Fasting in a country where Muslims make up just 0.2% of the population can be isolating, especially with few halal options and less awareness of Ramadan traditions.
“Prague isn’t very Muslim-oriented, which means I’m constantly explaining why we’re fasting and that we can’t even drink water,” said Ayla Aliieva, a Muslim student at AAU.
To help navigate the holy month, here is a guide to Ramadan in Prague.
Habibi Prague— Arabic Restaurant and Shisha Lounge
It is no wonder that Habibi Prague is notorious among Arab communities in the city. Nestled inside Na Příkopě 23, Prague 1, the restaurant offers halal-friendly Lebanese cuisine from 189 CZK.
Every year, the restaurant provides a special Ramadan menu with selected delicacies aside from their usual grilled dishes and shawarma, served in a cozy atmosphere decorated especially for the holy celebration.
It is the only entirely halal and alcohol-free restaurant in Prague, making it an excellent location for Iftar.
Customers can also enjoy shisha and live football coverage in multiple languages as post-Iftar entertainment.
Galata Restaurant– Turkish Restaurant
Galata Restaurant, voted as the best Turkish restaurant in Prague by Google ratings, is a favorite among AAU students.
“I like to break fast at home because it makes me feel cozy, but sometimes I go to restaurants to break fast and one of my favorites is Galata,” AAU student Ayla Aliieva said.
Located at Opletalova 928/20, Prague 1, the restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional hospitality with numerous halal options for people to nourish after sunset.
Palestinian Restaurant Prague– Arabic Restaurant
“Our food is more than just a meal – it’s a story, a tradition, a taste of home” Palestinian Restaurant stated.
The Palestinian Restaurant Prague prides itself on being a home away from home, offering friendly service and freshly cooked meals, in Spálená 90/17, Prague 1.
There are numerous halal options such as chicken shawarma at student-friendly prices, ranging from 135-490 CZK for one.
Cafe des Taxis
This year, Iftar timings range from 17:44 to 18:30 which could coincide with evening class timings.
“I will have to talk to my professors and ask them for some time to leave the class and open my fast,” Aliieva said. “In the past, I have had professors who weren’t the most understanding, or who asked me to be back in five minutes which isn’t ideal.”
For students who need to break their fast while at university, Cafe des Taxis has offered several halal options since Spring 2023, including bagels, falafel wraps, and a selection of pastries. Ask the staff for further accommodation of your dietary needs.
Mosque Černý Most
Mosque Černý Most hosts Friday prayers and events during Eid al-Fitr, providing a space for Muslims in Prague to connect with the community.
“Every year it is getting more and more lonely,” Aliieva said. “Last year I wanted to go check some mosques out but I was anxious about going alone.”
Located approximately 50 minutes from Anglo-American University at Blatská 1491, Praha 9, the mosque welcomes people of all backgrounds to join for prayers.
An alternate option is Al Firdaus Mosque, situated at Na Košince 502, Prague 8.
AAU’s Prayer Zone
Since the Spring 2023 semester, the AAU Islamic Community Club ensured access to a designated prayer zone available on the third floor of staircase C with prayer mats available at reception.
Although the organization celebrated various Iftar events in 2023, there is no new update about the club’s activeness since.
Prague offers a variety of Iftar options and community gatherings to ensure anybody fasting can enjoy a fulfilling Ramadan.
