Cape Malay Eid

Cape Malay Eid

I have been reminiscing about how we spent a typical Cape Malay Eid during my childhood when my parents were alive. Eid has not been the same since my parents passed, and we are slowly making new family traditions for a Cape Malay Eid without them.

It is hard to believe that Ramadhan is nearly at an end and Eid Al Fitr beckons to the faithful, to observe the charity and celebrate the end of the month of fasting with family, neighbours and friends.

What is Eid Al Fitr?

Eid Al Fitr is celebrated by Muslims around the world on the first day of the month of Shawwal and marks the end of the month of fasting during Ramadhan. How awesome is it that a billion souls observed a month long fast in order to please our Creator and attain righteousness?

The month of Ramadhan is a period of purification during which we throw off the shackles of our sinfulness and engage in worship, righteous deeds and charitable acts.

It is obligatory for every muslim to pay the charity or Zakat al Fitr one or two days before Eid. This charity is due on behalf of themselves and any dependants on whose maintenance they are obliged to spend.

Spiced boiled fruit cake

Cape Malay Eid Preparations

We moved to our current family home in May 1977 (I think), and it is there where all my Ramadhan and Eid memories seem to be.

During the last week of Ramadhan, everyone in our neighbourhood became more focussed on preparations for Eid. From spring cleaning homes from top to bottom, to changing curtains, washing carpets and occasionally even getting new furniture or having old furniture re-upholstered. When I was younger, my Uncle Vincent always came to paint our house every year before Eid.

My parents always took us shopping for new clothes in the week before Eid, and as children it was something my brother and I looked forward to. As we grew older though, we would spend a few hours in different shops, before finding something that we could all agree on. I remember being very bored with clothes shopping as a teenager, and was overjoyed when Mummy Rachel would make a selection instead from the ranges in the factory shop at TEJ.

Read more: Cape Malay Recipes and Food Customs

Our Eid routine

On Eid morning my father and brother always left home very early to go for Eid prayer at the Al Azhar mosque in Aspeling Street, Cape Town. As a young child and adolescent all that was required of me on Eid morning was to wake up and get prettified, BEFORE the neighbours came to greet us after Eid prayer.

I never asked why my mother and I weren’t invited along, as I was too happy for the extra sleep time. Eventually I would drag myself out of bed to have a shower, and then my mother would blow dry my hair and make sure I was presentable by the time the neighbours stopped by.

My mother always laid the dining room table with cupcakes, pastries, cookies, fruit cake, chocolates, cashew nuts and stalk raisins, chocolate covered brazil nuts, hazelnuts and almonds and candy covered almonds. On the coffee table she would serve the visiting neighbours with beverages, chicken or steak hand pies, finger sandwiches and puff pastry squares with fresh cream and strawberry jam.

During the course of the morning we had scores of the neighbourhood children coming through the doors to pass Eid greetings and have some snacks. Before they left, each one received a small gift of money, which more often than not resulted in return visitors. Although many of the children were Muslim, many of them were not, but my mother welcomed everyone equally.

While all this activity was going on during the course of the day, my mother, her sisters and Katriena were also cooking for the evening dinner gathering. My mother’s siblings and their families, as well as my father’s nephews and nieces and an assortment of my parents’ friends were regular dinner guests at Eid.

My mother never liked serving guests days old food and the only thing that she ever cooked the day before was the corned beef and corned tongue, so that they could chill for easier slicing.

My father and brother usually returned from their rounds before lunch time and collected me so that we could have lunch at my Aunty Gadija’s house, down the road. Until the year before his death, he never ate Eid lunch at our house, always with Aunty Dija and her family. Even when Eid was on a Sunday and he told my mum to invite everyone for lunch, my father still went to have lunch at Aunty Dija’s house. It would not have been Eid for him otherwise.

After lunch we would then visit my father’s sisters and brothers who lived in different parts of the city. When we finally reached home in the early evening it would be time for dinner at our house.

Chicken and mushroom pie

On the Cape Malay Eid table

In every home there was the pastry making and baking for Eid… Before homemade pastry was available for purchase at certain stores, my mother and her friends used to make it themselves. The puff pastry was used for Chicken and Mushroom pie, Jam and Coconut tarts and Cream filled horns. They made a flaky pastry for Cape Malay Pepper Steak pie,

My mother (and her lazy apprentice mini-Me) also made Spiced Boiled Fruit Cake, Chocolate Chunk Pecan cookies, Pecan Snowball cookiescupcakes, eclairs and sponge cakes baked for the trifle. In later years I made a variety of cakes and cookies for sale and home.

My grandparents neighbours from Harfield Village, Mrs. Moodie and her husband, always arrived first on Eid morning because Mrs. Moodie wanted to help my mum with the cooking. Even after Mr. Moodie passed away she still came until she herself was too ill to get out of bed.

Mummy Rachel made her lasagna on Eid morning, as well as Chocolate cake and her Cheesecake. You can try my Chocolate Cake with ganache recipe if you love a deliciously moist cake or this Carrot and Beetroot cake if you love something different.

Aunty Josie brought her Crunchies, Milk tart and Pineapple tart and occasionally she cooked the corned meats. Aunty Betty made the loveliest French tartlets, and after she passed my cousin Rene would bring eclairs. Aunty Doreen was always there to assist my mother with the preparation and often made her Apricot cheesecake.

In my teens I started making the cakes and desserts while my mother and her motley crew were preparing the dinner. These usually included Peppermint Crisp Caramel mousse, Whipped Yogurt mousse and trifle. In addition, my mother always made a fresh fruit salad.

For dinner my mother had the tables laid out with enough food to serve a small army. Savory rice and peri-prawns were a must have… there was also usually roast beef with mushroom sauce, roast leg of lamb with potatoes and sweet potatoes, lasagna, corned beef and corned tongue, roast chicken, crumbed chops, large steak and kidney or chicken pies, lamb or chicken curry (or crayfish curry if it was in season) and akhni or biryani in Winter. In addition there were always roasted vegetables, salads, sweet yellow rice and condiments.

Chicken and mushroom pie
Chicken, mushroom and mixed vegetables in a creamy sauce between layers of flaky puff pastry.
Check out this recipe
Chicken and mushroom pie
Cape Malay Pepper Steak Pie
This home made Cape Malay Pepper Steak Pie is flavorful tender steak cubes in a rich onion and mushroom gravy between layers of buttery flaky pastry.
Check out this recipe
Slice of Cape Malay Pepper Steak Pie with pie tray in back
Caramelised onion, fig and brie tart appetizer
A sweet and savory tart with the subtle warmth of caramelised onions, the fragrance of figs, orange and sage and the crunch of walnuts.
Check out this recipe
Caramelised onion, fig and brie tart
Chocolate chunk pecan cookies
Chocolate chunk and pecan cookies that are perfectly chewy and melt in the mouth.
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Chunk Pecan Cookie and milk
Cranberry, Macadamia and White chocolate cookies
These festive Cranberry, Macadamia and White chocolate cookies are packed with nuts, fruits and chocolate.
Check out this recipe
Cranberry, Macadamia and White chocolate cookies
Coconut and Oat Crunchy biscuits recipe (Crunchies)
This home made South African Coconut and Oat crunchy biscuits recipe makes golden bars of buttery, sweet, crispy deliciousness perfect for a pick me up.
Check out this recipe
south african crunchies
Pecan Snowball cookies
Melt in the mouth crumbly shortbread pecan snowball cookies rolled in confectioner's sugar.
Check out this recipe
Swiss butter cookies with pecans
Ambrosial No bake Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake Slice
This No bake Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake Slice is an uncomplicated recipe that results in a lush creamy dessert that's sets beautifully in the fridge.
Check out this recipe
No Bake Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake Slice
Moist Strawberry Vanilla Cake recipe
This Strawberry Vanilla Cake recipe is light with a deliciously delicate crumb and is filled with strawberry jam and sweetened vanilla scented Chantilly cream.
Check out this recipe
Strawberry Vanilla Cake
Old Fashioned Spiced Boiled fruit cake
This old fashioned alcohol free spiced boiled fruit cake is a moist, dark rich fruit cake recipe that is delicious for afternoon tea or served with custard for dessert.
Check out this recipe
Spiced boiled fruit cake
Decadent Rose cupcakes with white chocolate ganache
This beautifully buttery pound cake batter is scented with rose water and can be used for cupcakes or loaf cakes then topped with a decadent white chocolate ganache.
Check out this recipe
Rose cupcakes with white chocolate ganache
Decadent Chocolate Cake with ganache frosting
This delicious decadent chocolate cake with ganache has a light, yet moist sponge and beautifully smooth and shiny chocolate ganache topping.
Check out this recipe
Chocolate cake with ganache
Carrot and beetroot cake
Lightly spiced, moist and flavorful tender cake packed with carrots, beetroot and pecans and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting.
Check out this recipe
Carrot cake and beetroot cake
Peppermint Crisp Caramel Mousse
Peppermint Crisp Caramel Mousse is a decadent dessert with layers of chocolate coconut flavored cookies, caramel cream, banana and mint chocolate.
Check out this recipe
Caramel Peppermint Dessert
Whipped Yogurt Mousse with jelly and evaporated milk
This refreshing and light but luxurious whipped yogurt mousse is studded with fresh fruits and elevated by the addition of whipped evaporated milk and fresh cream.
Check out this recipe
Pineapple mousse

Crunchies - oat and coconut cookies

This recipe roundup for Eid cookies, cakes and desserts recipes from food bloggers around the world, was curated especially for the bakers who are planning their Eid festivities during the final week of Ramadhan.

Celebrate Eid with family and friends by sharing these delicious cookies, cakes and desserts from foodies around the world. For these delicious recipes please click to find 30 Incredibly Mouth-Watering Cookies, Cakes And Desserts To Have On Your Table For Eid.

Eid without loved ones

After my father passed away, Eid became a much more subdued affair. My mother still went through the motions, but she was saddened by the fact that my father’s relatives had all but forgotten her. Many would drive past our house to Aunty Dija’s house down the road, and not even bother to drop in to greet my mother for Eid.

Rose cupcakes with white chocolate ganache

It took many years after my mother’s passing for us to have a traditional Cape Malay Eid at home with my maternal cousins and aunt. During those intervening years we spent every Eid with my sister in law’s family because her mother became like my mother. Now that Aunty Tiema too has passed, Eid will be even sadder.

The past few months have been spent under lockdown in many parts of the world. I pray that you and your families are safe and that even during the Eid holidays you will exercise caution and maintain social distancing with anyone outside of your immediate family home.

Another Ramadhan is at an end and Eid al Fitr is nearly upon us. I pray that Allah accepts our worship and that we remember the lessons learnt during the blessed month.

Chocolate cake with ganache

EID MUBARAK TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES

Help me to provide you with more delicious recipes by sharing these recipes with your family and friends, and please remember to like and comment if you enjoyed this post.

Carrot cake and beetroot cake

Keep in touch on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for more updates. Don’t forget to #tantalisemytastebuds if you share something you made on Instagram!

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This was first published on 05/06/2016 has since and been updated.

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24 Comments

  • Reply
    Eat Drink Stay Dubai
    July 28, 2017 at 8:19 pm

    Razena, what a lovely, emotional, reflective and touching post this is – a real pleasure to read.

    Thank you for sharing your memories with us all, God Bless

    Keep up the great work 🙂

    • Reply
      Razena Schroeder
      July 29, 2017 at 11:38 am

      Thank you for your kind words. Times of celebration are so hard when our loved ones are no longer around to spend it with us, and Eid is always especially hard for us since my mother’s passing.

  • Reply
    Fazela
    June 23, 2017 at 7:05 am

    Please can u give me the recioe for the spiced boiled fruit cakke thanks Sent

  • Reply
    Marriam
    July 28, 2016 at 8:46 am

    I loved reading this post. Eid and all other celebrations simply lack that excitement when we we lose a parent. May Allah grant both your parents Jannah ameen.

    • Reply
      Razena Schroeder
      July 28, 2016 at 8:50 am

      Allahumma ameen and all the muslims. In time in shaa ALLAH it will get easier to overcome the loss and enjoy family gatherings without them.

  • Reply
    Lubna Karim
    July 16, 2016 at 11:54 am

    It is beautiful toe read about Eid celebrations at your place….though we stay far off lands…Allhumdulliah the Eid day is almost the same every where….Hope you had wonderful Eid….the delicacies you have on Eid sounds yum…

    • Reply
      Razena Schroeder
      July 17, 2016 at 10:33 pm

      Thank you for your kind words. Alhamdulillah it was a relaxing and pleasant Eid 🙂

  • Reply
    Habeeba Nisa @ Flavour Diary
    July 12, 2016 at 5:59 pm

    lovely childhood memories which we will always miss and never returnable …. thank you for sharing the memories…

    • Reply
      Razena Schroeder
      July 12, 2016 at 8:29 pm

      You are most welcome Habeeba. Thank you for coming along on the walk down memory lane 🙂

  • Reply
    Razina
    July 12, 2016 at 10:20 am

    it was a nice read about your way of Eid celebration and your memories..

    • Reply
      Razena Schroeder
      July 12, 2016 at 8:28 pm

      A walk down memory lane often brings back memories of people, places and smells we had long forgotten, and it is nice to revisit them every now and then 🙂

  • Reply
    Rafeeda@The Big Sweet Tooth
    July 12, 2016 at 10:18 am

    Beautifully written… all the food made me drool and I felt as though I was by your side while going through your Eid… Hope you had a wonderful Eid with your family here… may Allah bless your parents with the best…

    • Reply
      Razena Schroeder
      July 12, 2016 at 8:26 pm

      Allahumma ameen and all the muslims 🙂 Alhamdulillah, it was lovely having my loved ones here for a delayed Eid celebration.

  • Reply
    Nammi
    July 8, 2016 at 1:58 pm

    Wow that osounds like such lovely memories. Hope you are having a good eid this year.

    • Reply
      Razena Schroeder
      July 11, 2016 at 11:33 pm

      Alhamdulillah, my loved ones travelled to join me for the second day of Eid and we spent a relaxing few days in the seaside town of Ras Al Khaimah 🙂

  • Reply
    Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
    July 7, 2016 at 4:35 pm

    I love all the family traditions and foods that go along with them. That’s what the best memories are made of.

    • Reply
      Razena Schroeder
      July 11, 2016 at 11:32 pm

      Those are the memories that we cherish long after everyone is grown up and has their families and separate lives 🙂

  • Reply
    Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry
    July 6, 2016 at 5:37 pm

    Some scrumptious recipes here. Love the cookies and the chicken pie especially. Looks a lovely place to visit.

    • Reply
      Razena Schroeder
      July 6, 2016 at 7:17 pm

      Thank you Bintu 🙂 We seem to love bonding around food and family.

  • Reply
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
    July 6, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    Wow, hat a destination and so many great eats!

    • Reply
      Razena Schroeder
      July 6, 2016 at 2:27 pm

      Possibly one of the best value for money destinations right now. And the people are generous and lovely too 🙂

  • Reply
    Regina
    July 5, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    I love reading accounts of cultures that I am not familiar with. I’ve spend a few months in Malaysia and it is so interesting to me reading about Malay traditions transported to South Africa 🙂

    • Reply
      Razena Schroeder
      July 5, 2016 at 11:31 pm

      I love Malaysia and when we visited there more than 20 years ago I was usually treated as a local, because I look so much like them 🙂 The community of muslims at the Cape originated with the political prisoners who were exiled or enslaved from the Dutch colonies in South East Asia. Although our cuisine has evolved to be completely different to Malay or Indonesian cuisine, it still has traces of the style of cooking as well as using certain ingredients that were available to the communities.

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