A young Malaysian’s quest for halal home cooking became a lucrative business after moving to South Korea earlier this year.
Twenty-nine-year-old Sabah-native Duzy Noramzamnas Abdul Aziz had met many fellow Malaysians echoing a similar sentiment when he had initially travelled through the country as a tourist. He decided to put the nasi where his mouth is, and began a halal nasi lemak delivery business to much fanfare.
He began with an online platform in September, taking orders via messenging services WhatsApp and South Korea’s ubiquitous KakaoTalk, and was soon preparing 40 packages a day of the popular coconut rice with sambal and sundry accoutrements. His database began as mostly Malaysian students and visiting tourists in need of a taste of home.
However, within two months, he had Koreans, and other nationalities alike, placing orders in droves. It was only a matter of time from then when a South Korean partner approached Duzy, and proposed setting up a stall on the rooftop of a guesthouse in Itaewon, a popular tourist area.
The two decided to name the stall Nasi Lemak Berlauk Panas, and its prime location overlooks Seoul’s skyline.
A basic nasi lemak will set you back 5,000 won (about US$4.70, RM19).
If you’re looking for extra sambal, egg, rice or any other add-ons, like squid, mussels and chicken, expect to add an additional ₩500 to ₩4,000 (RM2-RM15/US$0.50-$3.70).
Duzy says that his South Korean customers liken the dish to bibimbap, the local rice dish served with chili paste and vegetables.
He procures most of his ingredients like dried anchovies, chilis and seafood from the nearby Noryangjin Market, and finds the more Malaysian ingredients like belacan, tamarind paste, coconut milk and pandan leaves on the so-called “foreigners street” in Itaewon.
Halal food is in demand in Seoul, according to Duzy, and the industry is experiencing rapid growth.
“However, living and running a business in South Korea is challenging. South Koreans and Japanese people are the most hardworking people in the world. I have to work extra hard to compete with them,” says the young Sabahan. “It’s stressful sometimes, but it is well worth it.”
Sounds like you’re on the right track, sir!
In Seoul and hungry for some nasi lemak (us, always, anytime)? Visit Duzy:
Nasi Lemak Berlauk Panas (rooftop)
Pop @ Itaewon Guesthouse in Itaewon
