Savor the taste of bubur India at Pekojan Jami’ Mosque in Semarang

Sun, June 19, 2016 / 04:18 pm

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Muslims line up for a bowl of bubur India at the Pekojan Jami’ Mosque in Semarang, Central Java. During Ramadhan, the mosque management cooks 20 kilograms of rice for the dish. JP/ Albertus Magnus Kus Hendratmo
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Cook Mad Sa’ad, 72, pours bubur India into a bowl. Bubur India served at the mosque has a uniquely rich flavor thanks to its multifarious spices, such as garlic, onion, ginger, lemongrass, cinnamon, coconut milk and many others. JP/ Albertus Magnus Kus Hendratmo
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The porridge is served in bowls. JP/ Albertus Magnus Kus Hendratmo
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Half a hard-boiled egg is added to each bowl of bubur India. People believe that the porridge provides energy while fasting. JP/ Albertus Magnus Kus Hendratmo
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A cook adds lamb curry soup to bubur India. JP/ Albertus Magnus Kus Hendratmo
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A staffer at Pekojan Jami’ mosque carries three kettles to make milk beverages. JP/ Albertus Magnus Kus Hendratmo
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A man recites the Quran while waiting to break the fast. JP/ Albertus Magnus Kus Hendratmo
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Muslims break their fast and enjoy bubur India. JP/ Albertus Magnus Kus Hendratmo
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A woman performs the Muslim ritual of washing parts of the body before afternoon prayers. JP/ Albertus Magnus Kus Hendratmo
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Muslims pray after breaking the fast. Many Muslims from other areas outside the city visit the mosque during the holy month. JP/ Albertus Magnus Kus Hendratmo

Pekojan Jami’ Mosque in Semarang, Central Java, provides a special dish that is only served during Ramadhan for Muslims to break their fasts: bubur India, literally meaning Indian porridge.

The serving of bubur India is a centuries-long tradition for Muslims in the city every Ramadhan. The mosque management says the tradition started some 200 years ago and marked the development of the Gujarat culture in the city.

The recipe is a legacy from the Gujarat people and their descendants who have resided in Semarang for centuries. Among the ingredients for making bubur India are rice, coconut milk, water, salt, ginger, lemongrass, basil, onion and other spices.

Every day during the fasting month, the Pekojan Jami’ mosque prepares hundreds of servings of bubur India in bowls. It is served along with dates, watermelon, tea, coffee or milk. [dmr]