Malaysian rice porridge A tradition of Ramadan 'Registered Brand'


An Indian Muslim man combines ingredients for the popular 'Bubur Lambuk' dish in Masjid India during Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on March 5, 2025. – AFP

When they fell dusk, hundreds of Muslims in a mosque in the capital of Malaysia of Kuala Lumpur Fest in bowls of fragrant rice gachas known locally as “Bubur Lambuk”, part of a tradition of Ramadan that dates back to decades.

Slow cocado with several spices in giant pots and agitated with large buckets, Bubur Lambuk is traditionally prepared by volunteers in the mosque courtyards before being distributed to the public for Ifar, fast food in the nation in large part islamic.

But the broth, especially prepared in Masjid India, a well -known mosque of Kuala Lumpur, serves a unique version of the porridge using a recipe that originates in India.

An Indian Muslim man receives a package from the popular Dish Bubur Lambuk in Masjid India during Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malasia, on March 7, 2025. - AFP
An Indian Muslim man receives a package from the popular 'Bubur Lambuk' dish in Masjid India during Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on March 7, 2025. – AFP

The recipe is known as Nameu Kanji, according to the IMAM of the Mosque, Muhammad Nasrul Haq Abdul Latif.

“This tradition has been transmitted from generation to generation, from the 60s to 70s,” he said AFP.

“Then it has become a registered trademark. Yes (nameu Kanji) was not there, it would not be complete.”

Mosque volunteers use 140 kilograms of rice daily to cook the porridge, which is served in bowls to prayer assistants or package in 1,000 large plastic packages to distribute to the public.

Each package is enough to feed a family of four.

The people of the people outside the door of India Masjid for the popular Dish Bubur Lambuk during the Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malasia, on March 7, 2025. - AFP
People tail off the door of India Masjid for the popular 'Bubur Lambuk' dish during Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on March 7, 2025. – AFP

“From the perspective of doing things easier for people in this area, sometimes homeless people fight to obtain food, low -income workers and office workers who sometimes do not have time to go home and cook they benefit from this,” he said.

“Then, the preparation of IFTAR meals for mosques helps their daily lives be more convenient (during Ramadan).”

Mohaiyadin Sahulhameed, a local resident originally from India, said the porridge served in the mosque reminded his home.

“Back in our town, the way we cook is using large woks, with curry leaves, mustard seeds, cinnamon and all kinds of mixed ingredients. When combined with rice, it creates a rich aroma, quite similar to the way it is done here,” he said.

The cook of the mosque, Sathakkathullah Hameed, said he saw the great pots of porridge daily as a religious vocation.

An Indian Muslim man combines ingredients for the popular Bubur Lambuk dish in Masjid India during Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malasia, on March 5, 2025. - AFP
An Indian Muslim man combines ingredients for the popular 'Bubur Lambuk' dish in Masjid India during Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on March 5, 2025. – AFP

“During this month of fasting, I want to help others. Allah gives rewards, mercy and blessings, and, if God wants, he will provide livelihood,” he said.

“And when people eat the porridge that I cook, they say 'Bismillah' (in the name of God) and I answer with 'Alhamdulillah' (praise is to God).”



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