[PHOTOS] Lemang Daun Lerek Greenwood: a unique take on festive favourite

KUALA LUMPUR – Lemang is a festive staple that has stood the test of time, maintained its taste and charm, and continues to attract scores of customers – particularly ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.  

But Lemang Daun Lerek Greenwood offers a unique twist to the traditional glutinous rice dish. 

Established close to three decades ago by a husband-and-wife pair and located along the busy Jalan Batu Caves in Gombak, this version of lemang, as its name suggests, uses lerek leaves to line the inside of hollowed bamboo tubes where a mixture of rice, santan and several other ingredients are poured in before being cooked over an open fire.  

Lerek leaves, also known as packing leaves (phrynium pubinerve), are used to pack or wrap food in many parts of Asia. 

The inner leaf lining makes it easier for customers to remove the lemang from the bamboo shell – one only needs to pull the delicacy out through the leaf’s petiole at the top end of the bamboo.  

This is unlike conventional lemang, which requires customers to break the bamboo pole in order to remove the glutinous rice.  

The Vibes photographer AZIM RAHMAN was on the ground to capture the tedious, hours-long process to make lemang daun lerek. – The Vibes, April 17, 2023