Eid is one of the most celebrated festivals in the Muslim community, and one of the things that make this occasion so special are definitely the snacks.
Kuih raya are festive cookies that are commonly enjoyed during the festive season in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. These small, bite-sized treats come in a variety of shapes, colors, and flavors, and are often served to guests as a gesture of hospitality.
One cannot overstate the importance of kuih raya in Malay culture. These treats are deeply rooted in tradition and are often made using recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
The process of making kuih raya is an important part of the festive season, with families gathering together to prepare the ingredients, mix the dough, and shape the cookies – well at least in the past! These days, you can easily buy them from local or family businesses.
The flavors of kuih raya are as diverse as the people who make them. Some of the most popular varieties include pineapple tarts, cornflake cookies, and peanut cookies. Each cookie has a unique taste and texture that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Can’t wrap your head around all the different types of kuih? We roll out some of the popular all-time favourites so by the time Eid comes around, you’ll be a kuih-noisseur.
Tart Nenas
Tart nenas or pineapple is a small, bite-sized tart filled with pineapple jam. These buttery tarts are a popular – and a staple! – treat during Eid, and their sweet, tangy flavor makes them a favorite with both kids and adults. The only question is – do you prefer the open-faced tart or the rolled-up ones?
Loyang Cookies or Kuih Ros
Kuih Ros is a delicate and crispy cookie made from a batter of rice flour and coconut milk. The cookie is molded into intricate flower shapes – hence ‘Ros’ or rose – using a traditional cookie mold and then deep-fried to achieve its crispy texture.
Semperit
Like the Tart Nenas biscuit base, the Semperit is a buttery cookie that is shaped using a cookie press. The dough is made from a combination of flour, butter, sugar, and egg yolks, and is flavored with vanilla or pandan. The cookies are then topped with a cherry or some colored sugar to add a festive touch.
Tapak Kuda
Tapak Kuda – literally means horseshoe – is a rolled cake that is filled with a sweet and creamy filling, usually made from butter and condensed milk – or good ol’ Nutella. The cake is then rolled into a log shape and sliced into individual servings, giving it the appearance of a horseshoe.
Bangkit
Kuih Bangkit is a popular cookie that is made from a mixture of tapioca flour, coconut milk, and sugar. It’s the intricate patterns that make these cookies so inviting. These cookies are light, crumbly, and melts in your mouth, leaving a delightful coconut flavor behind.
Suji
Biskut Suji is a buttery cookie made from semolina flour, sugar, and butter. These cookies are shaped into small balls and then topped with a cherry or a sprinkle of colored sugar before being baked to perfection. How to know a good Suji? It melts in your mouth almost immediately.
Makmur
Kuih Makmur is a rich, buttery cookie that is filled with a sweet filling made from ground peanuts and sugar. The dough is made from a combination of flour, butter, and sugar, and is then shaped into small, bite-sized cookies.
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