11 Foods To Try During Hari Raya

Hari Raya marks the end of Ramadan, or the fasting month, for Muslims worldwide, and especially here in Malaysia. So what follows a month of fasting? A whole month of celebrations and eating amazing dishes.

Must-Try Hari Raya Foods

Ketupat — Compressed rice cakes cooked in woven palm leaves. These diamond-shaped delights are the quintessential Hari Raya food, served with rendang or satay sauce.

Rendang — Slow-cooked beef simmered in coconut milk and spices for hours until the meat is impossibly tender. The longer it cooks, the better it gets.

Lemang — Glutinous rice cooked inside bamboo stalks lined with banana leaves. The result is a fragrant, slightly smoky rice that pairs perfectly with rendang.

Satay — Skewered and grilled meat served with peanut sauce. During Hari Raya, every home has its own secret satay marinade recipe.

Kuih Raya — An assortment of traditional cookies and sweets, from pineapple tarts to almond London, that appear only during the festive season.

The Spirit of Sharing

What makes Hari Raya food special is the open house tradition — where families welcome friends, neighbours, and even strangers into their homes to share in the feast. It’s a beautiful reflection of Malaysian hospitality.