KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 — It’s that time of the year again, and with Ramadan just around the corner, we want to help you show love to the ones you care about with thoughtful gifts.

And there’s no Ramadan and Raya treat better than our Malaysian favourites of cakes, cookies, kuih-muih and other titbits!

Just sit back and relax as we have done the legwork for you. Let us take you through some of our favourite bakers and kuih makers (and one hamper specialist) for the upcoming festive season.

1. The Kitchen Guardian

Yani Othman, better known as The Kitchen Guardian (a name she got from her food blog), was once a lawyer by profession.

Then the self-taught baker turned her hobby into a wildly successful business selling her delicious and beautifully decorated cakes.

All-time favourites include her Salted Caramel Ganache Chocolate Cake, Pandan Gula Melaka Cake and Devil’s Food Cake.

Since then, Yani has also become a much sought-after teacher with her baking classes often swiftly selling out.

This year, The Kitchen Guardian’s Raya cakes include Pineapple Upside Down Cake, VSC (Victoria Sandwich Cake), Raspberry Marble, Vanilla Marble and the classic Sugee Cake.

Yani will also make Raya cookies such as super-chocolatey Korova Cookies, jam-smeared Frambozen Kenari, Raspberry Jammers, Congo Bars, Cornflake Cookies and Butter Cookies.

To order, visit instagram.com/thekitchenguardian/

2. Secawantepung

Based out of Bangsar South, Secawantepung (which means "a cup of flour” in Malay) makes both traditional kuih and other confectioneries as well.

Capable of handling large orders, we have seen them fulfil an order of 500 pieces of kuih koci!

Some sets come with a minimum order of 50 pieces. You can pick up orders from them in Bangsar South, but they also deliver all around the Klang Valley.

Pre-orders (three to seven days in advance) can only be made through WhatsApp, on Tuesdays to Sundays.

This year, for Hari Raya, they are making 14 different special cookies, including but not limited to: Pandan Butter Cookies, Dahlia Semperit, Tart Nenas Mawar, Bangkit Kelapa, Biskut Arab and many more.

To order, WhatsApp 011-1165 5688 or visit instagram.com/secawantepung/

3. Sugar and I

Known for their delightful bomboloni (the plural form of these filled Italian style doughnuts; the singular version is bombolone), Sugar and I is all about the sweeter side of life, with treats ranging from cookies to cream puffs.

Sugar and I was founded by siblings Syed Mohd Ilyas and Sharifah Nur Ilisa. For Raya 2023, they are releasing a new Pandan Bombolone, as well as three flavours of cookies: Belgian chocolate chip, white chocolate macadamia and honey cornflakes.

The popular bakery will also have their signature Boxes of Happiness for Raya, which comes with bomboloni, cream puffs and drinks. For cookies, they have gift sets which have two types of cookies in a custom-made box.

To order, visit sugarandi.oddle.me/en_MY or walk in at their outlets in SS14, Subang Jaya or Mitsui Lalaport, KL.

4. Ramadan Advent Calendar

Consider something a little out of the box (perhaps literally, in this case). Bakhache Hampers has produced a Ramadan Advent Calendar in the form of one individually boxed gift for each day of the Holy Month.

These dainty boxes — each a different design, shape or size — are then arranged to form a cohesive whole. It’s a work of art, offering contemporary interpretation of Islamic geometric patterns.

Every gift is thoughtfully curated — from gourmet titbits to premium teas — and packed in a fitted box sleeve, complete with a gift card for a personal message as well as some requisite Raya packets.

To order, visit bakhachehampers.com/products/ramadan-advent-calendar

5. Ramadan & Raya Boxes by Cocova

Finally, as we take time to reflect, we also have an opportunity to help those less fortunate than us.

For the third year running, Malaysian artisanal chocolatier Cocova is collaborating with social enterprises for their Ramadan and Raya gift boxes.

This year, Cocova’s dairy-free Lebaran Chocolate Chip Kurma Cookies are baked by the mothers of Ibupreneur, a social enterprise where single and vulnerable mothers are empowered to gain financial independence and improve their lives through entrepreneurial activities.

These cookies, made with halal ingredients, are included in gift sets such as their Ikhlas Raya Box together with Cocova’s dark chocolate coated almonds and pecans. Each gift box comes wrapped with ornate batik table runners that are sewn by the ladies from Komuniti Tukang Jahit.

Meaningful, magnificent and very meriah ("joyous”), particularly in the case of their Sangat Meriah Raya Box which is Cocova's ultimate package of delightful treats.

These delectables come in an exquisite three-tier premium tiffin and an eco-friendly Jute Bag, making this both a thoughtful and sustainable Ramadan and Raya gift.

To order, visit cocova.co/ramadan-raya/

From pandan butter cookies to pandan bombolone, there is something for everyone. Food is how we celebrate and also how we care for others, for loved ones and strangers alike. May we all have a blessed Ramadan and Raya to come!

* Follow us on Instagram @eatdrinkmm for more food gems.