KOTA BARU: The revered delicacy known as 'kerbau guling' or 'kuba guling' in the local Kelantanese dialect continues to captivate taste buds this Ramadan across Kelantan.
Priced at RM5 per pack, this sought-after treat can be spotted in almost every stall and Ramadan bazaar throughout the state.One of the vendors, Sani Ismail, operates a modest stall in Kota Baru where he sell the traditional Thai snack, which is infused with a hint of coconut shell charcoal.
Sani, who has been in the business for five years, recalls the origins of kuba guling's popularity, which began in 2018 with a seller from Rantau Panjang."My wife and I decided to craft our own version," Sani explains. " As my wife also from Rantau Panjang, she is familiar with the recipe. We began producing and selling the delicacy at our stall," said the 57-year-old.
The response from customers was overwhelming, prompting the couple to make kuba guling a daily offering. However, with demand soaring, their stock typically sells out before 3pm each day. During Ramadan, when their stall opens at 3pm, the delicacy is often sold out within an hour.
A recent survey conducted at several Ramadan bazaars across the state revealed long queues of eager buyers waiting to purchase kuba guling for breaking their fast. Now, the popularity of this treat extends beyond Kelantan, reaching neighbouring states like Terengganu.