their drinks with Middle Eastern and South Asian flavors.
Signature Ramadan-inspired beverages:
Saffron Rose Latte – fragrant, floral, and luxurious.
Cardamom Mocha – a spiced twist on the classic chocolate coffee.
Pistachio Latte – rich, nutty, and inspired by traditional desserts like baklava.
These blends not only highlight Islamic culinary heritage but also offer something exotic and festive for all coffee lovers — Muslim and non-Muslim alike.
3. Iftar Dessert Pairings:
Coffee shops are taking dessert pairings to another level during Ramadan. Since most people break their fast with something sweet, cafés are creating iftar sets that pair specialty coffees with traditional treats.
Examples include:
Espresso with Dates & Mini Kunafa Bites
Rose Cappuccino with Pistachio Baklava
Cold Brew with Basbousa (semolina cake)
Some cafés, like Qahwa House in New York, even offer Yemeni-style qishr — a spiced coffee husk drink often enjoyed with sweets during iftar.
4. Suhoor Menus and Extended Hours:
Ramadan transforms the rhythm of the day — and cafés are adapting accordingly. Many now open late into the night or before dawn to accommodate fasting customers.
In Kuala Lumpur, cafés like Modest Mug open until 2 a.m., serving energizing suhoor drinks like oat milk lattes and smoothie bowls.
In Dubai and Jeddah, specialty coffee shops host midnight gatherings called “Ramadan Nights,” where people socialize, sip coffee, and enjoy desserts after taraweeh prayers.
In Toronto, The Halal Cup Café offers pre-dawn coffee-to-go options for busy professionals observing the fast.
These adjustments show how coffee culture can beautifully adapt to accommodate Muslim lifestyles — without losing its creative flair.
Community and Charity: The Heart of Ramadan:
Beyond the flavors and aesthetics, Ramadan is about compassion, generosity, and connection — and coffee shops are finding meaningful ways to embody that spirit.
1. Pay-It-Forward Programs:
Some cafés have introduced “Ramadan Kindness Cups” — where customers can pay in advance for someone else’s coffee or meal, allowing those in need to enjoy an iftar treat for free.
2. Donation Drives and Partnerships:
Many halal coffee brands partner with local charities during Ramadan, donating a portion of their sales to food banks, refugee organizations, or mosque programs.
Barakah Beans Roastery in South Africa, for example, donates part of its Ramadan profits to youth education and community kitchens.
3. Iftar Gatherings and Cultural Events:
In cities like London and Toronto, Muslim-owned coffee shops host community iftars, open to all — Muslims and non-Muslims alike. These events foster interfaith understanding and togetherness, often featuring talks, art, and storytelling.
“Our Ramadan iftars have become a tradition,” says Aisha Rahim, founder of The Halal Cup in Toronto. “We break fast together, share stories, and remind everyone that coffee — like Ramadan — brings people closer.”
The Role of Halal Coffee Brands in Ramadan:
Emerging halal coffee brands are leading this transformation, ensuring that Ramadan offerings are not just trendy but truly ethical and inclusive.
Brands like Qahwa House, Bean & Barakah, and Modest Mug Café are setting examples with:
Halal-certified ingredients for all drinks and desserts.
Zero alcohol-based flavorings in syrups or sauces.
Sustainable packaging and community engagement aligned with Islamic principles of khalifah (stewardship).
Their approach turns coffee from a luxury item into a symbol of mindfulness and gratitude, aligning perfectly with the values of Ramadan.
How Non-Muslim-Owned Cafés Are Joining In:
Interestingly, even mainstream coffee chains are joining the celebration — not for marketing alone, but to show cultural appreciation.
In the UAE and Malaysia, Starbucks and Costa Coffee roll out Ramadan-exclusive drinks like Date Frappuccinos and Saffron Cream Lattes.
Independent cafés in cities like London, Chicago, and Sydney now add “iftar boxes” and extended hours during Ramadan to cater to Muslim customers.
This growing inclusivity demonstrates how the global coffee industry is evolving — embracing diversity and learning from halal-conscious practices.
Why Ramadan Coffee Culture Matters:
The rise of Ramadan-focused coffee culture signals something bigger than just seasonal specials. It represents a shift toward cultural inclusivity, ethical consumption, and community connection.
For Muslim customers, it means finding comfort and belonging in spaces that understand their needs. For coffee shops, it’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity and practice hospitality in its truest form.
“Ramadan isn’t just a marketing opportunity — it’s a moment to serve with sincerity,” says Rashid Ismail of Barakah Beans. “That’s what makes it special — it’s coffee with meaning.”
Final Thoughts:
As coffee culture continues to expand globally, Ramadan has become a moment for cafés to slow down, reflect, and give back. From date-sweetened lattes to late-night suhoor gatherings, these initiatives go beyond business — they nurture community, compassion, and connection.
Whether it’s a halal-certified café in Kuala Lumpur or a small local coffee shop in London, these Ramadan specials remind us that coffee, at its best, is about more than caffeine. It’s about care, culture, and togetherness.
So this Ramadan, when the sun sets and the fast breaks, take a sip of that perfectly brewed coffee — and savor not just the flavor, but the faith and fellowship that come with it.
