After witnessing a cultural presentation of Adat Berjojak (berjejak tanah in standard Bahasa Malaysia) for babies before they are allowed to step on the ground., a ritual performed by the Rawa (Rao) community, we were ushered to see how kelemai is cooked.
En. Johari shows the mixture of ingredients ready to be cooked
Kelemai is a traditional Rawa food that is similar to lemang, except that kelemai is cooked using different ingredients. Ingredients used in kelemai are rough-ground glutinous rice, liquid brown sugar, and residue of cooking coconut oil.
the three ingredients of rough-ground glutinous rice, liquid brown sugar (boiled) and residue from cooking coconut oil, in their original form and after being prepared for cooking
These ingredients are mixed together and marinated for three days before they are stuffed into specially prepared bamboo (aur). The shaved bamboos, 3/4 filled, are then placed over hot coals for eight hours, during which the bamboos have to be constantly turn over the heat to ensure the contents inside are thoroughly cooked.
En. Johari explains the correct way to prepare the bamboo
Superstitions to be observed are pretty obvious, such as don’t walk over the bamboo, or use your foot to kick the coals.
En. Johari explaining the superstitions observed when kelemai is cooked
The amazing thing about kelemai is that it could be kept for a year or longer. Wow, isn’t that a long, expiry date, without the help of preservatives?
asam daging (beef)
In this post, I have included other traditional dishes of the Rawa community, who make up 99% of the Malays in Gopeng.
ayam masak lemak
Those interested in the ethnic culture and tradition of the Rawa community may do so at Homestay Gopeng. This homestay is well-known for its adventurous and outdoor programmes, such as white water rafting, caving and water abseiling.
ikan bilis tempoyak
For further information, contact:
Pn. Noradidah Hj. Mokhtar
(Chairperson Homestay Perak / EXCO Homestay Malaysia)
Mobile: +6012-5060700
Email: didah65@yahoo.com.my
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