Chef Imran Ali Mookhi Serves Up Iftar Throughout Ramadan

LOS ANGELES, CA — Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the year in which the Muslim faithful commemorate the revelation of the Quran and draw closer to God through self-control, gratitude, charity and compassion for others, begins Friday.

Fasting is one of the "five pillars" of Islam, and Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims break their fast during the holy month. Southland Muslims have no shortage of options for gourmet and Halal options after sunset.

Four-time Michelin Bib Gourmand Chef Imran Ali Mookhi's three Desi restaurants will offer complimentary dates, rose water, nuts, and fruit — symbols steeped in Muslim tradition — to break the fast through the end of Ramadan on March 29.

"Offering Iftar is a deeply meaningful tradition for us, as it represents a cherished act of kindness and community. Breaking someone’s fast is considered a good deed and is highly recommended in our culture," Mookhi told Patch. "It’s a moment of connection where both parties benefit spiritually."

In fact, Mookhi, a native of Pakistan, made headlines throughout the pandemic for opening his doors during the shutdown and offering free meals and bags of food to those in need and serving up meals to hospitals and schools.

"In many Muslim communities, whether you’re at home or traveling, it’s common for people to help others break their fast without expecting anything in return," he said. "This generosity is so ingrained in our values that we offer Iftar without a second thought, seeing it as an essential part of nurturing the sense of community and solidarity."

Ramadan offerings at Mookhi's three restaurants:

SHOR Bazaar in Hawaiian Gardens will offer a family-style Iftar menu for $35 per person featuring essential flavors and dishes, including Dahi Puri, Samosas, a selection of curries, and a sweet dessert. SHOR focuses on Afghani fare, with standout starters like Mantu and mains such as Chicken Tikka Masala and Aloo Gosht and signature halal meats like the Tomahawk Kabob made of Australian Wagyu Hunter Beef. The restaurant is also home to Los Angeles’ second-ever 100% non-alcoholic bar with mocktail menu featuring bold drinks like the Devil’s Kiss (Seedlip, passion fruit, lime, jalapeño) and the sophisticated Manhattan (N/A whiskey, cherry, bitters, orange juice).

Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen in Fullerton
Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen is a 100 percent Halal restaurant that offers alcohol-free mocktails, and signature dishes including "the Sloppy Khan, the Chef’s childhood favorite reimagined with chopped, spiced keema wagyu beef on gunpowder-dusted pav, served on an extravagant wagon with working wheels."

MINT Desi Kitchen in Laguna Hills
Mint Desi Kitchen features a refreshed Halal menu including classics like Chicken Tikka Masala, signature dishes like Goat Karahi, and desserts like Deconstructed Gajrella. Mint also boasts a non-alcoholic beverage program, including the Falsa-tini, with grewia asiatica pulp and black salt, and the Smoked Purana Zamana, featuring hibiscus-raspberry pulp, ginger, and a smoked dome.