Colek

Colek (Jawi: چوليق) is a dish similar to rojak, only the ingredients are different and it is usually enjoyed after tarawih prayers in Kelantan, as a part of moreh tradition.^[1] The dish is a seasonal snack exclusively sold only during the month of Ramadan.^[2]

In Malay, colek means to dip.^[3] But in Kelantan context, it refers to fruit, meat, keropok or seafood served in gravy. The dish is usually eaten in groups^[4] and consumed at restaurants.^[5]

There are several type of colek sold in the market. Examples such as deep fried in flour or called celup tepong. Some of the well known colek includes colek ikan (fish), colek udang (prawns), colek perut (cow tripe), colek pelepong (cow or lamb lung; usually fried plain).Other processed foods includes fishball, sausage, egg, and popia.^[6] Variation of salads are also included such as som tam and colek pauh (mango). The fruits are usually unmatured, thus crunchy and sour tasting.^[7] The food were then either deep fried, torched with fire or boiled before being drenched in gravy sauce or special flakes.^[8]

Colek manis (with brown sugar) is a sweet, sour and very mildly hot version. This colek is different from other chili sauces because colek is very thin and rather sweet. This dipping sauce is used for chicken, and also goes well with shrimp, fish cake, spring roll, sausage, etc.

Make Colek refer to act of consuming the food after teraweh prayers in Kelantan. Make means to eat in Kelantanese dialect. Colek is consumed mostly in groups,^[9] either families or friends. Some also opted to take this moment to do this as a treat to others.^[10] Colek were also consumed by not only adults, but also by kids.^[11] Local leaders also engaged with their constituents while eating colek as an informal avenue discussing local issues.^[12]

In recent years, the food have also been offered not only at traditional stalls, but also were offered at modern establishment.^[13] The selling of colek would start from as early as 8 PM till after tarawih prayers.^[14] and some until late at night.^[15] Some also start to provide online delivery direct to house to be consumed with families indoor.^[16]

Despite its Muslim association, colek also enjoyed by non-Muslims.^[1] In Gua Musang, the residents enjoys eating colek and it acts as a unifiying multiple etnhics in the area.^[17]

During Covid-19, the tradition were halt as curfew was enacted and prohibit social gathering to eat colek.^[18] In 2020, the state government allow the restaurant selling the food up until 10 PM only and as take away.^[19]