SIBU: The sight of people queuing at a Ramadan stall is indeed an enticing spectacle for food enthusiasts, as it is a tell-tale sign that the stall offers a promising culinary experience.
This remarkable sight was witnessed at the Ramadan Bazaar in Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 2, particularly at the Ajileh Nasi Kandar Royal Kedah stall.
The crowd even braved the rain just to savour the dishes, which consisted of rich, aromatic curries combined with a variety of tantalizing side dishes.
The stall’s ability to attract such a crowd even surprised Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
“The response this year is exceptional despite the unfavourable weather. The standout is the Ajileh Nasi Kandar Royal Kedah stall. Buyers are willing to queue even under umbrellas,” said the Nangka Assemblyman in his recent Facebook post.
Meanwhile, during an interview with the New Sarawak Tribune, Ahmad Faizal Rino Rusli, better known as Ajileh, expressed his surprise at the crowd’s acceptance of his cuisine.
The queues for Nasi Kandar, a cuisine well-known in the peninsula rather than in Sarawak, began forming even before his stall opened for orders.
“We offer a variety of mouth-watering dishes, from honey chicken to succulent lamb shank, all meticulously prepared with ingredients imported from the Peninsula.
“We strive to ensure our nasi kandar stock never runs dry, despite the relentless crowds,” said Ajileh, who hails from Kedah.
When asked about how his business started, Ajileh mentioned that his passion for his homeland’s cuisine blossomed during the Covid-19 lockdown in Sarawak when he found himself longing for the flavours of Kedah.
“I embarked on this venture because Sarawak lacked the authentic taste of Royal Kedah nasi kandar, with its distinctive golden hue.
“Most eateries here serve a nasi kandar more reminiscent of Penang’s style. I wanted to offer something true to its northern roots,” he added.
Drawing upon his culinary prowess, Ajileh and his wife began cooking up a storm, inviting friends to taste their creations.
The unanimous approval from his friends spurred Ajileh to turn his passion into a business. However, breaking into Sarawak’s food scene was not easy.
“I already owned a restaurant in Kota Samarahan called Aji Leh Tomyam Qribut, but introducing Sarawakians to the delights of Royal Kedah nasi kandar was a whole new challenge,” he said.
As the aroma of Royal Kedah nasi kandar wafts through the air, Ajileh dreams of expanding his business across Sarawak, bringing a taste of Kedah’s culinary heritage to every corner of the state.
