With shops open for shorter hours, restaurants closed between dawn and dusk, no loud music, singing or celebrations allowed during the day and not being allowed to eat or drink in public during the extreme daytime heat.

Visiting Muslim countries that celebrate Ramadan is often seen as unappealing to many western tourists.  However, those that are looking for the ultimate cultural experience who head to these traditional countries during this month-long religious celebration will see that some of the best food festivities are held at night.

Malyasia

The breaking of fast in the evenings is met by large celebrations lasting throughout the night; with food bazaars held in all towns, restaurants offering special promotions and many mosques handing out free food.  The biggest festivities though are at the end of Ramadan during Eid-ul-Fitr when the first three days are public holidays. 

Many Muslim families decorate their houses and cook up local specialities such as ketupat, lemang and sweet Malay and host ‘open houses', where their homes are open to the public to enjoy the food and festivities together!  Some of the most popular ‘open house' celebrations, especially amongst foreign visitors, are held by the sultans and prime ministers.

Dubai

Despite being a cosmopolitan city with strong western influences, Dubai still strictly celebrates this traditional food festival.  However, when darkness falls the luxury hotels, shopping malls and restaurants throughout this dynamic city return to business and lay out first-class banquets and celebrations.  During the day it may seem as though this city has lost its normal buzz, but at night it definitely comes alive with world-class live music and celebrations for the whole family!

Indonesia

Festivities begin seven days early in Indonesia with the festival of Dandangan.  Crowds flock to the main mosque in the city centre of Kudus, where the streets are closed and lined with different food and drink stalls and a large carnival procession.