By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Nov 5: Who says kampua is only for non-Muslims?
At Star Cafe in Sibu, situated below the Star Cineplex, or the former Cathay Cinema, a halal food stall is creating waves with its mouthwatering halal kampua.
While the traditional kampua is usually served with pork lard and topped with barbecued pork or ‘char siu’, the halal version uses halal-certified alternatives like chicken and beef as toppings.
This unassuming halal food stall surprisingly serves over 20 different types of kampua. Other than the classic kampua served with chicken, beef, vegetables, or fried eggs, they also offer variations of fried kampua and kampua in soup.
For those seeking a different kind of adventure for their taste buds, the Kampua Hong Kong will be a delightful surprise. With its nutty and spicy profile, it bears a striking resemblance to Mee Jawa, which is also a regional favourite.
Meanwhile, according to stall owner Sarimah Jeraiae, the Kampua Special shines the brightest among the stars on their menu.
Topped with beef, chicken shreds and a perfectly fried egg, it is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Due to its variety of toppings, this dish is known to be a crowd pleaser and one of the stall’s bestsellers.
Sarimah, when met by DayakDaily, said she has been managing the stall alongside her siblings for years now. With an unwavering dedication and an innovative spirit, she honours tradition while pushing the boundaries of taste and came up with an array of halal kampua dishes.
Sibu is the birthplace of kampua, which for decades has been is so versatile that locals and tourists alike eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or supper. Kampua tastes like home to those who are away from Sibu; kampua is the pride of the people of Sibu; and kampua symbolises Sibu’s culinary tradition.
So, the next time you find yourself in Sibu, make sure to explore the world of halal kampua, if not the traditional kampua. You can never say no to any of Sibu’s kampua. — DayakDaily
