Hariraya Open House

Just got back from Open House, sleepy but I am choosing not to sleep as I had already too much and it is already late in the afternoon. And so to distract myself I will do my best to retract back my blood flow from my tummy to my brain so that I can think and share with you my first and probably last open house for Hari Raya this year. 😄

During the month of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Muslims host open houses where they welcome guests from all races, religions, and cultures to come and visit them in their homes. This year I was lucky to have been invited as most of families I knew of either left the country for holidays or most chosen to celebrate among close family ties as probably because of Covid as we still have cases lurking around.

The invitation actually came from a colleague at work. It was just a few of us who were invited, ones she was close with. And so we decided to convoy and go to her place at the same time.

When we first arrived at their place, I immediately noticed this lovely plant welcoming us by the entrance. It was actually begging for a photo, so why not?!
I don't consider myself a plantita, (a term used to describe a woman who is hooked to plants back home) and so I don't know its specific name. I do appreciate plants though, especially those that are distinctive. Do you happen to know what it's called?

As I finished taking a snapshot of the plant, the door opened. It was her Dad who welcomed us. We shook hands one by one and greeted him 'Selamat Hariraya' to which he replied the same and with a thank you as well. Then came our host colleague who ushered us straight away to grab some food. Sitting down and chatting will be during eating. She knows us really well. FOOD, FOOD, FOOD. 🤣

The first three food pictures were Thai-style Laksa. I am not a fan of Laksa but I did have a go at it. Just a small bowl. Laksa is a unique noodle soup with vegetables that offers the right balance of spice and coconut milk.

_{THAI GREEN CURRY}

_{STIR FRIED BROCOLLI WITH LOAD OF MUSHROOM}

_{TOFU WITH MINCED CHICKEN AND MUSHROOM}

_SUSHI

_{FRESH VEGETARIAN SPRING ROLLS}

_{SOM TAM 😍}

I don't know what this is called but it is made of glutinous rice and has peanuts in it. A yummy dessert indeed!

This one too. Another dessert that I don't know what it's called but I know that it has sweet mung beans inside. A must-have dessert too!

Ah, this is one of my favourites. Coconut jelly dessert. My housemate friend always makes this and I always have my share as she knew I loved it.

_{CUCUR PISANG/BANANA FRITTERS}

With permission I took a photo of a colleague of mine who is a bit picky eater.
She admits she has weird tastebuds and does not appreciate food that has distinct spices on it. She was actually looking forward to the sticky rice but there was none and most of the food was of not her liking. And so when the Cucur Pisang aka Banana fritters were served, she devoured herself into it. I think she had 11 pieces. Hahahaha! Well, I had four. It was perfectly fried, not oily and the sesame seeds make it more tasty.

I did not notice at first that she was wearing her top with my name on it. When I did, of course a must photo! LOL.

Yup. She is the host. The colleague who invited us. Gorgeous isn't she? I was like can you not smile, so at least I don't look like your Yaya (maid) or your personal Assistant? Everyone laughed. We always tell her to go to the Philippines and be an actress. LOL.

Look at those smiles. We are almost full here actually. That was our second round back I think. Yeah, I am sure as the banana fritters were just served. 😅

Ah, the 'proper photo'.
Another lovely memory to keep!

Thank YOU for reading and an amazing weekend to each and every one!

❤️
chichi18