Bahulu: A traditional Malay pastry

Bahulu, a traditional Malay pastry, holds a cherished spot in the culinary landscape of Malaysia and neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Known for its light, airy texture and mildly sweet flavor, this treat is a staple during festive occasions, particularly Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Its enduring appeal transcends age groups, making it a favorite among both the young and old.

The preparation of bahulu is both simple and artful, requiring a balance of precision and care. The main ingredients—eggs, sugar, and flour—are combined to create a delicate sponge-like texture. Eggs are beaten vigorously until frothy, and sugar is gradually incorporated to form a thick, glossy mixture. Flour is then gently folded in to maintain the batter’s lightness. Traditionally, the batter is poured into preheated brass molds, often shaped like flowers or fish, and baked over a charcoal fire. This method not only imparts a subtle smoky aroma but also gives bahulu its iconic slightly crispy exterior.

Modern adaptations have seen the use of electric ovens and silicone molds for convenience, yet many purists argue that traditional methods yield a more authentic flavor and texture. Regardless of the baking method, the distinctive shapes—such as the flower-shaped bahulu cermai and fish-shaped bahulu ikan—remain a hallmark of this beloved pastry.

Beyond its delightful taste, bahulu carries deep cultural significance. It is often presented as a gift during festive seasons, symbolizing warmth and hospitality. In Malay households, the process of making bahulu is a communal activity, fostering a sense of togetherness among family members. This practice helps preserve the tradition, ensuring its transmission to future generations.

Recently, bahulu has gained international recognition, with innovative flavors such as pandan, chocolate, and even durian, catering to evolving palates. Despite these modern twists, the essence of bahulu as a symbol of cultural heritage and festive joy remains unchanged, solidifying its status as a timeless delicacy in the region.
Bahulu: A traditional Malay pastry

Traditional Malay Weapon: Keris

The keris (kris) is an iconic cultural artefact unique only to the Malay Archipelago. For all the magic and mysticism and ritual associated with the Keris, it was, for the first few hundred years of its existence, primarily a weapon of defense and sudden assault. Literature abounds with accounts of its use in assassinations and executions, intrigues, rivalry and sneak attacks.

Indeed, at one time and in some areas, it was considered a despicable weapon, fit only for brigands, a weapon of treachery and with poisonous qualities at that. The very smallness of the weapon, fitted as it was with a bent- over or pistol-like grip made it a perfect stabbing instrument.

It was easy to make a straight –line thrust to the belly or kidney of the victim while the elbow was bent. This made was effective in a confined space and no doubt contributed to its reputation as a weapon of ill reputed.

In ancient times, blacksmiths were considered among the elite occupations and assumed to be a principal contributor in creating early concepts of understanding the behavior of metals, particularly iron.

Keris can be divided into two parts: mata/bilah (blade) and hulu (hilt). Its distinctive wavy edges known as luk, are always odd in number, from three to thirteen waves.
Traditional Malay Weapon: Keris

The Practice of Traditional Malay Medicine

Traditional medicine plays a major role in providing healthcare to mankind. It is the value of the knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether understandable or not, used in the maintenance of health, as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illnesses while complementary alternative medicine terms are used conversely with traditional medicine in some countries.

The successful practice of Malay medicine is be based on the fundamental principle of ‘preserving the balance of power’ among four elements. This is chiefly to be effected by constant attention moderation in, diet.

They all used some combination of spells, charms and herbal medicaments, but the basis of their practice was ‘ilmu’. In the context of Malay Medicine it refers to ‘mystical knowledge’.

The source and authority of knowledge in Malay Medicine is attributed to the Quran. Spoken and written charms and blessings from this and other sacred writings are used in Malay healing. Blessings are intoned over medicines and blessed water is also thought to posses curative powers.

To enforce these golden precepts, passages from the Quran are plentifully quoted against excess in heating or drinking. Air, is the cause of heat and moisture, and earth of cold and dryness. They assimilate the constitution and passions of man to twelve signs of the Zodiac, an then seven planet.

The foregoing quotation shows that the distinctive features of the Aristotelian hygienic theory, as borrowed by the Arabs, did eventually filter through (in some cases) until they reaches the Malays. Such direct references, however, to Greek theories are the rarest character, and can hardly be considered typical.

Traditional Malay Medicine practice includes herbal remedies. It incorporates influences from Arabia, Persia, India and China. Malay Herbal Medicine use is significantly high due to the strong belief that these practices are safe and effective. It is available in almost every state in Malaysia and has been used widely to cure and prevent many types of diseases, from simple classification of disease, joint aches and fever and for chronic disease such as diabetes, kidney disease and lung tumour.

The early Malays, living their semi-nomadic lifestyle, have garnered a wealth of knowledge about the usefulness of some animal parts, and natural herbs and spices. At that time, traditional Malay Medicine was laced with superstitious and folk beliefs that had little basis in logic and science.
The Practice of Traditional Malay Medicine