image
FoodRamadan

by Alexandra Mansilla

The Star On Every Ramadan Table: Your Guide To Dates

16 Mar 2025

Photo: Elliot Fais

It is Ramadan, and if there is one food that truly defines this month, it is dates. Every evening at Iftar, millions of people around the world break their fast with them — not just because of tradition, but because they are packed with energy, keep you full, and taste amazing. A few bites and your body quickly gets the boost it needs after a long day of fasting. But not all dates are the same. Some are soft and melt in your mouth, others are chewy and rich, and some have a caramel-like flavour. Let’s dive into the different types, where to find them, and whether those viral date recipes are actually worth trying.

So, what types of dates are there?

Not all dates are the same. Some are soft and melt in your mouth, others are chewy and rich, and some have a caramel-like taste. Here are some of the most popular types — but there are plenty more!
Inside, you will find a perfect overview of different types of dates from GoldenGully, where he shows what each type looks like, tastes them, and shares his thoughts.
Medjool — The King of Dates
Big, soft, and naturally sweet, Medjool dates have a rich, almost caramel-like flavour. They are among the largest dates and are perfect for snacking, smoothies, or desserts.
Deglet Noor — The Caramel-Like One
Smaller and lighter in colour than Medjool, these dates have a sweetness that reminds you of caramel.
Ajwa — The One That Looks Like a Raisin
A special type from Saudi Arabia, Ajwa dates are small, dark, and have a dry texture with a mild sweetness.
Mazafati — The Juicy One
Soft, juicy, and incredibly rich in flavour, Mazafati dates originate from Iran. They have a deep brown colour and a creamy texture that almost melts in your mouth.
Barhi — The Yellow One
You will recognise these dates instantly — they are bright yellow. Unlike many other dates, Barhi can be eaten both fresh (yellow) and fully ripe (brown, soft). When fresh, they have a slightly dry, crunchy texture but are still sweet and flavourful.
Sukkari — The Naturally Sugary One
As the name suggests (it means "sugar" in Arabic), these dates are extra sweet and incredibly soft. They are often eaten fresh and feel almost like natural candy.
Khudri — The Rich & Chewy One
Khudri dates look similar to Medjool — just a mini version — but don’t be fooled, the taste is different. They are dark brown, slightly wrinkled, and chewy, with a deep, rich flavour and a hint of spice. Less sticky than Medjool, they have a firmer bite, making them a great everyday snack.
Sagai — The Two-Toned One
These dates are unique because they have two textures in one — chewy and caramel-like at the top and slightly firmer at the bottom. They offer a mild sweetness and are often enjoyed fresh.
Safawi — The Deeply Sweet One
These dates are dark brown and originate from Medina, Saudi Arabia. They have a soft, chewy texture and a rich, deep sweetness, similar to Ajwa dates but slightly juicier and less dry.

How to choose a good date?

The amazing date expert that everyone follows — Ayesha Erkin — shared her tips on picking the best ones.
So, a good date should be wrinkled, plump, and glossy, with an even colour and no weird spots. Which dates should you avoid? If it looks fuzzy, it is better to sit this date out.

Viral date recipes — worth it or not?

Like those famous butter-dipped dates that took over the internet. Or the viral date bark — made with halved Medjool dates, peanut butter, chopped almonds, melted chocolate, and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes (feel free to throw in anything else you like). Or maybe the date caramel you have seen everywhere. Are they worth trying, or are they better to skip?
Since I haven’t tried any of them myself (I stick to plain dates, no experiments), we are turning once again to Ayesha Erkin for the verdict.

Where to buy dates?

For this, we turned to someone who truly loves dates — Lana Al Omar, a luxury PR professional (and our personal date expert). She shared her top 5 picks:
1. Bateel (Personal favourite)
Why I recommend it: Bateel is the place for gourmet dates. They have the best-stuffed dates, like ones with caramelised nuts or candied orange peel — dates that just melt in your mouth. Their boutiques are beautiful, so even picking out a box feels like a special experience. Perfect for gifts or just when you want something extra indulgent.
Why I recommend it: If you are in the mood for something extra or just want to treat yourself, Patchi’s chocolate-covered dates are next level. The chocolate is super smooth, and the dates are always fresh and juicy. Plus, their packaging is so elegant that it feels like you are unboxing a luxury gift every time.
Why I recommend it: Daima does stuffed dates so well. Their super jumbo dates filled with roasted nuts and dried fruits are the perfect mix of sweet and crunchy. No preservatives, just pure, delicious flavour. Whether you are snacking or gifting, these are a great pick. I love them.
4. The Date Room (You have to order online though)
Why I recommend it: If you are looking for a mix of tradition and luxury, The Date Room is a must. They pair exquisite coffee origins with handpicked dates, creating unique flavour profiles. Their commitment to Emirati heritage is especially visible during Ramadan, when their authentic dates perfectly match the spirit of the holy month.
5. Carrefour
Why I recommend it: Sometimes, you just want really good dates without the luxury price tag. Carrefour has a huge variety, including Omani and Ajwa dates, and they are always fresh. It is a reliable go-to.
Play