This post explores the significance of Hari Raya in Southeast Asia, emphasizing themes of forgiveness, family reunions, and feasting. It highlights traditional dishes commonly served during the celebration across various ASEAN countries, with a special focus on Bruneian cuisine. The author shares personal favorites from the Bruneian menu, including keropok udang, kueh mor, kueh lapis and serunding ayam.
Disclaimer The information provided in this post is based on personal experiences and publicly available sources. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, individual experiences and regional variations may differ.
What Hari Raya Means for SEA Kids: A Celebration of Tradition, Family & Flavor
For those who grew up in SEA, Hari Raya (or Eid al-Fitr) is more than just a religious celebration — it’s a deeply rooted cultural and social occasion that brings families and communities together. While the significance of Hari Raya varies slightly across countries, its core themes of forgiveness, gratitude and reunion remain the same. Here’s what it typically means to those in ASEAN:
A Time for Forgiveness and Reconnection
Hari Raya is a time for seeking and granting forgiveness. Many families practice “salam”, a tradition where younger members ask for blessings and forgiveness from elders. This act symbolizes renewal and strengthening of relationships.
Homecoming and Family Reunions
Like Chinese New Year or Deepavali, Hari Raya is when many travel back to their hometowns (balik kampung/mudik) to reunite with family. This is especially true in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore, where city dwellers return to rural homes.
Feasting on Traditional Foods
Food is central to the celebration! Different ASEAN countries have their own signature dishes:
- Malaysia & Brunei: Rendang, ketupat, lemang, lontong, satay, and wajid.
- Indonesia: Opor ayam, ketupat sayur, sambal goreng, and kue-kue kering (cookies).
- Singapore: Similar to Malaysia, with a focus on festive cookies like pineapple tarts and kuih lapis.
- The Philippines (Muslim communities): Pastil, piyanggang, and dudul.
- Thailand (Muslim communities): Massaman curry, roti, and sweet sticky rice.
Open Houses and Hospitality
“Open house” culture is a key feature, where families welcome guests — friends, neighbors and even strangers — to enjoy food and celebrate together, regardless of religion or ethnicity. This fosters unity and multicultural harmony, especially in diverse societies like Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia.
Dressing in Traditional Attire
Wearing new clothes symbolizes a fresh start. Common attire includes:
- Baju Melayu & Baju Kurung (Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore)
- Baju Kebaya & Baju Batik (Indonesia)
- Jubah & Songkok (for men in various ASEAN countries)
Giving and Receiving "Duit Raya"
Children and younger family members often receive duit raya (money packets) from elders, similar to angpao during Chinese New Year. This tradition is common in Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore.
Religious Observance and Reflection
While the festive aspect is prominent, prayers and gratitude remain central. The day begins with special morning prayers at the mosque, followed by visits to gravesites to honor ancestors.
Extended Celebrations
- In Malaysia & Brunei, celebrations last for a month, with official public holidays for the first two days.
- In Indonesia, "Lebaran" includes an extended holiday period, allowing people to travel home for mudik.
- In Singapore, the celebrations are more condensed but still vibrant.
Strengthening Social Bonds
Hari Raya is not just for Muslims — it’s a shared experience in ASEAN. Non-Muslim friends and colleagues often visit open houses, exchange greetings (“Selamat Hari Raya!”) and enjoy the festive spirit, making it a truly inclusive celebration.
The Bruneian Raya Feast
In Brunei, our Raya spread is full of rich and flavorful treats that showcase the best of our cultural heritage. Some of the highlights include:
Kek Batik: A no-bake chocolate biscuit cake that’s sweet and addictive, layered with chocolate and condensed milk.
Tapak Kuda: A delightful Swiss roll, often made with chocolate or pandan.
Kueh Lapis: The beloved layered cake, sometimes spiced (spekkoek) or in vibrant rainbow colors.
Kueh Mor: A light, melt-in-your-mouth butter cookie, dusted with powdered sugar.
Keropok Udang: Crispy prawn crackers that are perfect for snacking or pairing with your meal.
Kek Sarang Semut: A crunchy, caramelized treat with a honeycomb-like texture.
Serunding: Shredded spiced meat (daging or chicken) floss that’s dry and perfect to pair with rice or ketupat.
Kek Mata Kucing: A traditional steamed cake, soft and rich in coconut flavor, resembling the shape of a cat’s eye.
Wajid: A Bruneian sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, sweetened with coconut and sugar — simple yet delicious.
These treats are often shared during open houses, where friends and family drop by to enjoy the spread and catch up. The mix of sweet and savory is the perfect way to enjoy the spirit of Hari Raya.
My Personal Favorites
Among the endless options on the table, a few treats always stand out for me. I can never get enough of keropok udang, kueh mor, kueh lapis and of course, serunding ayam. The crunch of keropok udang, the melt-in-your-mouth quality of kueh mor, and the flavorful, dry texture of serunding ayam are irresistible, and I can never resist reaching for more!
What are your favorite Raya treats? Let me know in the comments below!
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