11 Popular Hari Raya Dishes & Food Prep Tips to Enjoy

Hari Raya is an opportunity to share in the joy of feasting with loved ones. However, with the volume of food prepared, meal prep and proper food storage play a crucial role in ensuring that every dish stays fresh and flavourful. 

This article will guide you through popular Hari Raya dishes and share tips on how to efficiently store and transport them using the best meal prep containers in Malaysia.

Popular Hari Raya Dishes

The heart of Hari Raya celebrations lies in the delicious array of dishes served during this time. Here are some of the standout foods you’ll find gracing Malaysian tables.

1. Rendang

A tender, slow-cooked beef stew with a rich and flavourful blend of spices like turmeric, lemongrass, and coconut milk. Rendang is a must-have during Hari Raya, offering a comforting and savoury taste that pairs beautifully with rice or ketupat.

2. Ketupat 

These compact, rice-filled dumplings wrapped in woven palm leaves are a festive staple. Ketupat is often served alongside rendang or sambal goreng, and its delicate texture makes it a perfect accompaniment to any dish.

3. Sambal Goreng

Stir-fried vegetables, often combined with tofu and tempeh, in a spicy sambal sauce. This dish is a favourite for those who enjoy a little heat with their meals and is an essential component of a complete Hari Raya feast.

4. Kuih Raya

The sweet treats of Hari Raya are equally important, with kuih raya being a crowd favourite. These traditional cookies come in a variety of shapes, colours, and flavours, ranging from buttery pineapple tarts to crispy almond cookies.

5. Lemang

Glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk and slowly roasted inside a bamboo tube. The unique flavour of lemang, paired with rendang or other savoury dishes, is a classic feature of the Hari Raya spread.

6. Ayam Masak Merah 

A delicious and mildly spicy tomato-based chicken dish cooked with aromatic herbs and spices. The tender chicken is coated in a rich sauce, making it a perfect match for ketupat or nasi impit.

7. Serunding

A dry, spiced meat floss made from either beef or chicken, cooked with coconut milk and aromatic spices until it reaches a crispy yet tender texture. Serunding is often enjoyed with ketupat or lemang.

8. Nasi Impit

Compressed rice cubes that serve as a perfect base for rich and flavourful dishes like rendang, satay, and peanut sauce. It’s a convenient and easy-to-eat staple for Hari Raya gatherings.

9. Lontong

A coconut milk-based vegetable stew made with cabbage, carrots, and long beans. This dish is often paired with nasi impit, boiled eggs, and sambal for a hearty and satisfying meal.

10. Dodol

A chewy, toffee-like confection made from coconut milk, palm sugar, and glutinous rice flour. Dodol requires hours of stirring, but its sweet, rich taste makes it a Hari Raya favourite.

11. Satay

Grilled, skewered meat (usually chicken or beef) marinated with fragrant spices and served with a rich, nutty peanut sauce. Satay is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for gatherings.

Tips for Storing and Reheating Traditional Hari Raya Dishes

Storing and reheating your Hari Raya food requires some thought to maintain the quality of each dish. Here are some tips:

1. Use Airtight Containers for Maximum Freshness

Whether it’s savoury dishes like rendang, ayam masak merah, and serunding or crispy treats like pineapple tarts, kuih semperit, and kuih bangkit, proper storage prevents moisture loss and preserves taste. Using Tupperware airtight containers helps maintain food quality, keeping your festive meals delicious and ready to enjoy throughout the celebrations.

2. Separate Dry and Wet Ingredients

Dishes like soto ayam, lontong, and ketupat often have both dry and wet components. To avoid sogginess, store broths, sauces, and rice separately in Tupperware food containers with lids and only mix them when serving.

3. Label and Date Your Containers

To keep track of leftovers, label your Tupperware containers with the date they were stored. Most cooked Hari Raya dishes can last 3 to 4 days in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer.

4. Reheat Properly to Retain Flavour

Proper reheating ensures your Hari Raya dishes remain delicious without losing their texture or taste. Here’s how to warm up your festive favourites:

• Rendang & Lemang – Reheat over low heat in a pan, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed.

• Ayam Masak Merah – Microwave in short intervals or reheat on the stovetop to avoid drying out the sauce.

• Lontong – Warm the broth separately before adding other ingredients.

• Kuih Raya & Dodol – Enjoy at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven if needed.

Sealing the Celebration

The heart of Hari Raya lies in the love shared through food. With careful planning, preparation, and storage, you can ensure that your festive meals stay fresh and ready for the big day. Tupperware meal prep containers play a crucial role in keeping dishes organised and preserved, making the entire process smoother and more efficient. 

Whether you're using any of Tupperware’s containers, choosing the right storage solution will help you make the most of your Hari Raya celebrations. So, get ready to enjoy these festive dishes with family, knowing that your food is stored safely and stays fresh throughout the season! 

FAQs

1. What are the best containers for storing rendang and other Malaysian dishes?

For dishes like rendang, airtight containers are ideal to preserve the flavours and prevent moisture from affecting the texture. Glass or BPA-free plastic airtight containers are perfect for this purpose.

2. Can I store ketupat in the refrigerator?

Yes, you can store ketupat in the refrigerator. To keep them fresh, wrap them tightly in reusable meal prep containers or plastic wrap. When ready to serve, steam them to restore their soft, delicate texture.

3. How do I keep kuih raya crispy after baking?

To maintain the crispness of kuih raya, store them in airtight containers. For long-term storage, some types of kuih can be frozen, and you can thaw them when ready to serve.

4. Are reusable meal prep containers better than disposable ones for Hari Raya?

Reusable meal prep containers are not only better for the environment, but they also tend to be more durable and cost-effective in the long run. They are a great investment for both festive meals and everyday use.

5. How can I prevent sambal goreng from becoming soggy when stored?

Store sambal goreng in airtight containers to maintain its flavour and texture. If the vegetables are not yet fully cooked, consider storing them separately and combining them with the sambal sauce just before serving to preserve their crunch.