11 Foods To Try During Hari Raya

There's nothing in this world like the food you will find in Malaysia during Hari Raya. Don't get me wrong, we have amazing food all year round and for special occasions, but the delicacies served during Hari Raya are at the top of most of our tourists' "must-have" lists.

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, many of which can only be found this time of the year. But you don't have to be Muslim to enjoy them and experience everything that Hari Raya has to offer.

Lemang

Lemang can take four to five hours just to cook, but I'm here to tell you it is well worth it. The cooking process alone is unique and has gone unchanged since its beginning. Lemang is essentially coconut milk, sticky rice, and a little salt wrapped in fragrant banana leaves, then stuffed into hollow bamboo sticks and roasted over a fire.

The banana leaves stop the rice from sticking to the bamboo tube. You'll know Lemang when you see them all lined up in a row being cooked in stalls. They are set against the fire, slightly slanted then turned every so often so everything gets cooked evenly. The Lemang is then served with shredded beef, chicken or even curries of your liking.

Ketupat

Another great way to enjoy rice that tourists and locals line up for is Ketupat, the symbol of Hari Raya Like Lemang, Ketupat is unique and can be served in place of traditional steamed rice.

Ketupat is like a dumpling where rice is packed into a diamond-shaped pocket made from woven palm. It's then boiled. Once fully cooked, the woven palm wrapper is cut and peeled away so the rice inside can be sliced and served with whatever meal you would normally have with regular rice.

More about Hari Raya

1. Hari Raya lasts for the whole month
2. Hari Raya Eidulfitri and Hari Raya Aiduladha is not the same celebration
3. It's rude to eat or drink while standing up
4. Guys don't shake hands with ladies in the house
5. There are no strict rules on gifting
6. Inauspicious colours are not a thing
7. Don't visit houses after 9 pm unless you are invited