By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Feb 25: This year, 26-year-old Abby Neilda Zaini is bringing a fresh twist to the Bazaar Ramadan Stutong with her stall Nasi Lemak Ganja.
While she continues to serve her parents’ famed Nasi Lemak Ayam Berempah, she is also introducing special offerings for this year’s iftar (breaking of fast), including her paternal grandmother’s bak chang (rice dumplings) and off-season buah dabai.
Having been in the culinary trade since 2018, Abby hopes her diverse menu will draw customers to her first-ever Ramadan bazaar.
“My parents run a cafe in the Satok area since 1996. Because my father is half Chinese, rice dumplings with chicken or beef fillings naturally became part of our Ramadan menu here in Stutong.
“This is my first time operating at Bazaar Ramadan Stutong. My father suggested that, alongside our signature nasi lemak, we add rice dumplings and buah dabai. We’re also offering Nasi Lemak Ikan Bawal and Nasi Lemak Ikan Talapia to provide even more variety for those breaking their fast this year,” she told DayakDaily.
Abby explained that they had prepared well in advance, stocking buah dabai and other ingredients to ensure a memorable dining experience.
“This is all thanks to my father, who prepares the rice dumplings and fragrant pandan nasi lemak, and my mother’s treasured recipes, especially her range of sambals, from clam and cuttlefish to prawn, plus many other dishes that have made our cafe popular over the years,” she said.
Through her stall, Abby hopes to share her parents’ three decades of culinary expertise with Stutong residents while gaining experience serving unique local dishes to people of all races and religions.
“It’s wonderful to see people from all walks of life supporting the stalls here. Since our cafe isn’t fully operational during the holy month, I’m focusing all my efforts here,” she said.
She also revealed that any unsold food from the bazaar will be available at Nasi Lemak Ganja in Satok at a special Ramah price of RM3 per serving.
Abby expressed excitement about joining other vendors at Bazaar Ramadan Stutong.
“Many vendors, despite fasting themselves, continue to serve others with their delicious dishes during this holy month. It’s a blessing for all of us. Personally, I think it’s important to eat in moderation,” she said with a smile.
Her stall, Nasi Lemak Ganja, operates daily from 1pm to 6.30pm, until March 20. For more information, customers can contact 012-747 5422. — DayakDaily
