IPOH: The rich aroma of Malay traditional delicacies welcomes Umno delegates and visitors as they stroll around the Putra World Trade Centre bazaar during the Umno general assembly in Kuala Lumpur every year.
And, people often head for a stall that sells a variety of freshly cooked rendang to buy the popular “rendang tok”, especially the Mak Nik brand.
A delicacy that was once served to only royalty, “rendang tok” is available in supermarkets and sold at the PWTC bazaar during the assembly.
The spicy, dark-coloured “rendang tok” is not only a big hit among Perakians but also among those from other states.
Rendang Tok Mak Nik Sdn Bhd production manager Sharifuddin Mohamed said their rendang did not have any artificial flavouring.
“We use spices and natural herbs, so our rendang has a fresh taste and is delicious,” he said here yesterday.
Sharifuddin said at the general assembly last year, they sold 600 packets of “rendang tok” Mak Nik, which is made of chicken and meat.
He said the rendang business was founded by his mother, Nafsiah Yeop Abdullah, popularly known as Mak Nik, in 1985. Back then, Nafsiah and her, husband, Pandak Hussien, used to sell chicken and meat.
“But the business slowed down, so they decided to produce the family’s ‘rendang tok’ recipe on a large scale.
“Now, we have a variety of Malay traditional delicacies such as instant spicy chicken rendang, fruit pickles, dodol and spicy anchovies.”
Sharifuddin said they were planning to launch “rendang paste” next year.
“Our rendang only needs to be reheated before it is served,” he said, adding that the products were available in all supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide.
Sharifuddin said he was excited to participate in this year’s PWTC bazaar.
“I am waiting for confirmation from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.”