JITRA: A 200-year-old recipe of bubur lambuk (savoury porridge) cooked with ginger, which is prepared by a senior citizen in Kampung Pulau Timbul here, has been a hit with the local community during Ramadan.
As early as 3pm every day, a queue would form at the nearby mosque, as people thronged with food and drink containers to collect the bubur lambuk, for free.
Che Ahmad Abdul Hamid, 62, said the recipe was handed down from generation to generation. The recipe, he said, requires the use of a copper cauldron and pot.
"The copper cauldron and pot are believed to have been brought in by Indian traders in the old days. They were the ones responsible for creating the recipe I am using now.
"The bubur lambuk with ginger recipe is prepared using the same original ingredients. It is more savoury using the copper cauldron and pot of over 200 years. I also still maintain the traditional cooking methods, including the use of firewood," he said, adding that he had inherited the recipe 21 years ago.
Che Ahmad, or better known as Pakcik Mad, said he uses 15 kg of rice to cook a cauldron of bubur lambuk.
"The bubur lambuk that I prepare this Ramadan is sponsored by individuals. Every day, I will prepare the dish for 500 people.
"Fortunately, I have some villagers who come to help me cook after Zohor prayers," said the grandfather of six.
Pakcik Mad said he hoped the copper cauldron and pot he is using could last long enough to be used by his grandchildren.
He said his third son, Mohd Ariff, 29, has shown interest in continuing the tradition, as he often helps him prepare the bubur lambuk.