KUCHING: Herbs and spices hold a special significance during Ramadan, especially in shaping the rich flavours of traditional Sarawak cuisine, despite being available all year round.
Like in bubur lambuk, one of the iconic Ramadan dishes, spices such as fennel seeds (jintan manis), fenugreek (biji halba), and others are essential in completing its rich taste.
At the heart of India Street here, a tapestry of vibrant shops proudly showcase an array of herbs and spices, each brimming with history and tradition.
Some of these family-run establishments have stood the test of time for over seven decades, their shelves lined with fragrant treasures — cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, and more — carefully sourced and sold with the same passion and expertise passed down through generations.
Sarawak Tribune spoke with several of these herbs and spice sellers about their best-selling products and whether prices have significantly changed compared to previous years or decades.
Abdul Kalam Pakkir Mohamed, 54, the owner of Syarikat Pakkir Mohamed, who has been running his family business for the past 20 years, said his shop offers over 40 types of herbs and spices.
“Most of these herbs and spices are used for cooking, while some are specifically for rempah bersalin, a blend of herbs and spices made especially for women after childbirth.
“For Ramadan, some of our best-selling spices for bubur lambuk include cinnamon (kayu manis), cloves (cengkih), cardamom (buah pelaga), star anise (bunga lawang), white cumin (jintan putih), fennel seeds (jintan manis), and coriander (ketumbar).
“As for other dishes, turmeric powder (serbuk kunyit) is among the best-selling spices because customers use it for various recipes,” he said.
As for pricing, Abdul Kalam stated that it depends on the customers and the quantity they purchase.
“Some customers who run food businesses buy herbs and spices in large quantities.
“Meanwhile, others purchase small amounts for home use, such as RM2 per 100 grams.
“There are also customers who buy herbs and spices for bubur lambuk distribution or for iftar (breaking fast) ceremonies,” he added.
Abdul Kalam mentioned that in the 20 years he has been selling herbs and spices, prices have changed significantly compared to when he first started.
“However, the price of some spices, like coriander, has remained the same over the years.
“This is because most of these herbs and spices are imported from outside Sarawak.
“Many of them come from Indonesia and Peninsular Malaysia. Even pepper, which Sarawak is famous for, is sourced from outside the state because the local supply is insufficient,” he explained, adding that he is not greatly affected by rising prices since he only sells in small quantities.
As to what happens if stocks do not sell out, Abdul Kalam said that as long as they are stored properly, they can last for a long time.
“Because these are dry ingredients, I don’t have to worry much about stock running out.
“Usually, before Ramadan, the demand for herbs and spices is very high, but during Ramadan, the demand decreases as most customers have already purchased what they need beforehand,” he said.
Meanwhile, the owner of Syarikat S. Abdullah Shaik Abdul Sattar, 76, who has been selling herbs and spices for decades, shared that some of the most popular items include cinnamon (kayu manis), star anise (bunga lawang), cardamom (buah pelaga), and white cumin (jintan putih).
“Our business was established in 1948, and ever since then, we have managed to maintain our prices despite changing times.
“During Ramadan, many people visit our shop to buy herbs and spices for bubur lambuk and iftar gatherings.
“Many of these herbs and spices come from India, and one particular item — white and red cumin (jintan putih and jintan merah) — has become cheaper compared to previous years, mainly due to the high availability of stock and supply,” he said.
While his primary supply comes from India, he also sources some spices from Indonesia and Peninsular Malaysia.
“Thankfully, this business continues as usual without major disruptions, and we currently have three shops here.
“I sincerely hope that when the time comes for my family to take over the business, it will continue to thrive,” he added.
