Gawai Dayak (Hari Gawai) is the soul of Sarawak. It is celebrated to mark the end of the rice harvesting season and the start of a prosperous future. Officially celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of June each year, the harvest festival portrays a vibrant cultural showcase of the Dayak community, consisting of Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Murut and many more.
At the same time, Hari Gawai nurtures family togetherness and community connection, especially family reunions and visiting friends and relatives.
In addition to traditional fixtures such as Ngajat (a group of traditional Iban dances), Bepencha (sword dance), Ngabang (Open House), cock-fighting and blowpipe demonstrations, five major events not to miss are – Gawai Bazaar Gawai Carnival Serian Division Level, Gawai Parade and Gawai Gala Dinner.
And of course, food brings people together!
Sarawak Laksa
Sarawak Laksa is the pride of The Land Of The Hornbills. It is known for its complex and deep flavours.
The secret lies in its paste. The broth does not taste like curry at all. The key ingredients include sambal belacan, tamarind, galangal, lemon grass, herbs, chilli, bean sprouts, coriander, omelette strips, shredded chicken strips, fresh prawns and coconut milk.
For added punch, you may add Lee Kum Kee’s Hoisin Sauce to the broth for extra aromatic and savoury flavours with spicy-sweet notes.
Fiddlehead Fern Salad (Kerabu Pucuk Paku)
Fiddlehead Fern Salad (Kerabu Pucuk Paku) is a must for Gawai celebration! The dish is likened to a darling in the hearts of Sarawakians.
For a glorious ‘Pucuk Paku’ salad, you may mix the fern with fresh red chilies, calamansi lime juice, fresh onion or fried shallots, chopped garlic, dried shrimps (udang kering) or fresh prawns, sambal belacan and other ingredients to your liking. To boost the umami flavours, just toss some of Lee Kum Kee’s Panda Brand Oyster Sauce into the fusion and stir well until the dish is well mixed.
With a palatable sauce at hand, you can quickly whip up a Kerabu Pucuk Paku to spice up your Gawai celebration!
Celebrate with the flavours of Lee Kum Kee
Whether you love to cook or eat, celebrate Gawai with Lee Kum Kee sauces by incorporating them into your favourite dishes. Lee Kum Kee’s Asian-inspired sauces are suitable for marinating, seasoning, stir-frying, dressing, dipping and so on.
Panda Brand Oyster Sauce, Selected Dark Soy Sauce, Selected Light Soy Sauce, Seasoned Soy Sauce For Seafood, Hoisin Sauce and Oriental BBQ Sauce – all by Lee Kum Kee – are among the exciting flavours to make your Gawai dishes extra tasteful.
Celebrate and win great prizes
In conjunction with Hari Gawai, Lee Kum Kee is running a contest, named Celebrate With The Flavours Of Lee Kum Kee, offering RM77,000 worth of great prizes, including First Prize (RM5,200 cash x8), Second Prize (Samsung Galaxy S24 worth RM4,099 each x5), and Third Prize (Dyson Vacuum Cleaner worth RM3,099 each x5).
Just purchase any Lee Kum Kee products worth RM10 and above in a single-receipt transaction, write your full name and MyKad number on the original receipt, scan the given QR code or submit a clear photo of the completed receipt to 014-3758106.
Contest closing is 30th June 2024.
Let’s celebrate together!
With Hari Gawai gaining momentum, whether you love to cook or eat, Lee Kum Kee is always there to create delicious moments on any occasion!
Check out Lee Kum Kee’s Instagram page for more information and get inspired this Gawai Dayak! https://www.instagram.com/lkkmalaysia/
