🎶 Raya, Raya, Raya! Selamat Hari Raya! A song that joyfully welcomes the festive season—Raya, which is a festival eagerly awaited by Muslims as a celebration after a month of fasting. It’s a time of togetherness, filled with joy, laughter, and of course—food! From rendang and lemang to satay and biskut Raya, the festive spread is truly at the heart of the celebration.
Enjoying it is part of the fun, and making mindful choices helps us indulge without overdoing it. While we sometimes have control over what we eat, open houses can make healthier choices tricky since we often just eat whatever is served. That’s why this guide is for future hosts—to celebrate while serving a delicious, healthier spread for guests.
Flavour Without the Guilt
- Lighten Up Traditional Favourites
Raya wouldn’t be the same without its rich, flavourful dishes, but small tweaks can make them healthier without compromising taste. Instead of using full coconut milk, mix it with low-fat milk or yoghurt for creaminess with fewer calories. If a recipe calls for 1 cup of coconut milk, use half coconut milk and half low-fat milk. When preparing rendang or satay, opt for lean cuts of beef or chicken to lower the fat content. These adjustments help reduce saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels when consumed excessively.
- Add More Colour to the Table with Fibre-Rich Dishes
Vegetables and fruits are often overlooked in Raya spreads, yet they provide fibre, which helps keep you fuller for longer. One way to include more vegetables is by increasing them in lontong, a dish that already contains a mix of veggies. For other dishes that lack them, serve a vibrant vegetable platter with ulam or a simple salad with a tangy lime dressing for variety and crunch. To round it off, a refreshing fruit salad makes for a naturally sweet and satisfying dessert. These additions help maintain stable blood sugar levels during Raya. Let’s start a new tradition by making vegetables and fruits a staple in our festive spread!
- Make Raya Sweeter with Less Sugar
Sweet drinks are common at open houses, but with guests hopping from one house to another, their sugar intake adds up quickly—which we want to minimise. Try reducing sugar by at least 25% or more in the drinks you prepare. Offer iced plain water alongside your drinks as a refreshing, healthier alternative to keep guests hydrated. Instead of store-bought sugary drinks, why not serve naturally flavoured, homemade options?
Refresh & Hydrate: Healthier Drink Options
Healthy and Joyful Raya: Small Changes, Big Impact
Raya is a time of togetherness and delicious food, and it’s possible to enjoy the celebration while being mindful of what we eat. As a host, offering healthier alternatives like adding more vegetables, reducing sugar, and preparing lighter drinks helps everyone make better choices while enjoying the festivities without overindulging. While it may seem like a small change, it can make a big difference, creating a Raya that’s not only joyful but also healthier for all. Let’s celebrate with good food, great company, and better health!
