How rendang got its name and other things to know about rendang

Rendang Minang in Negri Sembilan originated from the Minangkabau people who settled in the state many centuries ago, but has since evolved from the original version of the recipe. — Filepic

Hari Raya is fast approaching and that precipitates one immutable certainty: the appearance of rendang on the festive table. In Malaysia, rendang and Hari Raya are synonymous, intertwined entities. For most Malaysian Muslims, it is simply impossible to imagine celebrating Hari Raya without rendang.

Next week, in homes across the country, people will be whipping out time-honoured rendang recipes – from rendang itik in Negri Sembilan to rendang tok in Perak. The cooking techniques and ingredients might differ from state to state (and family to family) but one thing remains true: a steadfast love for rendang.