Top 10 Traditional Deepavali Snacks in Malaysia You Must Try

Deepavali (Diwali) is one of Malaysia’s most cherished cultural festivals, celebrated with light, family gatherings and a spectacular spread of snacks and sweets. For Malaysians—across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak—festive jars of crunchy murukku, soft gulab jamun and colourful coconut candy are an essential part of the holiday experience. 

 

#1 Murukku (Crunchy Rice & Lentil Twists)

Murukku is perhaps the most iconic Deepavali snack in Malaysia: a crisp, savoury spiral made from rice and urad dal (black gram) flours, seasoned with sesame and cumin seeds. It is a must-have on festive snack platters and frequently made at home or purchased from specialty sweet shops. For a tried-and-tested home method, see traditional murukku recipes that explain flour ratios and pressing techniques. 

 

 

#2 Achu Murukku (Rose Cookies)

Achu murukku—often called rose cookies—is produced using a patterned mould and features a light, slightly sweet batter. It’s popular in Malaysian Indian households and often appears alongside other festive cookies. 

 

#3 Ladoo (Sweet Gram or Coconut Balls)

Ladoo (ladoos) are soft, round sweets made from various bases—gram flour (besan), coconut, or semolina—often enriched with ghee and cardamom. They are popular gifts and common on festive tables across Malaysia. 

 

 

#4 Gulab Jamun (Syrupy Milk Dumplings)

Gulab jamun—deep-fried milk dumplings soaked in rose-scented syrup—is a widely loved Deepavali dessert in Malaysia, frequently available at established sweet shops and Indian bakeries in Klang Valley and Penang. 

 

 

#5 Jalebi (Crisp Sugar Spirals)

Jalebi’s crispy, syrupy coils are a festive favourite and can be found in both traditional sweet shops and some modern bakeries. Look for popular vendors in Kuala Lumpur and other urban centres. 

 

 

#6 Adhirasam (Rice & Jaggery Fritters)

Adhirasam is a South Indian sweet made from rice flour and jaggery (or palm sugar). It offers a dense, caramelized flavour that many Malaysian families associate with Deepavali. 

 

 

#7 Nei Urundai / Ghee Balls (Melt-in-the-Mouth Sweets)

Nei urundai—small balls made primarily from ghee and sweetened ingredients—deliver a rich, buttery note that pairs well with tea during open houses and family visits. 

 

 

#8 Coconut Candy & Traditional Hard Sweets
Neon-coloured coconut candy and hard milk sweets remain nostalgic staples of Malaysian Deepavali boxes. Though sugary, these candies are symbolic of festive hospitality and are commonly stocked in neighbourhood sweet shops. 

 

 

#9 Omapodi / Kara Sev (Spicy Gram-Flour Strips)
Omapodi (thin, crispy gram-flour sticks) and kara sev (spicy sev) are savoury snacks that balance the festive sweetness. They are widely produced by home bakers and commercial snack makers across Malaysia. 

 

 

#10 Mysore Pak & Barfi (Buttery & Nutty Fudge)

Mysore pak (a dense, buttery sweet) and various barfi (milk-based fudge, including kaju katli) are premium sweets often purchased as gifts or included in luxury festive hampers. Many established sweet shops in KL and Penang stock these items during the season. 

 

Deepavali in Malaysia is never complete without the aroma and flavours of traditional snacks that bring families, friends and communities together. From the crunch of murukku to the sweetness of gulab jamun and the nostalgia of coconut candy, these festive treats are more than just food — they are symbols of heritage, sharing and celebration.
 

Whether you are preparing homemade Deepavali recipes or sourcing the best Deepavali snacks in Malaysia from trusted sweet shops, these top 10 classics remain the heart of the festival. As you welcome guests during the festive season, stocking up on these traditional delights ensures that your Deepavali open house is both authentic and memorable.

For Malaysians, enjoying these snacks is not only about taste, but also about preserving cultural traditions and celebrating the spirit of unity that Deepavali represents.

 

Looking for new career opportunities? Check out our latest job openings here: Job listings

Need hiring support? Connect with Reeracoen Malaysia today!

 

 

Disclaimer:
The information provided in our blog articles is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. 
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the ever-evolving nature of certain topics may result in content becoming outdated or inaccurate over time. Therefore, we recommend consulting with qualified professionals or experts in the respective fields for specific advice or guidance. Any actions taken based on the information contained in our blog articles are solely at the reader's discretion and risk. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or adverse consequences incurred as a result of such actions.
We may occasionally provide links to external websites or resources for further information or reference. These links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement or responsibility for the content or accuracy of these external sources. Our blog articles may also include personal opinions, views, or interpretations of the authors, which do not necessarily reflect the views of our organisation as a whole. We encourage readers to verify the accuracy and relevance of information presented in our blog articles and to seek professional advice when needed. 
Your use of this website and its content constitutes acceptance of this disclaimer.

 

References
https://thesmartlocal.my/deepavali-snacks/
https://trevo.my/stories/best-deepavali-food/
https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/food-drink/6-favourite-snacks-youll-find-at-a-deepavali-open-house.html
https://thesmartlocal.my/deepavali-snacks/
https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Jalebi&find_loc=Kuala+Lumpur
https://penangfoodie.com/8-traditional-snacks-that-you-should-try-during-deepavali
https://firstclasse.com.my/taste/food/flavours-of-deepavali-iconic-snacks/
https://periuk.my/stories/a-guide-to-deepavali-snacks
https://www.modernstore.com.my/deepavali-sweets/