The Humble Ketupat: More Than Just a Raya Icon 🌙🍚

Hari Raya might officially fall on just one day, but let’s be honest, in Malaysia, the celebration goes on for the whole month. From open houses to office feasts, it is a time of reconnecting, laughing, and yes, eating to our hearts’ content. And in the middle of all that delicious chaos, one thing keeps appearing on the table: the humble ketupat.

For many expats in Malaysia, ketupat might look like a pretty little decorative pouch, often made of ribbon or palm leaves, hung up during Raya. But did you know it is also food?

At its core, ketupat is rice packed tightly into a woven palm leaf pouch and then boiled until the rice expands to fill the shape of the casing. Once cooked, it becomes a compact, chewy rice cake that is sliced up and served alongside all the festive favourites such as rendang, satay, serunding, or kuah kacang. It is basically the perfect edible sidekick to all those rich and spicy dishes.

Not Just Decoration

Those ribbon ketupats you see strung across shopping malls or front doors during Raya are decorative nods to the real thing, whether it is ketupat palas or ketupat nasi, depending on the type of leaf and rice used. Some versions are made with glutinous rice and triangle-shaped, while others are square and made with regular rice. Each region and culture may have its own twist.

The weaving of the ketupat casing is also a bit of an art form. Traditionally, it is done by hand using young coconut leaves, with older generations often showing off their speed and skill in making perfect pouches. For many Malaysians, it is not just about the food. It is a memory of sitting on the floor with family, chatting and weaving for hours the night before Raya.

Symbolism in Simplicity

In Malay culture, ketupat is more than just practical. It holds meaning. The tightly packed rice grains symbolise togetherness and unity, a perfect metaphor for what Hari Raya is really about. Some even say the criss-cross pattern of the weave represents complexity in life, wrapped up and cleansed through celebration and forgiveness.

Where to Try or Make It

If you are in Malaysia during Raya, do not be shy to accept an open house invitation. Ketupat is almost guaranteed to be on the menu. And if you are up for something hands-on, you can try making it yourself. At Malaysian Link, we have partnered with local communities who are happy to teach expats how to weave and cook ketupat in the traditional way. It is a great way to experience a festive tradition that goes far beyond taste.

Whether you are here for your first Raya or your tenth, the ketupat is one of those small things that says a lot about food, family, and the spirit of sharing.

So, the next time you bite into one, take a moment to appreciate its story. It is simple, yes, but like much of Malaysian culture, it is rich with meaning, connection, and care.

📷: Hapiz Rosli