In Kampung Rampangi Fasa 1, the annual bubur lambuk tradition isn’t just about cooking — it’s about unity. As Nigel Wee joined villagers in stirring giant pots of porridge, he discovered the tireless teamwork, cultural bonds, and generosity that define Ramadan.
Bubur lambuk: The dish that stirred a community
The quiet of early morning in Kampung Rampangi Fasa 1 was broken by the rhythmic chopping of onions, the clatter of massive pots, and the murmur of focused voices.
By 7 am, while the village bustled with its usual morning routines, a dedicated group of volunteers had already begun the painstaking process of preparing bubur lambuk.
The annual tradition, deeply rooted in Ramadan, was more than just about cooking — it was a test of endurance, teamwork, and community spirit.
Hours later, as the sun climbed higher, Nigel Wee arrived at the scene. The only non-Muslim to join the programme, he had come at the invitation of his friend, Mohd Khaizir Ibrahim, who wanted him to experience this long-standing tradition firsthand.
Curiosity turned into connection
What began as simple curiosity soon became an eye-opening experience.
As Wee watched the volunteers — some running on barely two hours of sleep — stirring giant pots and working in seamless coordination, he realised he was witnessing something far more profound: the tireless effort, sacrifice, and warmth that made this tradition so much more than just a meal.
“It was something I didn’t know much about, and I thought it would be an interesting experience,” said the 38-year-old entrepreneur.
What started as simple curiosity soon turned into something deeper.
Nearby, Iskandar Jasnih, one of the programme’s organisers and its founder, watched with quiet pride.
This year’s bubur lambuk preparation was unlike any other. There was something special in the air — not just the aroma of lemongrass and slow-cooked beef, but a sense of unity.
“The best part this year is seeing young people come together, working as one, regardless of race or religion. It makes everything run so smoothly,” Iskandar said, glancing around at the volunteers.
More than just a dish
For generations, bubur lambuk had been a symbol of Ramadan in Kampung Rampangi Fasa 1. It wasn’t just about feeding the hungry; it was about tradition, about passing down the spirit of togetherness from one generation to the next.
The idea to organise the event had come to Iskandar unexpectedly back in 2023.
“It suddenly came to me — I wanted to reunite my childhood friends while also doing something meaningful. It wasn’t just about goodwill but also about strengthening the bond among villagers,” he shared.
Now in its third year, the programme had grown, attracting more participants and bringing together old friends who might not have otherwise crossed paths.
Yet, keeping the tradition alive wasn’t easy. The biggest challenge was securing funds to run the programme. Every year, the committee scrambled to raise money and gather ingredients.
“We always have to think about how to raise funds. Some people donate money; others provide ingredients. But the most important thing is getting enough hands to help,” said the 37-year-old gardener.
That, too, had been a challenge in the past.
“In previous years, fewer young people joined. But this year, in 2025, we’ve seen a change. More of them are stepping up, and it makes all the difference,” he added.
The art of cooking bubur lambuk
As Wee continued stirring, he realised that making bubur lambuk was far more labour-intensive than he had imagined.
“I was surprised at how much work went into making it. They were up all night prepping ingredients until 4am and then woke up as early as 7am to begin cooking,” he said.
The first step was soaking the rice — an essential process that took at least two hours to ensure it cooked down smoothly into porridge.
Only after that could the real cooking begin. Thin slices of beef, marinated overnight, were the first to go into the pot, simmering in a broth infused with fragrant spices — cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom.
As Wee observed, he noticed there was an art to layering the flavours. The ingredients weren’t just thrown in randomly — certain spices had to be added first to develop depth, followed by the marinated meat, allowing the flavours to fully infuse into the broth before the coconut milk was poured in.
Slowly, the mixture thickened, and then came the most demanding part — stirring.
“The pot had to be stirred nonstop for another two hours until it was done. But they had their own system — no one needed to be told when to take over; they just stepped in when someone else got tired,” he said.
What amazed him most wasn’t just the cooking itself but the teamwork. There was no formal schedule, no assigned roles. Yet, somehow, everything moved like clockwork.
“Everyone wanted to help,” he added.
From laughter to legacy
Despite the hard work, there was no shortage of laughter. One of the most challenging — yet amusing — moments for Iskandar was the endless discussions about ingredients.
“We were constantly messaging each other to plan the shopping list. It sounds simple, but trust me, it can get chaotic!” he chuckled.
As the hours passed, the once watery mixture thickened into a smooth, creamy porridge. The final touch — fried shallots and chopped coriander — was added just before serving.
When the bubur lambuk was finally ready, packets were carefully packed and placed in baskets. Volunteers fanned out across the village, setting up at the roadside to hand them out.
Wee found himself standing beside Iskandar, passing out steaming packets to grateful passersby.
“The most memorable part was seeing their faces light up. People would wish us ‘selamat berbuka’ and give their blessings. That was really special,” Wee recalled.
For Iskandar, this moment carried an even deeper meaning.
“For me, it’s about setting an example for the younger generation. And it’s also a time to reconnect with friends we rarely see,” he reflected.
But he had bigger dreams for the programme.
“If I could invite anyone, I would bring in orphans. It would mean a lot to share this moment with them, to remind them they are not alone in this holy month,” Iskandar added.
A lesson in togetherness
By late afternoon, as the final pots were emptied and the last packets of bubur lambuk were distributed, a quiet sense of accomplishment settled over the village.
The volunteers, exhausted but fulfilled, exchanged smiles and farewells before heading home — knowing they had come together, not just to cook, but to keep a tradition alive.
For Wee, the experience had been eye-opening.
“It’s not just about fasting or breaking fast with family. It’s also about giving back, sharing, and coming together as a community,” he said.
Would he return next year? Without a doubt, he said, “Absolutely. And next time, I’ll bring my friends and family along.”
Because sometimes, the best way to understand a culture isn’t just by watching — it’s by rolling up your sleeves, stirring the pot, and sharing a meal with those who make it.
