KUALA LUMPUR: Those craving for authentic Johor Nasi Briyani, need not travel hundreds of kilometres to get the real taste.
At Enaaq Restaurant in Wangsa Maju, the owner Abdul Hakim Asha’ri takes great pain daily to prepare nasi briyani from the recipe of his late father, Cikgu Asha’ri.
“I remember my father’s words of advice to me. He wanted me to bring back the heyday of his masterpiece, but never to compromise with the ingredients,” said Abdul Hakim who once worked as chef at some of the big hotels here.
“Muarians, especially the older folks, remember my father well. He used to cook for the country’s leaders whenever they visited Muar. Now it is time for the young generation to be introduced to his signature dish,” said the 55-year old father of five.
Abdul Hakim left a comfortable job in the laid back Muar about seven months ago to venture into business, something that was on the back of his head for a long time.
“No one in his right mind would want to leave Muar, especially at this age. Everywhere was just a few minutes drive and almost everyone knows you by name. But the urge to fulfil my dad’s wishes brought me here,” he said showing his menu that consists of mi bandung Muar, mi rebus Muar and asam pedas Muar.
He tried to infuse the Muar taste and touch whenever he could. Hence the Kopi 434 coffee. Most of the ingredients were also from Muar, an excuse to drive home during weekends.
“For a long time, Muar food has been abused. For instance, there are countless number of stalls selling mi bandung Muar. But if you ask the cook or the owner, they were probably from other states.
“Here I am , bringing you authentic Muar delicacies. Business picks up fast as first time customers keep returning for more, bringing in friends and relatives,” he said.
WHERE: 49, Jalan Dataran Wangsa Melawati1, Dataran Wangsa Melawati, Kuala Lumpur
WHEN: From 7am to 9pm daily except Sundays