KUCHING: With about three weeks to go until Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the festive buzz is just beginning.
Shoppers are on the hunt for the perfect baju raya, refreshing their home décor, and debating the age-old dilemma—should they roll up their sleeves and get baking, or take the hassle-free route and buy their favourite kuih-muih?
To settle the debate, Sarawak Tribune took to the streets to find out who will come out on top—Team Homemade or Team Store-Bought?
For boutique assistant Hairani, spending time in the kitchen making Raya treats is a family affair.
“Every year, we make cookies, but not me—my family,” she said with a laugh.
With her mother who’s an exceptional baker, she sees no reason to buy cookies when homemade ones are tastier and cheaper.
“I rarely buy cookies. If we buy cookies, they are more expensive. If we make them, it costs less.
“I feel that when we buy from outside, we’re not always sure about the taste. It’s better to make them ourselves because my mother is really good at baking,” she said.
Beyond the savings, she cherishes the warm, nostalgic aroma that fills the house during baking sessions.
“When we bake, the whole house smells amazing. It’s part of what makes the festive season feel special,” she said.
Whilst still buying one or two treats, she said her mother’s ‘biskut semperit’ never fails to be her absolute favourite.
“We still buy one or two types, but my mother makes ‘biskut semperit’ every year, and that’s my absolute favourite,” she said.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, business assistant Che Suhaili makes no apologies for her kuih-buying ways.
“I usually buy them because I’m not interested in making cookies. It’s an honest answer,” she said.
With prices rising, she said that she always makes sure a budget is planned and to stick within the budget.
“We do have a budget set aside. I’ll buy reasonable ones, buy the ones that are within the budget,” she said.
With her favourites like ‘kuih makmur’, biskut semperit’ and an assortment of nuts, she said that buying allows her to sample different varieties.
“If I bake, I’m stuck with just one or two types. But if I buy, I can have a whole assortment within my budget,” she said.
For sales assistant Nor Fazilah, she finds herself somewhere in the middle.
“I neither buy nor make.
“Since I work full-time, my siblings will help buy them,” she said.
The decision of Nor Fazilah comes down to time and convenience.
“I love Raya kuih, like ‘popia nestum’ but I don’t have the time to make them myself. Luckily, my siblings help out,” she said.
Still, she admits that store-bought cookies can be pricey.
“Raya delicacies are getting more expensive. Honestly, it depends on the type of cookies we want. Some are worth buying, while others are better homemade,” she said.
Housewife Noraishah firmly stands by the convenience of buying but not for lack of effort.
“Firstly, because I’m working, there’s not enough time. Secondly, I’m not good at making cookies,” she said.
Though she acknowledges that both baking and buying can be pricey, she finds convenience to be the winning factor.
“If we buy, we just need to put them at home for people to eat—we don’t have to spend time making them,” she said.
With ‘bangkit cheese’ and ‘kuih momo’ as her top Raya treats, she added that making these kuihs are not always cheaper.
“Making cookies isn’t always cheaper. Ingredients can be expensive, and it takes effort. Sometimes, it’s just easier to buy,” she said.
Just as Hairani, Che Suhaili, Nor Fazilah and Noraishah shares their opinion on whether this Raya they head for convenience or tradition, one thing is clear—no festive season is complete without an assortment of crunchy, buttery delights!
Whether is the creamy layers of ‘kek lapis’ or the crunch of a ‘biskut bangkit’, the choice between baking and buying comes down to personal preference as some enjoy the experience of making cookies with loved ones, while others prioritise convenience and variety.
So, are you Team Homemade or Team Store-Bought? Take your pick!
