Hari Raya is more than just a celebration – it’s a homecoming of flavours, memories, and heritage passed down through generations. And for Malaysians who celebrate, there’s one universal truth: the Raya table is where the heart is.
From heirloom recipes to nostalgic bites, here’s a look at the essential local dishes that make Raya truly feel like Raya – each with its own story, and every bite wrapped in tradition.
Lontong
On Raya morning, before the open houses and endless kuih, many families begin the day with lontong – soft compressed rice cakes served in a creamy, turmeric-spiced coconut gravy with vegetables and sambal. Sometimes accompanied by hard-boiled egg, tempeh, or even begedil, it’s light yet hearty – a grounding dish to start the celebrations.
Serunding
Delicately spiced and patiently slow-cooked, serunding (meat floss, often made from beef or chicken) is one of Raya’s most flavourful sidekicks. Whether eaten with lemang, ketupat, or simply on its own, this shredded, spicy-sweet dish is often homemade – and fiercely guarded as a family recipe. Rich in aromatics like lemongrass and coconut, it’s the kind of snack that disappears faster than you realise.
Kuih Muih
No Raya is complete without assorted kuih-muih lining the coffee table. From chewy kuih lapis to crumbly kuih bangkit, these confections are a sweet tribute to our culinary heritage. Whether store-bought or made by our nenek (grandmother), each piece offers a nostalgic bite of childhood and there’s always that one kuih you can’t say no to.
Lemang & Ketupat
There’s something deeply comforting about slicing open a perfectly cooked lemang, its sticky rice subtly perfumed with banana leaf and smoked bamboo. Paired with spicy serunding or rendang, it’s the perfect vessel for all those rich flavours. And of course, there’s ketupat, the symbolic woven pouch of rice that speaks of community, craftsmanship, and celebration.
Asam Pedas
While not always the first dish you associate with Raya, asam pedas holds a special place in many festive spreads – especially in Melakan and Johorean households. This tangy, spicy fish stew cuts through the richness of other dishes with its vibrant kick. It’s bold, unapologetically Malaysian, and exactly what you need when the rendang’s getting too indulgent.
Dendeng
Often overshadowed by rendang, its more famous cousin, dendeng is a Raya dish that deserves its own spotlight. Thinly sliced beef, marinated and grilled or fried to perfection, this dish is sweet, smoky, and addictively savoury. It’s a staple at many Minang and Negeri Sembilan tables – usually served in generous helpings (and often fought over by siblings).
Dodol
Dodol is perhaps the most laborious Raya treat – made from glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar, stirred over fire for hours. The result is a chewy, rich, and deeply caramelised snack loved by generations. Whether you prefer it smooth or with a firmer bite, dodol is a labour of love that’s often shared as gifts – a sweet symbol of celebration and care.
Rendang
There’s rendang, and then there’s your family’s rendang – the one everyone swears is the best. Whether it’s made with beef or chicken, this slow-cooked curry is beloved across the archipelago and perfected in countless Malaysian households. Deep, complex, and comforting, it’s a dish that defines festive indulgence. Paired with ketupat or eaten with rice, rendang is a non-negotiable at any Raya gathering.
These iconic dishes aren’t just Raya staples, they’re stories of family, culture, and time-honoured recipes. As you gather with family and friends this Hari Raya, may your table be full, your heart fuller, and your plate always ready for round two. Selamat Hari Raya, and selamat menjamu selera.
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