Traditional delights for workers and homeless in Johor
JOHOR BARU: Black pepper mutton briyani, nasi minyak ayam kurma and briyani gam are usually served at expensive Ramadan buffet spreads in hotels.
But at Masjid India Johor Baru here, these dishes are served daily for free throughout the fasting month.
Five cooks at the mosque in Jalan Duke churn out fresh pots of the rice-based dishes for about 600 people.
Mosque secretary Hussien Ibrahim said the bulk of those who turned up to break fast were foreign workers employed at construction sites, restaurants and shops around the city centre, besides the homeless.
“Despite that, the mosque committee does not skimp on quality and quantity. We serve nasi briyani with quail, chicken, mutton and beef, with side dishes such as eggplant chutney as well as kuih and drinks.
“Spices from India are blended with local ingredients for an authentic taste,” he said at the 75-year-old mosque.
Hussien said about 50kg of meat and 50kg of rice were used each day, with costs exceeding RM6,500.
He said the charity work was possible with sponsors and donations from corporates, business owners and the generous.
He said in the past, Ramadan spread at the mosque used to serve about 200 people daily, adding that the number grew significantly after the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
“During the pandemic, we saw how tough it was for the underprivileged and the challenges they faced, so we decided to increase our volume.
“Beyond just filling stomachs, the initiative is to ease the financial burden of migrant workers. We hope our effort can help them save some money to send back home for the festive season,” he said.
The mosque also distributes about 800 packs of bubur lambuk, cooked fresh daily. “Our porridge is slightly different from others, which are usually more grey in colour.
“Ours has a yellowish tint due to a special spice blend and dhal, cooked over steady flame using a recipe from Penang,” Hussien said, adding that the mosque’s outdoor kitchen fires up at about 9am until the afternoon.
