Cover Lemang and curry are a popular Raya dish during this festive period (Photo: Getty Images / Nora Carol Photography)
Lemang and curry are a popular Raya dish during this festive period (Photo: Getty Images / Nora Carol Photography)
1 / 1
Here are the foods these chefs look forward to eating when Raya comes around
Another Raya season is just around the corner, representing a time for festivities, family, and, of course, feasting. Here in Malaysia, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to local delicacies, from ketupat and rendang to lontong and bouncy kuih.
We spoke to six chefs about their favourite foods to indulge in during this time, and why they hold these treats close to their hearts.
Alternatively, if you're looking for places to buka puasa this year, we have you covered with an all-encompassing list.
Read more: Inside 5 Kuala Lumpur restaurants showcasing open flame cooking and sizzling design
Nazri Ating Jais Asiong, Chocha Foodstore
Above Nazri Ating Jais Asiong of Chocha Foodstore and Kai Nusantara Eatery (Photo: Mui Kai Quan)
Nazri Ating Jais Asiong of Chocha Foodstore and Kai Nusantara Eatery (Photo: Mui Kai Quan)
1 / 1
“Kuih Raya, especially kuih makmur, semprit, batang buruk, and tat nenas, are simple, tasty, and bring back a lot of childhood memories for me during Raya. I used to help my mother in the kitchen when she made these desserts when I was younger, and it was a process that takes a few days. We used to make everything by ourselves from scratch!”
Above Kuih Raya (Photo: Getty Images / gracethang)
Kuih Raya (Photo: Getty Images / gracethang)
1 / 1
“Now, I buy it from Masjid Jamek’s Ramadan bazaar, which is similar, but my favourites are still the ones from my hometown in Lahad Datu, Sabah.”
Victor Yap, Peaches and Cream
“During Raya, my heart belongs to a classic pairing—rendang and lemang. It might be a ubiquitous duo, but there’s a reason these dishes hold such a special place in our traditions. For me, the true magic lies in the rendang’s rempah—herbs and spices simmered low and slow until it transforms into a luscious, fragrant paste that clings beautifully to every morsel of coconut-infused rice.”
Above Rendang and lemang (Photo: Getty Images / Rozita Turut)
Rendang and lemang (Photo: Getty Images / Rozita Turut)
1 / 1
“My fondest Raya food memories stem from childhood visits to a family friend, Pakcik Rahim, who was my father’s office driver. Every year during Raya, his wife would prepare a chicken rendang that remains unparalleled to this day.
Unlike some watery imitations floating around these days, hers was a masterpiece—a rich crimson hue, intoxicating fragrance redolent with lemongrass and daun limau purut, and perfect fall-off-the-bone chicken. It was a yearly tradition I cherished, a testament to the warmth and generosity that permeates Raya celebrations.”
Nurilkarim Razha, Jawi House
Above Nurilkarim Razha (Photo: Jawi House)
Nurilkarim Razha (Photo: Jawi House)
1 / 1
"To me, no Raya spread is complete without serunding ikan, a popular condiment in the North, and ketupat pulut. However, I also fondly recall cooking biryani and rendang outdoors with my family. The first three days of celebration are always filled with food due to visiting family and friends."
Ameer Alzalek, Leens Middle East Kitchen
Above Ameer Alzalek (Photo: Leens Middle East Kitchen)
Ameer Alzalek (Photo: Leens Middle East Kitchen)
1 / 1
“My favourite food during the festive season is grills on the barbecue. During Raya time, we have a habit of going to the beach, and grilling while gathering with family. I usually buy everything from the supermarket before going, so we can all cook together.”
Don't miss: The best Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants in Malaysia
Jon Chew, Copaa KL
Above Jon Chew (Photo: Jon Chew)
Jon Chew (Photo: Jon Chew)
1 / 1
“One of my favourite foods to eat during Raya is roti jala with curry ayam, one of my favourite childhood foods. I love to observe how roti jala is made too, as to me, it feels like an art!”
Above Roti jala (Photo: Getty Images / ADX Collections)
Roti jala (Photo: Getty Images / ADX Collections)
1 / 1
“When I was a teenager, I spent most of my time at Universiti Sains Malaysia’s canteen, and one of my favourite stalls there was the mak cik who sold roti jala and cucur udang.”
Gary Lim, Slurrp
Above Gary Lim (Photo: Slurrp)
Gary Lim (Photo: Slurrp)
1 / 1
“Daging dendeng and lemang have to be my favourite Raya foods as I love the texture of the meat together with lemang—they are a match made in heaven!"
Above Daging dendeng and lemang (Photo: Getty Images / Cn0ra)
Daging dendeng and lemang (Photo: Getty Images / Cn0ra)
1 / 1
“My friend, Nur Iqma, cooks fantastic daging dendeng and a heavenly sambal. Whenever she visits us, she brings containers of assorted sambal, dendeng, and tempeh for my family and me. During Raya, I get my daging dendeng and lemang fix from Ramadan bazaars, my favourite of which are the TTDI and USJ bazaars.”
NOW READ
The best Ramadan buffets and dining experiences of 2024
Where to buka puasa in Bamboo Hills
Oo Edo Tofu crafts authentic Japanese tofu in the heart of KL
Topics
About
Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
