As a foodie nation, Malaysian festivals revolve around food. It's no surprise that malls are filled with stall after stall of kuih raya. These delicious treats come in various shapes, flavours, and textures, and they play an essential role in the Hari Raya festivities. Just search #kuihraya on IG, and you will find plenty!
Let's talk about kuih!
Since the olden days, a variety of traditional Malay cakes and cookies that are specially made for the occasion have been passed down for generations. Here are some of the good ol' classics.
Pineapple Tarts: These are a classic favourite during Hari Raya and are made with a buttery pastry base and a sweet, tangy pineapple jam filling.
Kuih Makmur: These are buttery and crumbly cookies filled with ground peanuts and sugar, topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Kuih Bangkit: These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with tapioca flour and coconut milk, and often flavoured with pandan leaves.
Dodol: A sweet and sticky confection made from coconut milk, rice flour, and palm sugar, flavoured with pandan leaves.
Kuih Bahulu: These light and fluffy cakes are traditionally made in a special mould and have a slightly crispy exterior with a soft, airy interior.
Chocolate Chip Cookies are also one of the popular ones enjoyed by many, and there are many new improvisations that are so sinfully delicious! Check out The Skinny Baker's Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies and Sea Salt Roasted Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies that add a wicked twist to the standard cookie recipe.
I've heard that Raya isn't complete without Almond London cookies. Although it sounds like it came from London, it's said that the name originated from "land on" as the almonds "land on" the cookies.
Honey cornflakes are a delightful dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. They have a crispy texture that comes from the addition of cornflakes and a sweet and slightly nutty flavour from the honey. These cookies are perfect for your rumah terbuka guests who come knocking for afternoon tea.
Sarang Semut Cookie, aptly named due to its resemblance to an ant's nest, are bite-sized treats made from a mixture of butter, egg, flour, and sprinkles. Serve them as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Cloud Cookies is a new kind of cookie I've seen this Raya. Looking like half a macaron sitting on a cookie, it's the marriage of fluffy meringue and crispy cookie! Tiramisu, Nestum and Red Velvet are some of the 'heavenly' flavours available!
Another Raya staple is Mazola Cookies! It's a nutty and creamy peanut cookie that somehow got associated with the Mazola-brand oil. It's easy to make and equally easy to pop one after another into your mouth before you realize all are gone!
What other mouth-watering treats is your must-eat during Raya? Let us know in the comments!
*Photo credits to their owners