We’re all no strangers to Ramadan food. By now, we’ve probably driven past countless Ramadan bazaars on our way home from school or work. They pop-up all over Malaysia during this holy month, serving mouth-watering dishes and sweet, tasty desserts.
However, with Raya here, these food will be gone for another year! Yes, a lot of Ramadan food can be found outside of the Ramadan season, but it may take a bit more scouring on your end.
So, before we say hello to the Raya celebrations, here’s a list of food we’ll definitely miss because we can only get our hands on em the next year!
1. Bubur Lambuk
source: gedung resepi
A type of porridge that only makes an appearance during Ramadan and is usually given outside mosques. It is a common buka puasa dish for many as it is not only delicious, but nutritious and easy to digest too. Some of the common ingredients in Bubur Lambuk include meat, garlic, onion, dried shrimp and much more. Additionally, some of the common spices used are aniseed, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, fenugreek and star anise.
Source: zulfadreamland
Source: Wanista
2. Ayam Tempayan
source: astro awani
Source: zitaomar
“Tempayan” basically means crock or crock pot. What makes this dish so special is that the chicken is cooked for about an hour in a large clay crock pot over charcoal. This not only uses less oil, but the charcoal adds to the taste and flavour of the chicken as well. So if you’re looking for a somewhat healthier alternative to your favourite ayam goreng, be sure to give the Ayam Tempayan a go!
Source: xixi ze violinist
3. Kuih Lompat Tikam
source: flickr
Another popular Ramadan dessert, this kuih usually consists of two layers, a green bottom layer and a white layer at the top. The white layer is rich with–you guessed it–coconut milk while the green layer usually consists of pandan water and green food colouring. This dessert is usually sweetened with gula Melaka to give it a unique flavour and paired with glutenous rice in pink colouring; making it yet another rich and sweet dessert that comes with a splash of pandan to refresh the taste buds after all that spicy Ramadan food.
Source: mymuffincupcake
4. Kuih Nekbat
source: terengganu traditional food
Also known as Kuih Pelik (weird), this local pastry is fairly rare and commonly made from rice flour and eggs. This kuih is made by first frying the flour mixture until it becomes light and fluffy; then just before serving, it will be cooked in sugar water and Pandan leaves to give it a more fragrant aroma. This dessert is best served cold.
Source: elissmie
5. Tepung Pelita Istimewa (Paya Jaras)
Source: hungrygowhere
Outside of Ramadan, you can probably find Tepung Pelita anywhere. Tepung Pelita Istimewa from Paya Jaras on the other hand, is a whole different story altogether. It only makes an appearance during Ramadan and is never seen outside of Ramadan. Plus they even have the tagline, “Rasa sebulan, rindu setahun”!
This dessert is enjoyed by many as it is both sweet and rich in flavour–the best combination in any dessert.
Source: blogger
6. Kuih Talam Berlauk
Source: Malaysian Food Channel
Source: rasa
A rich, doughy cake, usually whitish or yellow in colour because of the coconut milk, topped with savoury toppings that usually consists of minced meat, fried onions, curry and everything else delicious. The richness of the kuih and tastiness of the lauk definitely compliments one another very well. Something not to miss at this year’s bazaar!
7. Dates
source: flickr
It’s usually during Ramadan that we start to hear the famous “Yusuf Taiyoob” ad being played on radio stations across Malaysia. In case you don’t already know, “Yusuf Taiyoob” is known for dates and many other foods like fruits, nuts, spices and so on. Dates become extremely popular during Ramadan because it’s an excellent source of sugar, fiber, potassium, magnesium and it contains carbohydrates that slows down digestion, keeping one full for a longer period of time. So whether or not you’re fasting this Ramadan, grab yourself some dates!
As Malaysians, food is the one thing that often brings us together. We even learn a thing or two about other cultures just by eating their food and delicacies.
Additionally, another way to learn about this festive Raya celebration is through Celcom’s #MakKata campaign. Throughout Ramadan, Celcom has been releasing #MakKata videos every day with sayings, advice and petua from moms about this festive season.
All #MakKata videos have led to the final video ‘Letters from Mak’ which was released on 19 June and is not to be missed!
For every viewership milestone they reach, they’ll be giving back to the needy! What a creative way to do charity! So, you can help them just by watching the video!
Remember to appreciate your moms and show them how much you love and care for them today!
You know what they say, “mom knows best”!
This Raya, remember to keep your friends close and your family closer. Spend time with those who truly matter like your family members because not everyone has the luxury of spending Raya with their families.
So be sure to check out all #MakKata and ‘Letters from Mak’ videos here, and join Celcom in giving back to the less fortunate. You’ll be able to raise funds for charity just by watching these videos!
