PRESERVING TRADITION THROUGH YOUTH: THE SUSTAINABILITY OF LAKSA JOHOR AS MALAY CULINARY HERITAGE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v6si3.1019Keywords:
laksa Johor, culinary heritage, youth, food sustainability, traditional knowledge transmission, Malay cuisineAbstract
This study explores the sustainability of Laksa Johor, a signature Malay heritage dish by examining how Johorean youth engage with its consumption, preparation, and knowledge transmission. Although Laksa Johor holds deep cultural significance, findings reveal that it is selectively consumed during festive or familial gatherings, and rarely part of daily meals. This reflects its symbolic role in reinforcing cultural identity rather than serving as a staple food. The study employed semi-structured interviews with five youths in Johor and used thematic analysis via NVivo. Key themes include frequency and context of consumption, meal setting, availability, intergenerational knowledge transfer, digital learning tools, and cultural identity. While traditional culinary knowledge is mainly passed down through mothers and grandmothers, digital platforms such as YouTube and TikTok have emerged as supplementary sources of learning. Despite declining everyday presence, Laksa Johor retains emotional and cultural resonance among youth. The study underscores the importance of integrative strategies combining family-based education, youth-centered heritage initiatives, and culinary tourism to ensure the continuity and relevance of Malay food heritage.
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Copyright (c) 2025 N H ABDUL HAMID, AHMAD ESA ABDUL RAHMAN, ISMAYAZA NOH, CECEP UCU RAKHMAN
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