Art And Culture

Why Eastleigh residents prefer crushed oats for pre-dawn Ramadan meal

A bowl of crushed oats and a cup of milk served by one of the hotel's in Eastleigh, Nairobi, as pictured on April 1, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Monday, April 1, 2024

Muslims explain why crushed oats, or sareen, are the preferred choice for suhuur, the pre-dawn meal they have before fasting each day.

As dawn breaks over Eastleigh at 4.30 am, the streets come alive with the aroma of suhuur, the pre-dawn meal Muslims have before fasting each day during Ramadan.

One staple—sareen, or crushed oats—stands out, for several reasons.

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For many, sareen is the go-to choice due to its perceived ability to keep hunger at bay throughout the day. With fasting lasting approximately 14 hours in Eastleigh, a meal that sustains energy is crucial.

Ahmed Abdi, a 24-year-old resident, attests to sareen's effectiveness, praising it as a complete and healthy option.

"Sareen keeps me full all day, and it's good for my health," Ahmed says.

Jamal Hussein notes that unlike rice or other foods, sareen doesn't cause heartburn, ensuring a peaceful fast.

"Without sareen for suhuur I will suffer. Unlike other foods like rice, sareen does not cause bloating or heartburn," he said.

Its preparation is quick and straightforward, taking just a few minutes.

The crushed oats are mixed with boiling water and stirred thoroughly on fire, getting ready in about five minutes.

While some may add a dash of olive oil, sareen is typically enjoyed without additional ingredients, served soft and palatable, unlike the denser Ugali. A steaming glass of camel milk often accompanies it, creating a satisfying meal.

Yusuf Osman, a waiter at Curubo Hotel on General Wariungi Street, shares insights into the widespread popularity of sareen.

Almost every customer orders it for suhuur, he says, adding that hundreds of plates are served each night. Although he doesn't disclose exact numbers, it's clear that sareen is a favourite among patrons.

Another advantage is that sareen isn't limited to hotels, as many families prepare it at home.

Among older Somali men and women, it remains a cherished tradition for suhuur.

As 5.20 am approaches, signalling the end of suhuur, Eastleigh's residents, fueled by the delicious, nourishing sareen, are ready to embrace the day ahead.