Celebrating Hari Raya with Love and Community

When it comes to celebrating Hari Raya, Singaporean celebrity Anna Belle Francis knows how to weave her passion for food, family, and community into everything she does. At 47, this restaurant co-owner, content creator, and former host-actress reflects on her journey and the traditions that have blossomed since she converted to Islam in 1999, just prior to her marriage to rapper-actor Sheikh Haikel.

For Francis, Hari Raya has evolved over the past two decades into a deeply personal experience, transcending its status as merely a festive occasion. "In the beginning, it was just about celebrating the end of Ramadan. Now, it embodies a special time for family gatherings, connecting with the community, and indulging in an abundance of delicious food," she revealed.

Nurturing Family Traditions

As a mother of three, Francis emphasizes the importance of nurturing a loving family. "Family means everything to me," she stated, recalling her upbringing in a Eurasian household enriched by her Peranakan grandmother's culinary traditions. "In our home, every dish prepared held a story; the respect we have for food continues to unite us."

Her favorite childhood meals—like her grandmother's ayam buah keluak and pineapple tarts—still inspire her modern-day celebrations. After marrying into Haikel's large Arab family, Francis made it her mission to uphold these cherished family traditions while adapting them to be halal, infusing her unique flavors into classic dishes.

The Power of Food in Bringing Families Together

It's not just the cooking that connects Francis to her family; it's the emotional bonds that food creates. "Food has this incredible ability to bring people together," she explained. "Even when things get tense within the family, sharing a meal can dissolve those moments of conflict and remind us what's truly important."

Giving Back to the Community

In the spirit of giving back, Francis views Hari Raya and Ramadan as opportunities to reach out to the community. Her history of charity extends to her past, where she would celebrate her birthday by providing meals to those in need. This mindset continues to thrive in her work with her husband, as their restaurant, Hai Ge Ji Hainanese Chicken Rice, participates in regular donation drives, supplying meals to orphanages during Ramadan.

"Chicken rice is a comfort food we love, and sharing it with those less fortunate allows us to propagate the spirit of unity that's central to both Hari Raya and everyday life," she affirmed.

Creating New Memories and Cherishing Heritage

As she gears up for the coming Hari Raya, Francis maintains her commitment to not just honoring traditions but also creating new memories with her family and community. She plans to pass down cherished recipes as heirlooms for her children, ensuring that the love, lessons, and flavors of their heritage are never forgotten.

In an age where the significance of community lies at the heart of many cultural celebrations, Anna Belle Francis exemplifies the spirit of togetherness and giving through love, family, and of course, food. This Hari Raya, she invites us all to embrace the warmth of connection that turns every meal into a beautiful occasion.