In just a short period of time, one of the primary cultural celebrations will be taking place in Malaysia, and just like every customary holiday, there’s no better way to get the party going than to surround yourself with delicious food.
One of the primary things to look forward to every Deepavali is the food you’ll be stuffing your face with! Whether you’re planning to attend a few open houses with your friends and family or attend an office party, there are certain Indian snacks you can’t miss this festive season.
1. Murukku
Arguably the most common snack to find in any Indian household during the festive season, Murukku is a savoury crunchy snack that’s derived from a Tamil word which literally means “twisted”. Traditionally made with rice flour and urad dal flour, this delicious treat is a tea-time staple in various South Indian homes.
Nevertheless, Malaysia isn’t the only country to have inherited this scrumptious snack to our palettes, with neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Myanmar, and Burma creating their own versions of this must-have snack.
2. Achu Murukku
Originating from Kerala, Achu Murukku is a sweet variant of its cousin, Murukku – though there are differences in its appearance. Though Achu Murukku shares some similarity with its savoury cousin, the distinct ingredients used to create the dessert such as sugar and coconut oil makes it sweeter for sure.
While it may not be widely known, achu in its name refers to the flower-shaped mould used to give this confection its unique shape.
3. Chippi
Widely known in Malaysia as Kuih Siput due to its resemblance to cowrie shells, Chippi’s can be made to be sweet or savoury depending on what you’re craving for the day.
The spicier version that has a visible orange hue is often created using a mixture of dried shrimp, eggs, and curry leaves to give it that smoky fragrance. However, those with a sweet tooth can opt for a version of this delectable item that’s infused with coconut milk and icing sugar, giving it a perfect blend of sweet and salty.
4. Ribbon Pakoda
More than just a piece of edible decoration, Ribbon Pakoda gets its name from the term “Pakoda” which means crispy Indian fritter. Beyond just looking like an actual ribbon, Malaysians may also know this item as Ribbon Murukku due to its crunchy exterior.
5. Omapodi Mixture
Deliciously unmatched, the magic in Omapodi mixtures can be seen in its diversity as a snack that can literally be had at any time of the day. Made from chickpea flour batter that is seasoned with spices, the dough is normally deep-fried in oil after straining the batter through a potato ricer.
After that, the remaining ingredients added to this savoury sensation is your choice. While other ingredients such as peanuts, curry leaves, and dried chickpeas can be added to the fold, one can create their own perfect mix. From cashew nuts to raisins, red chilli powder and even butter, Omapodi can be eaten by itself without any additions, too.
6. Pineapple Tarts
Referred to by Malaysians at-large as “festive cookies”, Pineapple Tarts have grown to become a necessity for every local cultural holiday, be it Deepavali, Chinese New Year, or even Christmas.
Bite-sized and delicious in every aspect, pineapple tarts can be made in various ways, whether it be topping a piece of dough with the pineapple jam or wrapping the jam in a strand of dough.
7. Biscuits & Cookies
Over the course of time, the celebration of food during Deepavali season has gone through an evolution within itself, with traditional delicacies served during the festivities becoming more modern as well.
For Deepavali, it would pretty much be considered a crime not to have Sugee Biscuits, or even Almond cookies that will practically crumble in your mouth with a single bite. Though the popularity of butter cakes, peanut butter cookies, and cornflake cookies are also a sight for sore eyes, the pile of delicious cookies served during present-day Deepavali celebrations only keep growing.
8. Any Indian Sweets! (Laddu, Barfi, Coconut Candy, Athirasam and more)
Various Indian snacks can be altered in creation to suit whichever our fancies desire. However, there are just some sweets that are non-compromisers when it comes to the celebration of the Festival of Lights.
Among them would be the simple yet delicious Laddu, made from flour, sugar, and shortening before being shaped into a ball. Similarly, the milk-based dessert referred to as Indian fudge, Barfi, is another sweet that’s often flavoured with cardamom or nuts, depending on what you prefer. Likewise, coconut candy and athirasam are also treats that can’t go untried for this festive season.
9. Ghee Balls (also known as Nei Urundai)
Delightfully packaged in a colourful plastic sheet, ghee balls, or more commonly known as nei urundai, is a bite-sized sphere full of pure happiness. Carrying distinct sweet and savoury aromas from a combination of cardamom, sugar, and green gram flour, there’s no item that feels more like a piece of comfort than this classic dessert.
Is your stomach rumbling? Are you excited for the upcoming Deepavali festivities? Let us know which Indian snack is your favourite!
Also read: Top 10 Shaved Ice Dessert Spots That’s Worth The Hype in Klang Valley! [2023 edition]
