Young baker revives family bahulu tradition with heritage copper moulds

Hassan Faisal Sayujan's decision to leave a stable manufacturing career marks a turning point for his family's bakery heritage. Armed with copper moulds that have served the trade for decades, Sayujan is committed to keeping alive the traditional craft of bahulu production—a process that remains largely unchanged from earlier generations.

The production method relies on time-tested techniques that set his bahulu apart from mass-produced alternatives. Central to this approach is the use of coconut husks as fuel, which imparts a characteristic flavour and texture that modern ovens cannot replicate. The copper moulds, carefully maintained family heirlooms, are essential to achieving the authentic shape and finish that distinguishes traditionally-made bahulu.

Sayujan's transition from the manufacturing sector to artisanal baking reflects a broader movement among younger Malaysians to reclaim and sustain cultural food traditions. His commitment to preserving these techniques comes as consumer interest in heritage food products continues to grow across the region.

The venture represents more than a personal career shift; it is an attempt to ensure that traditional bahulu-making knowledge and methods do not fade as older generations retire from the trade. By maintaining the use of heritage equipment and time-honoured processes, Sayujan seeks to keep this aspect of Malaysian culinary culture alive for future generations.