Day 8: Steaks, Scoops, and the Spirit of Benoni
If the first few days of Ramadan are about testing your physical limits, the second week is where you start to find the soul of the month. It’s no longer just about the “struggle” of the fast; it’s about the reward of the community.
Today was a perfect example of why I’ve come to love this journey so much.
The Gathering
The afternoon started with a meetup that felt like a proper “reset.” We headed over to the mosque, and as always, the atmosphere of collective prayer provided that much-needed moment of stillness before the sun began to dip. There’s a specific kind of peace you find in a mosque during the final hour of fasting—a quiet anticipation that you just don’t find anywhere else.
Authentic Iftar at La Creamery
After prayer, we headed out to Benoni to visit Uncle Fazel Behra at La Creamery. Now, if you’re looking for a spot that is fully Halaal and understands exactly what an Iftar table should feel like, this is it. Uncle Fazel has built more than just a restaurant; he’s created a space that feels like an extension of a family dining room.
The food was, in a word, incredible.
- The Main Event: I went for the Steak Roll, which was exactly what I needed—hearty, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
- The “Big Piece”: Hamza opted for the Cheese Steak. Let me tell you, this isn’t your average sandwich; it’s a massive, delicious piece of meat that definitely earned its reputation.
The Sweet Finish
We didn’t stop at the mains. In the spirit of true South African hospitality, the night ended with warm teas and some of their signature gelato. There is something deeply satisfying about a cold scoop of gelato after a day of fasting—it’s the ultimate “well done” to your body.
Why This Matters
As a non-Muslim observing this for the second time, moments like these at La Creamery remind me that Ramadan isn’t a solitary act. It’s built on the pillars of mercy and community. Uncle Fazel and the team in Benoni made us feel like we belonged at that table, and that’s a lesson I’ll be carrying into Day 9.
If you’re in the East Rand area, do yourself a favor and visit Uncle Fazel. You won’t just leave full; you’ll leave feeling like part of the family.
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