Sweet Success: Fruit Chaat Sales Rise During Ramadan

Shazia Mehboob

Islamabad:  As the sun sets during Ramadan, roadside fruit chaat stalls across Islamabad come alive, offering a refreshing treat for fasting citizens while providing a seasonal source of income for many small-scale sellers.

From busy traffic routes to marketplaces, these colorful stalls have become a familiar part of the city’s Ramadan landscape, attracting customers looking for a light and refreshing option for iftar.

Made with a combination of seasonal fruits including apples, bananas, dates, strawberries, kiwis, and melons, mixed with citrus flavors and light spices, fruit chaat has become a popular Ramadan delicacy for families across the capital.

For many residents, selling fruit chaat during Ramadan has become an opportunity to supplement their earnings. Sohail Ahmed, a taxi driver from Sector G-7, said he starts his temporary fruit chaat business every year during the holy month to support his family financially.

Ahmed said he prepares the chaat at home with the help of his family, purchasing around 25 to 30 kilograms of fruits daily and selling portions before iftar. He added that the seasonal business helps significantly increase his monthly income without requiring a major investment.

Similarly, Asif Hussain, who sells fruit at Faizabad, said demand increases during Ramadan as commuters often prefer fresh fruit-based foods to break their fast. He said preparing fruit chaat has become an important part of his seasonal earnings.

Beyond its commercial value, health experts also highlight the nutritional benefits of fruit consumption during Ramadan. Nutritionist Dr Romaisa Mughal said fruits help maintain hydration levels, especially during summer, and provide essential nutrients after long hours of fasting.

She explained that fruits such as watermelon, melon, and strawberries can help the body stay hydrated and recommended including fresh fruits in iftar and sehri meals.

For Islamabad’s residents, fruit chaat is more than just a Ramadan snack, it represents a blend of tradition, health, and livelihood that returns to the streets every year.