"What should we eat for Iftar?" – This is a question on every Muslim’s mind in Ramadan as the month of fasting and charity is observed.
Ramadan officially started on Sunday, March 10 in most of the Middle East and Monday, March 11 in Europe after a crescent moon was sighted.
There is no eating from sunrise to sunset as Muslims immerse themselves in charity and prayer, thinking of those less fortunate.
This year, the fast-opening times started just after 6pm, a more pleasing Iftar time to many, but where can people open their fasts in Bolton?
The Bolton News has put together a list of the best restaurants to visit according to popularity and some lesser known ones.
1. Jaan’s Restaurant -Blackburn Road
Known for their aesthetic backgrounds, karahi and tawa grill, and mocktails, Jaan's only opened last year in Bolton but has quickly established itself as a top place to eat.
During Ramadan, Jaan’s is open from 5pm to 11pm and serves anything from pizzas, barbeques, and a heap of curries.
And if there’s room for dessert, Jaan's serve hot gulab jamun with ice cream, gajar ka halwa and baklawa among their popular Asian sweet dishes.
2. Ayaan’s Restaurant – Old Road, Astley Bridge
Ayaan’s was the winner of the Pakistani Restaurant of the Year at the National Curry Awards two years in a row.
The restaurant serves up all the usual tawa and grill dishes with platters of all their starters available with lamb chops, chicken, pakoras, as well as any curry such as daal, butter chicken and jalfrezi.
This family restaurant is one of the best when it comes to traditional Pakistani food and in Ramadan, Ayaan’s is open till 11pm every day.
3. Beefalo Meathouse – Blackburn Road, Bolton
For something a little different, Bolton’s top Turkish steakhouse is the place to go.
Opened by the famous Turkish chef, Bayram Yuce, Beefalo delivers fine dining to those on a budget.
Opt for a Ramadan menu at £20 per person and this includes – fresh dates and olives, humus, salsa and tzatziki, and lentil soup to first open the fast.
This set meal also includes a meat platter, with chicken skewers, a choice of lamb or beef, kofta, and salad.
4. Achari – Crook Street, Bolton
Achari was shortlisted in the Asian Curry Awards twice and has also won the Asian Catering Federation award in 2019.
Every curry anyone can think of is on the menu at Achari, with different spice levels available.
It’s rivalled by Ayaan’s due to their similarities in cuisine, but Achari holds its own.
5. Tribez Steak & Grill – Halliwell Road, Bolton
Inspired by ingredients from Africa, Tribez offers steaks and grilled food as well as all the usual pizza and barbecue options.
Tribez also has its own dry bar to make a range of delicious mocktails to wash down all the iftar food with.
For Ramadan, Tribez operates on its normal opening hours from 4pm to 11pm.
6. Arizona Joe’s – Deane Road, Bolton
Arizona Joe’s is an American style diner, complete with the booth seating and bright colours.
It won the Best Fast-Casual Burger Restaurant in 2022 thanks to its popularity and has since expanded into Manchester.
The beef burgers are well-loved, and it is something a little different to the ordinary restaurant scene.
It’s next to a lot of competition on Deane Road but it never misses with the cheesy chicken chips.
7. Don Tacos – 119 Deansgate
This is an often-overlooked halal Mexican eatery in Bolton town centre.
It’s a dream come true for Muslims in Bolton as currently there is no other Mexican diner offering halal here.
Don Tacos has all the burrito fillings as well as tacos, quesadillas, and fajitas to name a few.
The diner is not massive, so calling ahead to book for a bigger group is best, and they’re open from 4pm to 10pm every day.
8. K-Food – Chorley New Road, Bolton
Something unique to the mix is Bolton’s very own Korean diner with many halal options.
K-Town already has established restaurants in places like Birmingham, London, and Edinburgh, before choosing Bolton as their next location.
The founders of K-food have come all the way from New Malden in Surrey, home to one of the largest concentration of Koreans, earning it the nickname “Korea Town”.
In New Malden they experienced the vibrant culture and its food first hand for many years before deciding to make Bolton their home.
On their menu is everything from Kimchi to Bibimbap, fried chicken to fried wings or Teriyaki Don to Yekai Udon.
9. Fired Up – Chorley Old Road, Bolton
FiredUp is a pizza restaurant on Chorley Old Road with swing benches for seating and serving authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Not only is an Italian pizza oven used, but salt and pepper are ground the traditional Italian way too, with a handheld grinder.
During Ramadan FiredUp is open until the usual 11pm.
Milkshakes are also a speciality at FiredUp.
10. M&M Turkish BBQ – Higher Market Street, Farnworth
Run by chefs originally from Turkey, this new restaurant is the best to have a healthier iftar.
Choose from barbecue, vegetarian grills and platters with lamb shish, adana kebab and halloumi, and wraps with any of the grilled meat on the menu.
M&M’s cold mezze is a good pick for every meal with tzatziki and variations of humus and salsa.
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