Hari Raya 2025 Dishes: Hari Raya Aidilfitri, a significant celebration in the Muslim calendar, marks the end of Ramadan and is a time for families and friends to come together. The heart of any Hari Raya Open House is, without a doubt, the food. Guests are treated to a feast of traditional Malay dishes, rich in flavor and heritage, each with its unique story and significance. Here are the best dishes you can expect during this festive occasion:
Rendang
Rendang is a rich and flavorful slow-cooked meat dish, often made with beef or chicken. The meat is simmered for hours in a mixture of coconut milk and an array of aromatic spices like lemongrass, turmeric, ginger, and galangal. The result is a tender and deeply spiced dish that melts in your mouth. Rendang is a must-have for any Hari Raya gathering and pairs perfectly with rice or ketupat.
Ketupat
Ketupat is an iconic Hari Raya dish, instantly recognizable by its woven palm leaf casing. Inside the intricately woven leaves lies compressed rice, which has a firm yet sticky texture. Ketupat is typically served with rendang, satay, or a side of peanut sauce. The process of making ketupat is considered an art form in itself, with families often coming together to weave the palm leaves in preparation for the celebration.
Lemang
Lemang is another festive staple, made from glutinous rice and coconut milk, cooked in hollow bamboo stalks over an open fire. The cooking method imparts a smoky flavor to the rice, while the bamboo keeps it moist and tender. Lemang is typically served with rendang or serunding (spiced coconut floss) and is a highlight of the Hari Raya spread, especially in rural areas where this traditional cooking method is still practiced.
Satay
Satay is a favorite at any Malay feast, and Hari Raya is no exception. Skewered pieces of marinated chicken, beef, or lamb are grilled to perfection over charcoal and served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Accompanied by cucumber slices, ketupat, and a tangy dipping sauce, satay is the perfect finger food for guests to enjoy as they mingle and celebrate.
Kuih Raya
No Hari Raya celebration is complete without a selection of Hari Raya Dishes Kuih Raya—an assortment of cookies, cakes, and sweet treats. Some popular varieties include Kuih Tart (pineapple tarts), Kuih Bangkit (tapioca flour cookies), and Kuih Semperit (butter cookies). These bite-sized delights are often homemade and are shared with guests as a symbol of joy and celebration. Each kuih has its distinct flavor, texture, and meaning, representing the sweetness of life after the month of fasting.
