RANAU: Linopot, once the go-to quick meal for Sabah natives working on the farm, has now become a sensation, especially among tourists from peninsular Malaysia.
Originally a Kadazandusun dish, Linopot, often referred to as "rice in a leaf" or literally meaning "tightly packed", is deeply rooted in the indigenous communities of Sabah, particularly the Kadazandusun and Murut tribes.
Traditionally, Linopot was created as a means of ensuring food could be carried and consumed easily during long journeys or when working in the fields. The method of wrapping rice and other ingredients in leaves not only preserved the food but also infused it with a unique flavour.
Seeing its rising popularity, Kundasang restaurant owner Abd Hafiz Hanafi Patrick, said he managed to sell up to 21,000 sets of linopot last year.
The 32-year-old started selling linopot in 2020, but it only took off in 2022.
He added that half of his customers are from Peninsular Malaysia, 40 per cent being locals, and another 10 per cent foreigners.
"I make traditional food because it is not yet known to many. It is also a way for Malaysians from other states to learn more about Sabah.
"In the past, when people went to the farm, they would bring packed rice known as linopot.
"To ensure the packed rice stayed fresh, they used 'Wonihan,' 'Timadang,' and 'banana' leaves as wrapping," he said.
Abd Hafiz added that he learned the basic recipe by observing his mother making linopot at home.
The owner of Restoran Selera Kebun Soboroong, however, used his professional culinary skills and experience as Chef De Partie at a hotel to improvise the menu.
He prefers to use Wonihan leaves to make the purple rice more fragrant, and the side dish is a fusion of native and Malay food.
The usual linopot set usually comes with hill or purple rice, yam, "bambangan" or "tuhau" pickles, hinava (fresh raw fish mixed with lime), fried mackerel, salted fish, among others.
"My restaurant also serves smoked chicken and beef (for the side dishes). Prices range from RM15 to RM38 per set."