The recent news on unhygienic food production during the month of Ramadan has caused quite a stir among food lovers across the country. Known to the rest of the world as vermicelli, our 'shemai' has been the latest victim of such adulteration. Kids and adults alike have reportedly shown their disapproval towards the sweet dish after seeing newspaper clippings of workers stomping on shemai dough in unsanitary environment.
We at SHOUT care about your wellbeing on Eid and have provided a list of alternatives, should you choose to stay away from the shemai with a possibly higher salt content than usual. We also hope you understand what that means.
Kheer: The most obvious shemai alternative. This is a classic and needs no introduction. The usual long-grain rice cooked with milk is a household choice for any occasion, even if it's your first day at work or school. Add saffron for extra points.
Payesh: Doppelgänger of the most obvious shemai alternative. The only difference is that it is made with higher rice content and less reduced milk. It is also considered an element of the Bengali tradition. Same person, different story.

Firni: Beta version to kheer a.k.a payesh. Ground rice or rice powder is used rather than whole grains. The increased surface area acts as a thickening agent but increases mobility on both your plate and palate. Be careful not to drop it when it's hot.
Zarda: The evergreen (more like ever-orange) wedding dessert that has a special place in every heart. Your mom will cook it up in a matter of mere minutes and the guests will gobble it down in seconds. Essential toppings include nuts, raisins, mini sweets and murabba. My mom adds diced pineapple though.
Halwa: If you think you'll be missing Ramadan too much, this is the way to go. This essential Shab-e-Baraat dish will keep you nostalgic and never disappoint you when it comes to choices. Bonus marks if you send some over to SHOUT, yes.
The list does not end here. What to do with the leftover dates? Make a fruit custard. Still hung over from all the sweet jilapi? Bring out the cookbook and create your own 'mishti'. Going to miss out on checking in at Westin this year? Help yourself with some homemade pudding and brownies.
Although technically nothing beats the favourite vermicelli in milk or fried vermicelli, it's best to go for any sugary substitute when your city produces food in dirty factories and unhealthy conditions. Be that as it may, shemai or no shemai -- be sure to pamper your sweet tooth this Eid.