Singapore’s melting pot of different traditions and cultures is intrinsically tied together by our love of food. That said, we always have much to learn as we commemorate the festivals of different faiths with our friends across the year.
Hari Raya Puasa and its accompanying Ramadan month bring a rich food heritage that is at once unique to Singapore and our immediate neighbours, and familiar to all who live here. We highlight 6 of the most popular foods of this season, many of which can be had all year round, and even made at home if you’d like!
1. Ketupat
These white or glutinous rice cakes wrapped and steamed in coconut or pandan leaves are the most iconic symbol of the Hari Raya season here. The humble ketupat is an all-occasions staple; have them with satay, eat them in sayur lodeh, or just snack on them as is.
You can even get your ketupat fix in convenient, ready-to-cook packets; just boil in water for 60-90 minutes, then cut and serve! Shop for some here.
2. Rendang
This meaty spiced stew, usually consisting of beef, chicken or mutton, is traditionally made in Malay kitchens with much tender loving care, with a beautiful fragrance that has the power to entice anyone within the immediate vicinity. Little wonder why this dish is usually cooked in a communal pot and happily shared amongst neighbours.
Looking to make your own? We’ve made rendang simple while still packing a punch with our collection of recipes here.
3. Sayur Lodeh
Leaning towards the other end of the traditional Malay stew spectrum sits this unassuming vegetable dish steeped in smooth, creamy coconut gravy that balances out the usual fiery meat dishes at the Hari Raya feasting table, yet is no less comforting for the body and soul. Have it over a plate of rice, or drizzle generously over your ketupat as a one-bowl lontong meal.
Making a pot of your own couldn’t be easier with ready-to-cook sayur lodeh paste. Try out the different selections and find your favourite here.
4. Bubur Lumbuk
Typically served during iftar in mosques in the Ramadan month, the recipe for this communal spiced porridge varies from country to country, mosque to mosque, and household to household. But the simple yet flavourful dish emphasises the strong community spirit that bonds people together, as it is freely distributed to anyone who wishes to have it, regardless of background or circumstance.
5. Kueh Raya
It’s the first thing you reach out for and the last thing you’ll take: bottles and bottles of sweet-savoury cookies and other crunchy bite-sized bakes guaranteed to keep you munching while you socialise with your family and friends.
If you want to add some flair to your festive snack tray, we’ve also featured some coconut-based Hari Raya Kueh recipes on our Instagram account (do follow us, too!) as well.
6. Bandung
Another Ramadan staple, it was perhaps timely that during this year’s Star Awards, a MediaCorp actor would unintentionally pay homage to this deliciously-coloured cup of sweetness combining rose syrup with a generous dash of evaporated or condensed milk.
You can up your bandung game too, by using soda to mix your rose syrup in, adding grass jelly or even boba pearls, then top it with sweetened milk for a drinking experience that’s sure to tickle you pink!
We’ve been building up our Halal-certified product selection over the past year. With close to 1,500 new products added to a existing stable of 5,700, we hope to better cater to the needs of the Muslim community in Singapore! Read about this and our other Hari Raya initiatives here.
What’s that one food fave that you’ll always look forward to during Hari Raya Puasa? Let us know in Facebook comments!
