Mutton vs. Lamb: What’s the Difference?

Hari Raya Haji, also known as the feast of sacrifice, is an important holiday for our Muslim friends. This is celebrated worldwide to honor Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his own son, Ishmail, just to prove his faith and obedience to God. During the time when he was about to offer his son, God stopped him and gave him a ram instead to sacrifice. Hence, during this celebration, muttons and lambs are the distinct dishes which are prepared by Muslim families.

For some of us, we might get confused between a mutton and lamb. You should know that both are sheep meat. A mutton is meat that comes from an older sheep. This can get a bit tough when you do not cook it properly. To avoid this, it is better to slow cook it for a long time to give it its stronger flavour which most of us really love. As for the lamb, this is the meat which comes from younger sheep. When it grows to the age of 4 to 12 months, it is usually the time when it is slaughtered and eaten. The meat is generally softer than the mutton. But don’t think the meat is bland, for it also has a very distinct flavour quite different from the latter. Singapore's mutton and lamb supply, which is much needed during the Hari Raya Haji celebration, comes from other countries such as New Zealand and Australia. Celebrate Hari Raya with your Muslim friends at these restaurants Check out more authentic dishes from Malaysia