By Ling Hui
BAU, May 27: The must-try ‘nasi kuah’ (gravy rice) at Ahan Fast Food, Bau Hawker Centre here is so popular that it often sells out by 10am.
It took this DayakDaily journalist three visits to finally be able to savour this unique dish—plain white rice topped with a Thai-style omelette, barbecued chicken, roasted chicken, and cabbages, all smothered in a savoury gravy.
The gravy is a light, inviting brown with a glossy sheen, indicating its well-balanced consistency—not too thick and not too watery, quite different from the usual ‘nasi banjir’, which is commonly drenched in curry sauce.
Mariana Ahan, daughter of 67-year-old store owner Ahan Rohom, shared that her father learned the recipe for their gravy rice from her late uncle Sirat, who used to run an eatery at the Gerai Bukit Mas.
“My late uncle was the one who taught my father how to cook this ‘nasi kuah’. Last time, my father only made drinks at a Chinese coffee shop at Electra House.
“When we got ourselves a store here (at Bau Hawker Centre), my uncle came for a month and taught us how to cook ‘nasi kuah’.
“Back then, I was only in Form 1. Now I already have three children,” she told DayakDaily when met at Ahan Fast Food here today.
As early as 8am today, the seats near Ahan Fast Food were occupied with customers devouring the signature gravy rice, among other popular dishes such as ‘mee goreng sos’ (fried noodles with sauce) and ‘mee sup’ (soup noodles).
Those with bigger appetites are recommended to get the ‘nasi kuah special’, which comes with a larger portion of assorted chicken. Customers may also request to have the gravy separated from the rice to suit their preferences.
The store is open every day, except for holidays, from 6am to 12pm, depending on availability. Those who wish to try the gravy rice are strongly advised to arrive before 9.30 am.
To pre-book your meals, especially the ‘nasi kuah’, please contact Mariana at 011-3626 4824. — DayakDaily
