JAKARTA – In the days leading up to Eid al-Fitr, Indonesian homes begin to transform into warm spaces of celebration. Living rooms are carefully arranged, tables are decorated, and glass jars filled with colorful cookies start appearing in nearly every household.

These festive treats are more than simple snacks. They are an essential part of Indonesia’s Eid hospitality tradition, welcoming guests who come to celebrate and reconnect during the holiday.

Among the most beloved cookies is Nastar, a soft buttery pastry filled with sweet pineapple jam. Another classic is Kastengel, a savory cheese cookie with a crisp texture and rich flavor. Together with other favorites such as putri salju and lidah kucing, these cookies create the iconic taste of Eid celebrations in Indonesia.

Weeks before the holiday, bakeries and home kitchens become busy with preparation. Many families choose to bake their own cookies, turning the process into a joyful activity shared by parents and children.

For some households, preparing Eid cookies is a tradition passed down through generations. Recipes are carefully preserved and slightly adapted each year, reflecting family tastes and memories.

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Siti Nuraini, a home baker in Malang who sells Eid cookies every Ramadan, explained how the tradition connects people through food.

“Every jar of cookies carries memories. When people taste nastar during Eid, they remember visiting their grandparents’ house or gathering with relatives," she said (17/3/2026)

During the first day of Eid, guests move from house to house visiting relatives and neighbors. Each home offers a slightly different selection of cookies, drinks, and traditional dishes.

The act of sharing these sweets reflects the Indonesian spirit of hospitality. No guest leaves without being invited to sit down, enjoy snacks, and join the conversation.

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Children often find special joy in these visits. Besides collecting small envelopes of Eid money, they eagerly taste cookies from every house they visit.

Even as modern lifestyles change, the tradition of Eid cookies continues to thrive. Today, many families also buy cookies from local small businesses, helping support neighborhood entrepreneurs during Ramadan.

Yet whether homemade or purchased, the meaning remains the same. These cookies symbolize warmth, generosity, and the joy of welcoming others into one’s home.

In Indonesia, the sweetness of Eid is not only found in the desserts on the table. It is also present in the laughter, stories, and shared moments that bring families and communities closer together. (*)