Through the year at Madina
Ramadan and Eid, BBQ season, back to uni and winter warmers: what to get in for each, and when to order ahead.
Ramadan
Expected to start around 8 February 2027, depending on the moon
Shop once for the week: meat to batch-cook and freeze, lentils and chickpeas, fresh herbs for every iftar, and plenty of basmati. Our Ramadan kitchen guide has a freezer-prep shopping list and a week of iftar ideas.
Eid al-Fitr
Expected on 9 or 10 March 2027, at the end of Ramadan
The big family meal after Ramadan. Work out how much meat and rice you need with the crowd calculator, then tell us your list a few days ahead.
Eid al-Adha
Expected on 16 or 17 May 2027, depending on the moon
Whole and half lambs, cut to your list: shoulders into karahi pieces, legs for roasting or curry, ribs and chops for the grill. Ask as early as you can, so we can keep one for you.
BBQ season
Whenever the sun is out, usually May to September
Chops, wings, kebab mince and chicken for skewers, with the sauces, gherkins and onions to go with them. The BBQ guide has a shopping list for 6, 10 or 20 people.
Back to uni
September
New flat, first big shop. Buy small amounts cut to order, a bag of basmati and a few spices, and you can cook for the week for less than a takeaway or two.
Winter warmers
November to February
Cold, dark evenings call for something slow-cooked: Scotch broth with lamb neck, beef stew, mince and tatties with neeps in season, or a roast for the family at the weekend.
Islamic dates depend on the moon being sighted, so they can move by a day. They come about 11 days earlier each year.