Eid al-Fitr or Raya Aidilfitri for Malaysians is the celebration after the holy month of Ramadhan. After 2 years of muted festivities, Muslims around the world are looking forward to enjoy this year’s celebrations, and one key ingredient that brings out the spirit of Eid is the food! A delicious spread just tastes better during joyous occasions and some of these dishes can only be found during Eid. Check out some of our Top 10 food and drinks recommendations you can enjoy during Raya Aidilfitri.
1. Rendang
A staple for any Raya celebration, rendang is an aromatic stew that can be prepared with either beef or chicken. Cooked with coconut milk, chilies and a host of aromatic and flavourful spices, rendang goes perfectly with any rice dish of ketupat or lemang.
2. Teh Tarik / Teh O
To complement these delicious Raya delicacies, nothing beats a cup of tea. Either hot or cold, with milk or without, pairing these foods with a cup of tea is perfect for a wholesome Eid experience. The taste and aroma of a well made cup of tea adds another layer of flavour to any meal. Teh Tarik (Milk Tea) is often served after a hearty meal to sweeten your palate, and black tea (Teh O) is perfect to have during meals. Basically, you can’t go wrong!
3. Ketupat
Ketupat is an iconic Raya delicacy and is often woven into Raya decorations in homes or shopping complexes. It is steamed rice wrapped into a pouch using coconut or fan palm leaves. Once sliced open, the delicious scent of the steamed rice leaves a tantalizing taste on your tongue, urging you to dig in with a side of rendang or curry.
4. Pineapple Tarts
Moving on to sweet treats, pineapple tarts are a popular delicacy during Raya. The sweet pineapple filling layered on top of a soft biscuit layer is a perfect treat when bonding with family.
5. Satay
A dish that needs no introduction, satay is a delicious marinated meat that is skewered on wooden sticks and grilled over charcoal fire. The smoky and rich flavours go well with peanuts, ketupat, cucumbers and onions.
6. Lemang
Lemang is sticky rice that is encased in bamboo and cooked over an open flame. This sumptuous meal goes perfectly with rendang.
7. Dodol
Dodol is a favourite among adults and children for is unique rich and sweet flavour. Often made using coconut milk, flour and gula melaka (brown sugar), cooked over a low flame and stirred until it thickens and becomes sticky. A lovely finisher after a savoury meal.
8. Kuih Lapis
Kuih Lapis or layered cake is made by layering different cake mixtures to achieved a striped finish. It is a very versatile (not to mention delicious) treat that can be made using various flavours and dyes for a tantalizing and eye catching treat.
9. Kuih Bangkit
You would be hard pressed to not see a jar of kuih bangkit in someone’s home during Hari Raya. The cookies crumble in your mouth and its so difficult to stop at just one or two pieces. Hide them from children (and some adults) if you want them to last more than a day.
10. Lontong
Lontong can be best described as a mixture of everything that is good in a single plate. A savoury dish with Indonesian origins, lontong is mixed with nasi impit (rice cake), vegetables, eggs and meats that is cooked with coconut milk. Lontong is also paired with peanut sauce that adds a sweet flavour to this delicious dish.