8 Legendary Hari Raya Dishes That Malaysians Absolutely Can’t Say No To! (Part 1)

Hari Raya Aidilfitri – A time for forgiveness, reflection, family reunions and let’s be real…FOOD. Glorious, fragrant, spicy, coconut milk-laced food that fills every home with mouthwatering aromas and every stomach to the brim. It’s the one time of the year where “sikit je” actually means “pile it high, I’ll deal with the consequences later”.

No matter how stylish your baju kebaya is or how perfectly you’ve coordinated your family outfit with your cat, everyone knows the real highlight of Raya is the buffet spread. From rendang so tender it melts on your tongue, to lemang that’s been slow-cooked over bamboo fires since sunrise – Raya food isn’t just a meal. It’s a flavour festival, a carbohydrate carnival, and a sambal showdown that brings people together like nothing else can.

So, loosen that samping, grab your fanciest plate, and let’s tuck into 16 of the most iconic Hari Raya dishes that Malaysians have loved for generations.

1. Rendang: The OG Raya Royalty

Let’s start with the undeniable king of the Raya table: rendang. This isn’t your average gravy – this is meat that’s been lovingly simmered in a thick, spicy coconut-based paste for hours, until it’s packed with flavour and impossibly tender. Depending on which kampung you’re from, your family’s rendang might be dry and dark or rich and saucy – and you’ll defend it with your life.

Rendang Tok from Perak is a drier, darker version caramelised to perfection. Traditionally made with beef, it’s cooked until all the spices and coconut paste cling lovingly to every chunk. Often found in the kitchens of royal families and served at weddings, it’s a proud emblem of Perak cuisine.

Rendang Minang, heavily influenced by the Minangkabau people of Negeri Sembilan, is bolder in spice with a touch of heat. It’s usually saucier than Rendang Tok and often made with beef or chicken – served at open houses with piles of lemang or nasi impit.

Then there’s Rendang Ayam or Kambing, the everyday heroes that soak up the fragrant turmeric, galangal, lemongrass and chilli until every bite is a little celebration in your mouth.

2. Ketupat & Nasi Impit: The Carbs We All Deserve

These aren’t your basic rice dishes. Ketupat, intricately woven from coconut leaves and steamed until firm, is both a symbol of Raya and a starchy delight that’s perfect for scooping up every saucy morsel on your plate. Traditionally prepared in villages over a fire pit, it’s a labour of love that starts days before Raya morning.

If you’re in a hurry or not blessed with ketupat-weaving skills, nasi impit (compressed rice blocks) steps in. It’s humble, versatile and holds its own next to rendang, lodeh or sambal kacang. Fun fact: some of the best ketupat makers hail from Kelantan and Terengganu, where it’s common to enjoy them with kuah kacang ikan or even sweet coconut syrup for dessert.

3. Lemang: Smoky, Sticky and a Whole Lotta Love

Lemang is what happens when glutinous rice, coconut milk and banana leaves go camping in a bamboo log. It’s traditionally cooked over an open fire for several hours, requiring constant rotation to avoid burning. The result? Slightly crispy on the outside, sticky and creamy on the inside – lemang is best friends with rendang, serunding and Raya night cravings.

In places like Kuala Pilah or Gombak, roadside lemang stalls line up days before Raya, and you’ll often see uncles manning long bamboo grills, chatting while keeping an eagle eye on the lemang. Pro tip: the best lemang has that subtle smoky scent and a slight crust on its outer layer.

4. Lodeh: The Veggie Dish That Gets Invited to Every Party

Don’t sleep on lodeh. This coconut-based vegetable curry is hearty, fragrant and a beautiful medley of textures. Made with long beans, cabbage, tempeh, tofu and sometimes young jackfruit, it’s usually served with nasi impit and a generous spoonful of sambal kacang.

Lodeh has strong roots in Johor and Selangor, often appearing at Malay weddings and kenduri. The magic lies in the delicate balance between creamy santan, lemongrass, turmeric and just a hint of sweetness. It’s comforting, wholesome and sneaky addictive.

(Source: https://ohmedia.my/oh-makan/juadah-resepi-lontong-kuah-lodeh-buat-santapan-di-pagi-raya)

5. Sambal Kacang: Peanut Powerhouse

Also known as kuah kacang, this sweet-spicy peanut sauce is essential for making your Raya plate feel complete. Rich in roasted peanuts, coconut milk, chilli and palm sugar, it’s the sauce that turns bland nasi impit into a bite of bliss.

In Melaka, you’ll find versions with a touch of belacan for added depth, while in Kelantan, it might be slightly sweeter. Either way – it’s a must-have dip that will have you licking your plate clean.

(Source: https://www.nyonyacooking.com/recipes/spicy-peanut-sauce-sambal-kacang~uIFPFWAZ1a)

6. Sambal Goreng: Spicy Stir-Fry Mayhem

Sambal goreng is Raya’s wildcard. Sometimes it’s a stir-fried tofu dish, other times it includes beef lung, tempeh or even glass noodles. Spicy, savoury and slightly sweet, it’s a complex dish that’s often overlooked but leaves a lasting impression.

In Johor, sambal goreng is the deluxe version – made with beef, paru, liver and even quail eggs, all bathed in spicy coconut gravy. It’s bold, unapologetic and pairs beautifully with white rice or nasi impit.

(Source: https://www.rasa.my/sambal-goreng-jawa-yang-paling-sedap-cepat-untuk-berbuka-dan-sahur)

 7. Ayam Masak Merah: Saucy, Spicy, Sensational

With its fiery red hue, this dish might look intimidating, but ayam masak merah is all about balance. Chicken is deep-fried first, or at some places simmered straight in a tomato-based sauce laced with cinnamon, star anise and dried chillies. It’s saucy, a little sweet, and just the right amount of spicy.

In Penang and Kedah, some families throw in green peas or potato wedges for extra heartiness. Spoon it over pulut kuning or nasi briyani, and watch the magic happen.

8. Nasi Briyani: When Rice Decides to Show Off

It’s not just rice – it’s nasi briyani, and it demands respect. Long-grain basmati rice is infused with saffron, spices, fried shallots, raisins and ghee – often served with ayam masak merah, kurma kambing, or even daging masak hitam.

In Johor, you’ll find the legendary nasi briyani gam, where the meat is slow-cooked inside the rice pot itself, allowing all those rich spices to mingle. It’s indulgent, festive and always worth the carb coma.

Source: https://cookpad.com/my/recipes/11953451-beriani-gam-kambing-melekat-di-hati

So, there you have it – 8 Raya dishes that make your stomach rumble louder than the takbir. Whether you are Team Rendang Forever or a secret lover of sambal kacang, one thing’s for sure: Hari Raya is basically a food marathon disguised as a celebration.

From all of us at MyRehat, we’d like to wish you a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri filled with joy, togetherness and ridiculously good food! 
 

Check out Part 2 of this article for another 8 amazing Raya dishes that made the list:

(insert link to Part 2)