While many of us think of autumn as a long awaited respite from Beijing’s dusty summer heat, the city’s Muslim community is busy observing Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam. During this month-long holiday, Muslims (except pregnant women and children) do not eat, drink, smoke or have sex during the daytime. But, as soon as the sun goes down, families gather together and celebrate the traditional “breaking the fast” meal. Here is a list of the best Halal-friendly places in the city to indulge in a post-sunset meal, regardless of whether you’ve been waiting two or ten hours for supper:

• Hidden in the Dongsishitiao alleyway, Crescent Moon maintains a reputation as one of the best purveyors of Xinjiang cuisine in the city. The basic interior and rather surly boss belies the fantastically tasty Uigher food that comes out of the kitchen. The juicy lamb kabobs (RMB6) and crispy chicken wings (RMB12) are tried and true starters and pair well with the house-made yogurt (RMB8). The fried bread with lamb pieces (RMB28) has a cult-following with its deftly spiced hunks of crispy bread. We especially loved the nail sized noodles that were tossed in a savory tomato sauce with mixed veggies (RMB15)--in a city redolent with noodles, the house version is a welcome change. Don’t forget to wash it all down with the light or dark Xinjiang beer.

• Rumi, the city’s lone Persian restaurant, is a refreshing change from traditional Middle Eastern fare. Be warned that there is no alcohol service (but you are welcome to BYOB), but the fantastic juice selection more that makes up for it. The honey melon (RMB26) and pear/watermelon (RMB29) juices are particularly good. The kabobs (RMB54-101) receive high marks for their succulent flavor and are served with a side of saffron rice or salad. Our favorite dishes tend to be the more unconventional offereings, like the pomegranate beef stew (RMB69). Sweet and tangy, the meaty dish is a fine example of the breadth of Muslim cuisine. Even the décor leaves some patrons homesick during the Ramadan season--the cool white interior is reminiscent of a bright airy respite from the oppressive Middle Eastern climate. Additionally, Rumi scores bonus points with families with its children’s play area.

• While Café Sambal sometimes draws mixed reviews, it attracts a dedicated crowd from the Malaysian Embassy who continue to return for the authentic dishes, like the beef rendang (RMB60). Meaty and succulent, the rendang is a crowd pleaser. Malay also laud the deep fried chicken (RMB55) for its tangy flavors reminiscent of Kuala Lumpur. Though the portions are rather conservative, the drink quality makes amends. The mojito (one of the best in the city, I swear) is minty-refreshing, with the perfect blend of limes and sugar. Café Sambal’s strongest suit, its charming courtyard location, continues to make it a favorite for special celebrations.
  

• 1001 Nights serves all the typical Middle Eastern favorites in a gloriously gaudy location. Anyone of the half-dozen choices of hummus (RMB 22-35 for a single order) is sure to please and is served with a large basket of piping hot pita bread. The shish kabobs are particularly popular, with super sampler platters priced well above RMB1000. The more reasonably priced kabob plates (48-100RMB) are flavorfully decorated with perfect grill marks and served with a side of rice. 1001 Night’s outdoor patio is one of the most popular on the Gongti strip, though it doesn’t offer a view of the famous belly dancers.
  

  Are you breaking the fast with family and friends in Beijing? Let us know your favorite celebration spots!