First Time Fasting: What I Learned About Sahur (And Staying Full Till Buka)

I’m Chinese, non-Muslim, and this Ramadan is my first time experiencing Sahur. When I told my Muslim friends I wanted to try fasting with them, I thought the biggest challenge would be skipping lunch.

It wasn’t.

The hardest part, surprisingly, is waking up at 4:30am and making decisions when your brain is still asleep.

The house is completely quiet at that hour. The air feels different. There’s this calm stillness — and then there’s me, standing in the kitchen, wondering what to eat so I don’t regret it by noon.

I didn’t want to cook a feast. But I also didn’t want to under-eat and spend the entire day thinking about food. If I was going to do this, I wanted to do it properly. Something balanced. Something filling. Something realistic.

That’s when I realized Sahur doesn’t have to be elaborate. It just has to be intentional.

I started focusing on simple basics carbs for energy, protein to stay full, some fibre, and enough water. And instead of overcomplicating the cooking process, I leaned on a few small kitchen appliances that made those early mornings much easier.

For example, instead of chopping everything manually at 5am, I used a small electric chopper to quickly prep onions or leftover chicken for omelets or fried rice. It’s not fancy, it just saves time and reduces that early-morning clumsiness when you’re half awake.

For protein, I found myself reaching for a compact electric frying pan rather than turning on the full stove. Eggs cook quickly, leftovers heat evenly, and there’s less noise. At that hour, the goal isn’t culinary excellence — it’s warm, comforting food without waking the whole house.

Rice has also been a game changer for me. I learned quickly that it keeps me fuller for longer. A small rice cooker lets me prepare just enough for one meal, sometimes even on a timer so it’s ready when I wake up. Pair it with an egg and some vegetables, and it’s simple but steady fuel for the day ahead.

And honestly, my biggest comfort has been an electric steamer. It’s quiet, low effort, and forgiving. I can steam sweet potatoes, buns, dumplings, or just reheat food from the night before. On mornings when I feel organised, I prep everything in advance. On mornings when I oversleep slightly, I just switch it on and let it warm things up while I gather myself. No stress. No scrambling.

Fasting for the first time has made me realize Sahur isn’t about eating a lot, it’s about eating wisely. It’s about respecting the rhythm of the day and preparing your body so you’re not battling hunger by mid-morning.

As someone completely new to this experience, what helped me most wasn’t complicated recipes. It was simplifying the process. A few compact appliances, a bit of planning, and a focus on balanced food made Sahur feel manageable instead of overwhelming.

If you’re trying Sahur for the first time or just looking for a calmer start to your Ramadan mornings, sometimes the smallest adjustments in your kitchen routine make the biggest difference.

Selamat Ramadan and Happy Sahur!