8 Legendary Hari Raya Dishes That Malaysians Absolutely Can’t Say No To! (Part 2)

Welcome back, food adventurers! If you’ve already devoured Part 1 of our Hari Raya feast trail—stuffed with rich rendangs, fluffy ketupat and glorious nasi briyani—then you know we are just getting started. While rice may reign supreme during Raya, let’s not forget the saucy, slurpy, soul-warming delights that come in the form of kari and laksa. From creamy coconut broths to fiery tamarind tangs, Malaysia’s food scene deserves its own standing ovation. 

So, loosen those pants, grab your second plate (or third, we don’t judge), and dive into Part 2 of this festive culinary journey!

1. Daging Masak Hitam: The Dark Knight of Raya

Originating from northern states like Kedah and Perlis, daging masak hitam is beef cooked in a thick, soy-based sauce until it’s sticky, glossy and full of umami. Star anise, cloves and cinnamon give it a distinct aroma, while caramelised shallots and chilli give it that addictiveness that keeps you going back for more. Best eaten with nasi minyak or pulut kuning, it’s the kind of dish that makes you sigh out loud after the first bite.

2. Acar Timun & Acar Buah: Tangy Timebombs

Raya food is rich – and that’s where acar comes in to cut through the heaviness. Acar timun (pickled cucumber, carrots and shallots) offers a refreshing zing, while acar buah (preserved fruits in spicy-sweet sauce) is a tastebud teaser you won’t forget.

In Terengganu and Pahang, you’ll find acar buah with mangoes, cermai and even dates. It’s sweet, sour, spicy – and the perfect palate cleanser between rendang bites.

(Source: https://www.ajinomoto.com.my/bm/resipi/resepi-acar-jelatah)

3. Kambing Kurma: Mild but Mighty

This gentle giant of a dish combines tender goat meat (or chicken) with creamy kurma gravy – a coconut and yoghurt-based curry seasoned with coriander, cardamom and cumin. It’s usually milder than other Raya dishes but delivers comfort in every spoonful.

In Perak and Selangor, kambing kurma is often paired with fragrant tomato rice or briyani, making it a favourite at open houses and Raya kenduri.

(Source: https://resepichenom.com/resepi/kurma-kambing)

4. Pulut Kuning: The Golden Layer of Celebration

Golden and glutinous, pulut kuning (turmeric sticky rice) is often served during special celebrations. Flavoured with coconut milk and turmeric, it’s usually steamed in banana leaves and shaped into neat squares or domes.

In Kelantan, you’ll sometimes find it sweetened and topped with kaya or sambal ikan, while elsewhere it’s eaten with rendang, ayam masak merah, kari or daging masak hitam for the ultimate flavour combo.

5. Kari & Gulai: Gravy Goals

Whether it’s kari ayam, kari kambing or a rich gulai kawah simmering in a giant pot outside the house, these dishes are essential Raya staples. They deliver warmth, depth and enough spice to remind you you’re alive.

Gulai in Negeri Sembilan often packs a spicier punch due to cili padi, while in Kelantan, it leans creamier and slightly sweet. Dip your roti jala, drizzle it over rice, or just slurp it with a spoon – no judgement here.

6. Paru Sambal: Not for the Faint of Heart

Paru (beef lungs) are first boiled, then thinly sliced, deep-fried until crispy, and coated in spicy sambal. It’s a love-it-or-leave-it kind of dish, but those who dare, it’s a textural dream. Crispy, chewy, spicy – all the good adjectives in one bite.

(Source: https://cookpad.com/my/recipes/12317682-sambal-paru)

7. Serunding: Sprinkle Happiness on Everything

Serunding is like the edible confetti of Raya – you just sprinkle it on anything and it instantly becomes more delicious. Whether it’s serunding kelapa (grated coconut fried with spices) or serunding daging (shredded beef or chicken), this dry, spicy delight is perfect with lemang, ketupat, or even eaten straight from the jar with a spoon at midnight.

Kelantan is famous for their fine, slightly sweet beef serunding, often sold in charming glass jars tied with ribbons – the ultimate edible souvenir.

8. Laksa – The Slurpy Showstopper

Ah, laksa—the ultimate culinary chameleon. It’s messy, it’s soupy, it’s spicy, and it’s an undisputed national treasure that every state swears it does best. Ask a Penangite, and they’ll insist nothing beats Penang Assam Laksa, a punchy tamarind-based broth loaded with shredded mackerel, bunga kantan, onions and a mandatory swirl of hei ko (thick prawn paste) on top. Sour, spicy, and bold—this laksa doesn’t whisper; it shouts.

Now hop over to the east coast and you’ll meet the elegant Laksa Terengganu and Laksa Kelantan, both of which use a rich, white gravy made from coconut milk and fresh fish (usually ikan kembung). Their noodles are typically handmade and softer, lighter in spice but creamy, comforting, and subtly sweet—the kind of dish that feels like a warm Raya hug.

Meanwhile, down south, Johor Laksa makes its own rules. It uses spaghetti—yes, actual spaghetti—instead of traditional laksa noodles, paired with a thick gravy made from fish, coconut milk, and a medley of herbs and spices. It’s often served with a side of sambal belacan and a fresh squeeze of lime, because Johoreans don’t do boring.

Don’t sleep on Laksa Sarawak either. Made with a base of sambal belacan, tamarind, lemongrass and coconut milk, this laksa is layered with shredded chicken, prawns, omelette strips, bean sprouts and fresh coriander. A bowl of Sarawak laksa is complex, spicy and slightly creamy—a flavour symphony that’s uniquely Bornean.

And of course, there’s Laksam, a thicker, rolled noodle dish doused in a creamy fish-based gravy and eaten with ulam and sambal. It’s a Kelantan and Terengganu favourite, especially among those who like to eat with their hands.

So, what’s your Raya plate looking like now? A tower of lemang? A rendang swimming pool? A mountain of pulut kuning?

Whatever your style, Hari Raya is ultimately about togetherness – made extra tasty with tradition-rich dishes passed down through generations. Missed Part 1? Make sure to check it out for all the must-try Eid dishes – insert the link to Part 1 article.

And when you’ve eaten yourself into a blissful nap, remember that Raya also means travel, reunions and maybe a comfy stay away from home. Explore our cosy, beautiful homestays for your festive travel plans at www.myrehat.com – because no one should do Raya without rest.

From all of us at MyRehat, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, maaf zahir & batin! 💚