KUALA LUMPUR: Long associated with tradition and senior volunteers, the bubur lambuk of Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru is now winning over a new generation.
A number of Gen Z are stepping forward, eager to learn the art of cooking the Ramadan staple.
“Seeing young volunteers crowding the kitchen is a welcome change,” said chief cook Adham Abd Manan, 66.
“It makes me proud to see them wanting to learn how bubur lambuk is prepared and cooked before it is given out free every day during Ramadan.”
He described their interest as vital to keeping the tradition alive for future generations.
A veteran with 20 years’ experience, Adham is back leading volunteers in the kitchen.
He said the job is far from easy, especially when standing over blazing stoves for up to three hours.
“We start soon after subuh prayers and the team of volunteers have to work while fasting. But once you get used to it, it becomes manageable,” he said during an interview at the mosque yesterday.
About 4,000 packets of bubur lambuk are distributed daily throughout Ramadan – a practice that has become synonymous with the mosque for more than a century.
“I usually prepare the ingredients such as meat, coconut milk, dried shrimp, onions and ginger in advance before the cooking process begins.
“Once it is ready, we pack it and distribute it to the public after asar prayers,” said Adham, a former air force personnel.
Among the youngest volunteers is 18-year-old Ahmad Aqin Wafiq Ahmad Kamal, who joined the team after being inspired by social media videos showing the bubbling cauldrons of porridge.
“I enjoy helping to stir and pack the bubur lambuk. Hopefully, one day I will be able to cook it myself. I also hope more friends my age will volunteer next Ramadan.”
For Mohd Hafiz Shahrial, 45, the reward goes beyond cooking.
“The satisfaction is not just in preparing it, but in seeing the happy faces of those who receive it every day during Ramadan.
“I feel like I’m working while also performing an act of worship. The feeling is hard to describe,” said the songkok trader.
Another volunteer, Mohd Radzi Abdul Aziz, 62, said the growing involvement of Gen Z gave him hope that the tradition would not fade with time.
“If the young don’t continue this, who will? As a Kampung Baru native, I’ve been helping out since I was a teenager.
“It has always been my dream to see this bubur lambuk tradition carried on for generations to come.”
