Muslim Restaurateur Balances Faith and Business During Ramadan Fast

For Larbi, fasting during the month of Ramadan is a habit he has had since childhood. Becoming a restaurateur did not deter him from continuing this tradition, quite the contrary. Since March 23, he and his team have been observing the Ramadan fast. Despite the long days spent serving customers and lending a hand in the kitchen, Larbi does not succumb to temptation. "The body economizes. It’s in the head. I don’t feel much hunger. I have no desire when I serve the meat for example. My brain moves on to something else," he explains to Actu.fr.

In the evening, Larbi goes home to rest after a long day’s work. Contrary to what one might think, he does not throw himself on the available food. He says he has a light meal, enough to feed and hydrate himself at the same time. "Most of the time, a hot dish is enough for me. There is a rich soup, made of vegetables but also of meat balls. With bread, that makes a meal," he confides.

Larbi takes care to prepare his breakfast before dawn by drinking a lot of water and eating some fruit. He makes himself a porridge with cereals, a yogurt and some fruit to hold him until the breaking of the fast.

During this fasting period, Larbi and his team continue to serve their customers with the same professionalism and quality of service, while respecting their beliefs and traditions.