Liquid dishes made with coconut milk are a real treat during the fasting month. From lodeh, chicken opor, to gulai, these meals offer a rich, complex flavor that comforts the Indonesian palate. And when served at sahur, such dishes are easy to digest and very filling. However, not everyone’s stomach handles coconut milk-based dishes well as they can sometimes interfere with your fast. So if you’re craving a satisfying broth without the drawbacks of coconut milk, check out these 10 recommended coconut milk-free dishes for sahur! 

Why Isn’t Coconut Milk Ideal for Sahur? 

While coconut milk is undeniably delicious, it can leave you feeling extra thirsty and bloated afterward. Its high fat content takes longer to digest, which might sap your morning energy. Digestion of fats requires plenty of water, meaning your body may pull fluids from other sources—raising your risk of dehydration during fasting. For a more comfortable, energizing sahur, opting for liquid dishes without coconut milk is a smarter choice. 

10 Delicious and Practical Liquid Sahur Dishes That Have No Coconut Milk

1. Clear Chicken Soup

A simple, tasty, and nutritious option. Simmer chicken with ginger, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Then toss in vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and scallions for extra nutrition.

2. Clear Spinach Soup

This light, healthy, and refreshing soup is perfect for early morning. Boil spinach with red onions, garlic, and a little salt. Add sweet corn for a touch of natural sweetness.

3. Kimlo Soup

A clear broth that’s rich in flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients. Full of fiber and nutrients, you can add chicken or shrimp to boost its protein content.

4. Fish Head Soup 

If you love fish and enjoy soupy dishes with rich, complex flavors—but without coconut milk—this one’s for you! You can use different types of fish, from gourami to snapper or even salmon. Just pick whatever suits your taste, budget, and what’s available in your area!

5. Japanese Tofu Soup

Looking for a light yet nutrient-rich option? Japanese tofu soup is a perfect choice! Include vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, and scallions for extra flavor and nutrition.

6. Corn Soup

For those who love a savory taste with a hint of natural sweetness, this soup is spot on. Simmer corn kernels in chicken or vegetable broth, and stir in a little low-fat milk if you prefer a creamier texture.

7. Luffa Soup

If you’re after a fresh, light, and easily digestible dish, luffa soup is the answer. Boil luffa with garlic and a pinch of salt, and add shrimp or fish balls for a protein boost.

8. Soto (Various Styles)

Try different types of soto without coconut milk—from the clear Soto Kudus to the thicker Soto Lamongan. Rest assured, none of these versions use coconut milk. For instance, Soto Lamongan relies on a blend of spices and candlenuts to achieve its deliciously thick texture.

9. Coconut Milk-Free Tongseng Chicken

Typically known for its rich, coconut milk-based broth, tongseng gets a twist here. Using clear chicken stock along with spices like turmeric, ginger, and candlenuts—and finished with tomatoes, cabbage, and scallions—it remains full of flavor.

10. Egg Drop Soup

Super easy and budget-friendly, this soup just requires whisked eggs stirred into a simmering broth. If you like a thicker consistency, simply mix in a cornstarch slurry.

Read More : 30 Days of Sahur & Iftar Meal Ideas: Simple, Delicious, and Nutritious!

Craving the Creaminess of Coconut Milk Without the Coconut?

It’s hard to resist dishes made with coconut milk. If you can’t say no to that creamy goodness yet want to avoid its drawbacks, consider FiberCreme! This alternative gives your dishes that same creamy taste profile but with higher fiber, lower sugar, and 0mg cholesterol. Its low fat content is gentle on your stomach, and it stays stable even at high temperatures, so your dish can last longer. Plus, its high fiber content helps you feel full and energized throughout your fast. 

Ready to make your sahur meals more enjoyable and satisfying with FiberCreme? Check out the coconut milk–free sahur menu ideas on @FiberCreme_TV and on Ellenka’s YouTube channel!