SEREMBAN: Ayam percik stalls are a common feature at most Ramadan bazaars. But at Ramlee Rahmat's stall in Ampangan here, the catchy names of his ayam percik and other dishes are what set them apart from the competition.
 
The 45-year-old restaurant owner has found a winning sales gimmick with “naughty” names like “Ayam Percik Madu Tiga” (grilled chicken with honey), “Sup Lembu Dara” (beef soup) and Mee Goreng Janda Baik” (fried noodles). Of the three, the “Ayam Percik Madu Tiga” is the best seller.

Ramlee Rahmat grilling his famous Ayam Percik Madu Tiga at the Ramadan bazaar in Ampangan, Seremban.

As early as 4pm, bazaar regulars start to make a beeline for his ayam percik dipped with spicy honey sauce.
 
Ramlee swears that it is an original recipe.
 
“Belilah cepat, kalau tak akan menyesal (buy it fast, or else you will regret it),” is his sales pitch as he whizzes back and forth between the grill and the serving area.
 
Asked why he chose the marital status of a woman, such as dara (virgin), janda (widow) and madu (polygamous) to name his dishes, Ramlee said with a sly grin: “Nothing to it really... I find that when I call out these names, people are intrigued by them and walk back to my stall.”
 
His Ayam Percik Madu Tiga, which is sold at RM5 a piece, gained its catchy name about 10 years ago.
 
Ramlee said he had come up with a great recipe, but could not think of a name which would attract attention.

Being a die-hard fan of his namesake, the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, he decided to name his speciality after the legendary entertainer's hit movie, Madu Tiga.
 
“This is one instance when women don't mind getting a madu tiga,”  he quipped, as several of his female customers burst into laughter.
 
Ramlee sells almost 60 birds a day, and by 6pm, his stock of ayam percik normally runs out, with many going home disappointed.

“Come early tomorrow for your Madu Tiga,” Ramlee shouts after them, as he breaks into the tune of yet another P. Ramlee classic.