Cik Mah’s Kuih Talam Continues To Be A Ramadan Favourite

71-year-old Rahmah Hashim, fondly known as Cik Mah, has been selling kuih talam for over 40 years. (Bernama pic)

IPOH: An assortment of kuih talam by 71-year-old Rahmah Hashim, fondly known as Cik Mah, has been selling out in under an hour daily since the Ramadan bazaar in Klebang Restu here began.

Using a recipe perfected in her 20s, Cik Mah has been delighting lovers of traditional kuih for over 40 years, making her stall a must-visit every Ramadan. Her son Ishammudin Isahak said customers appreciate his mother’s kuih talam for its authentic taste.

Each day throughout Ramadan, Cik Mah prepares about a dozen trays – each measuring 60cm – of various kuih talam, including talam gula merah, seri muka pandan, seri muka durian, seri muka pulut hitam, talam pandan, tepung talam ubi, talam keladi, talam apam kastard, and puding jagung.

“They’re all popular, but the tepung talam ubi sells out the fastest. It’s a crowd favourite and my mother’s 40-year-old recipe,” said Ishammudin, who added that these sweet treats are only available during Ramadan.

The 37-year-old also highlighted challenges they face, such as the rising cost of coconuts and santan. But thanks to the support of loyal customers, they have managed to maintain the price of 60 sen per piece.

Meanwhile, Rahmah shared how she learnt to make kuih talam while living with her grandmother. Growing up, Cik Mah had been responsible for preparing various dishes, which helped hone her skills in traditional kuih making.

“I used to make other types of kuih and even ran a catering business, but as I got older, I could no longer manage it. So I focused solely on kuih talam,” she shared.

Her kuih talam is not only beloved by the Malay community; it is also popular among Chinese and Indian customers. And during Bernama’s visit to the Ramadan bazaar, it was evident that her kuih attracts patrons of all ages – children, young adults and the elderly – regardless of race.

One of her loyal customers, Norashikin Saidin, shared that her family had been enjoying Cik Mah’s kuih talam for years. “When Ramadan arrives, we look forward to buying Cik Mah’s kuih, because it tastes just like the ones my mother used to make. It’s also a must-have on our iftar menu.

“We don’t mind queuing for it, especially during Ramadan, when there’s a wider variety available. For instance, I love the puding jagung, while my children’s favourite is the seri muka, and my mum always goes for tepung talam ubi,” the 43-year-old added.