For everyone observing the Holy Month, this year was a very different experience. Normally synonymous with big family and friends gatherings, extravagant iftars, and spending quality time with loved ones, this Ramadan saw many having to break their fast solo.
However, solidarity, generosity and appreciation prevailed as the leading short-form video platform, TikTok, saw observants come together virtually to share a meal, while being provided the opportunity to support the underprivileged at the same time.
With cooking and food remaining a habit close to people in the region, especially during Ramadan, over 10,000 people came together for Iftar and Suhoor by creating videos for the #cookfromhome challenge, which garnered a whooping 200 Million video views.
The platform saw users share recipes ranging from the traditional Maklouba to Tabbouleh and fried chicken. Desserts and sweets were also widely shared, fulfilling observants’ sweet tooth with tasty maamoul, kellaj and kunafah to name a few.
In addition, celebrity Fatafeat chefs participated in the challenge and shared their own favourite recipes with TikTok users for inspiration. Chef Daad Abu Jaber shared his recipe for an all time staple, the CaesarCaesar Salad while Chef Salam Soleiman created a wonderful Kleija Iraqi. Chef Marwan Sardouq also participated by sharing his recipe for a homemade New York style pizza and Chef Mohamad Orfali made a tasty Creme Caramel “2odert 2ader”.
But that’s not all, through the #cookfromhome challenge, users gave back to the underprivileged and those affected by the outbreak of Covid-19 as TikTok donated USD$2 to the Emirates Red Crescent for every Iftar or Suhoor meal shared on the platform under the #cookfromhome hashtag, up to USD$40,000. This money was directed to provide Ramadan meals to those in need.
