What a tahlil and a kenduri are
A tahlil is a gathering where family, friends and neighbours recite prayers together, most often for someone who has passed away. In Singapore's Malay community it is commonly held at home in the nights after a death, and on later occasions to remember them.
A kenduri is a communal meal tied to prayer, held to give thanks or mark an occasion such as a wedding, a new baby, moving house or a safe return. It often begins with a doa selamat before everyone eats.
In both, food is part of the hospitality. Guests eat together after the prayers, and many families also hand out berkat, a packed meal for guests to take home.
Choosing between bento and a full spread
Families usually choose one of two ways, and sometimes both.
- Bento sets are packed individually, so they suit berkat, a smaller gathering, or a home where there is no room for a buffet. Ayam, Beef and Fish sets are $11 and the Vegetarian set is $10. See the contents on our bento guide.
- The full catering set-up is a ten-item spread at $20 per person, minimum 40 pax, set out in chafing dishes so guests can help themselves after the prayers. It includes rice, beef rendang, ayam opor, udang belado with petai, sambal goreng, sayur lodeh, bagedil, sambal belacan, keropok belinjo and a drink.
- Bulk trays chosen a la carte from our menu sit in between. Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you plan quantities.
Timing around the prayers
Many tahlil and kenduri gatherings are held after Maghrib or Isyak, so timing matters. Our delivery runs between 11:00am and 6:00pm daily, and the food should be eaten within 4 hours in the small fire chafing-dish trays, in line with SFA guidelines.
For the full set-up, we collect the equipment 4 hours after set-up or at 10:00pm, whichever comes first, and an extra $50 applies for pick-up after 7:00pm. Tell us what time the prayers start and roughly when people will eat, and we will work out the delivery time with you.
If the gathering is in the afternoon, after Zohor or Asar, delivery is simpler.
Notice, and when it is short
Our standard terms ask for orders at least five working days before the event, and bookings are subject to availability. For a kenduri, that is usually easy to plan for.
A tahlil after a death is different. Families rarely have five working days. If you are in that situation, WhatsApp us at +65 8891 5262 with the date, the number of guests and the address, and we will tell you honestly what we can do.
Halal, and the family behind the kitchen
Sabar Menanti is a Muslim-owned business with a halal-prepared kitchen. We do not hold MUIS halal certification, and we would rather say that plainly than have any family unsure. Our guide to halal labels explains what each term means.
We have been cooking in Kampong Glam since the 1920s, three generations of the same family, a few steps from the Sultan Mosque. You can read how it started on our story page.