Hari Raya Puasa, or Eid al-Fitr, is a joyful celebration marking the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and reflection. Eid al-Fitr is a perfect opportunity to visit friends, families, and even explore places to chill.
The day is filled with warmth as families gather, starting with Eid prayers at the mosque and followed by a feast of delicious homemade dishes. From savory delights to sweet treats, Hari Raya is a time to share meaningful moments over traditional meals.
In this article, we’ll explore must-try Hari Raya foods that make the celebration even more special. Which one is your favorite?
Top 10 Must-Try Hari Raya Food
Hari Raya is a time for family, celebration, and, of course, delicious food! It’s when kitchens are filled with the aroma of tasty dishes that bring everyone together.
As you prepare for this festive season, here are some of the must-try delicious hari raya foods that will make your Hari Raya meal extra special.
1. Ketupat
During Ramadan and Eid, you’ll often see ketupat decorations in malls and offices. But did you know that ketupat is also a traditional Raya food?
Ketupat is a rice cake made by wrapping glutinous rice in woven palm or coconut leaves, and then boiling it until cooked. It’s a simple yet fulfilling dish during Hari Raya celebrations.
Ketupat symbolizes unity, gratitude, and prosperity, and its diamond shape represents blessings and good fortune.
2. Rendang
Rendang originally comes from Indonesia, but it has become a beloved dish in Singapore and Malaysia over the years. It’s no longer just for special occasions because now people enjoy it throughout the year.
Rendang is a slow-cooked meat stew made with a mix of spices and coconut milk. The cooking process makes the meat tender and flavorful. It’s a popular dish during Eid celebrations, adding richness to the festive meals.
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3. Lemang
Lemang is a special dish enjoyed during Hari Raya by people around the world and is often found at many open houses. It’s usually served with rendang or sambal goreng during the celebrations.
Lemang is made by cooking glutinous rice in coconut milk inside bamboo tubes, placed vertically over an open flame for four to five hours.
The bamboo is lined with banana leaves before being filled with rice and coconut milk to prevent the rice from sticking and give the rice a mouthwatering flavor.
4. Satay
Satay in Singapore is considered a popular hawker food, which can be a full dish with grilled meat, peanut sauce, rice cakes, cucumbers, and onions, or just grilled meat on skewers. This dish is a favorite during Hari Raya and is also eaten daily by locals.
To make satay, pieces of beef, chicken, or lamb are marinated with spices like turmeric and garlic, and then grilled over charcoal. It’s usually served with a sweet peanut dipping sauce.
5. Sayur Lodeh
For those who don’t eat meat or want something lighter than rendang and satay, sayur lodeh is a great choice.
It’s a creamy vegetable stew made with a mix of vegetables like green beans, long beans, cabbage, carrots, and tofu, all cooked in a coconut milk broth flavored with turmeric, galangal, garlic, and shallots.
Sayur lodeh is often served with ketupat and hard-boiled eggs, making it a perfect side dish to complement other Hari Raya dishes.
6. Bubur Lambuk
Bubur lambuk is a savory rice porridge made with coconut milk and flavored with spices like galangal, lemongrass, pandan leaves, onions, and garlic. It’s usually cooked with beef or chicken.
A popular food for Raya, bubur lambuk is traditionally prepared in mosques and shared with the community after fasting. It symbolizes unity and generosity during the celebrations.
7. Serunding
Serunding is a unique dish made from spiced grated coconut, often served as a side dish with ketupat and lemang during Eid. It has a dry and crispy texture, similar to meat floss, but it doesn’t usually contain meat.
To make serunding, fresh coconut is grated and cooked with spices like lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, and dried chili in a wok until it becomes dry and crispy. You can enjoy it as part of a main dish or as a snack on its own.
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8. Masak Lemak
Masak lemak is a rich and creamy yellow curry often prepared with chicken, beef, fish, or vegetables. It has a comforting flavor that’s loved by many families during Eid.
To make masak lemak, the main ingredient is simmered in a sauce made from coconut milk, turmeric, and a mix of ground spices like lemongrass, galangal, and chili. It’s cooked until tender and served with plain rice.
9. Dodol
Dodol is a sweet and sticky dessert that tastes like toffee, and it’s a favorite treat during Eid celebrations. It’s made by cooking coconut milk, palm sugar, and glutinous rice flour in a wok over low heat for up to an hour until it becomes smooth and sticky.
Once cooked, dodol is wrapped in cellophane or banana leaves to prevent it from sticking and to make it easy to enjoy. While the classic flavor is coconut, modern versions include pandan, banana, and durian, with durian being the most popular.
10. Kueh Lapis
Kueh lapis is a sweet, colorful cake with a soft and chewy texture. It has a light, coconut flavor that’s not too strong, making it refreshing to eat. The layers are soft and slightly sticky, which gives it a unique feel.
Often served during Eid and special celebrations, kueh lapis is a favorite because of its pretty colors and delicious taste. It’s a fun and tasty treat that adds to the festive atmosphere.
So, those are some Hari Raya foods that you absolutely have to try. Each dish certainly adds a special touch to the celebration, bringing families together over delicious flavors and cherished traditions.
But, remember that Hari Raya isn’t just about great food! It’s also the perfect time to look and feel your best, from your outfit to your skin. So, if you want smooth, hair-free skin with a healthy glow during Eid al-Fitr, Clean & Tidy has you covered with professional hair removal treatments for your arms, face, legs, and more.
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So, why not treat yourself to smoother, radiant skin this Hari Raya? Schedule your appointment now at Clean & Tidy Bugis or Orchard Road!
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