Taste of Home: Malaysian Nasi Kerabu a Hit in Perth

In the heart of Perth, Western Australia, a taste of Malaysia thrives every Sunday morning at Market City, Canning Vale. Cili Padi by Muni, a beloved family business, has become a beacon for authentic Malay cuisine, drawing crowds from diverse backgrounds eager to savor the flavors of the Nusantara.

Founded in 2008 by the experienced couple Yaacob Ali, 73, and Muni Affendi, the stall has successfully transitioned to its second generation. Their son, Faiz Yaacob, 32, now helms the operation, bringing fresh energy while honoring the rich culinary heritage passed down through generations. Hailing from Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu, the family brought their cherished recipes all the way to Australia, even importing key ingredients like chilies and budu from Malaysia to ensure the true essence of their dishes remains intact.

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Saya hanya bantu mana yang perlu. Yang hebat memasak sebenarnya isteri saya.

While Faiz, who moved to Perth at age four, is the current leader, his father, Yaacob, remains an integral part of the daily operations. With a colorful career that included stints as a chef in Canada and at Perth's iconic Frazer's Restaurant, Yaacob now lends his support, often deferring the culinary spotlight to his wife. "I just help where needed. The real chef is my wife," he quipped good-naturedly while arranging the popular dishes.

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Nasi kerabu yang Muni buat memang paling dicari. Bukan orang Malaysia sahaja, malah ramai pelanggan Aussie dan Hong Kong yang sanggup datang awal.

The menu at Cili Padi by Muni is a testament to the richness of Malay cuisine. Nasi kerabu, lontong, nasi lemak, sate, roti canai, and teh tarik are perennial favorites, attracting long queues of customers. "Muni's nasi kerabu is the most sought-after," shared Yaacob. "Not just Malaysians, but many Aussie and Hong Kong customers come early for it." Faiz has also carved a niche as a pioneer of authentic Malay satay in Perth, drawing patrons who miss the genuine taste of home.

Beyond their bustling Sunday market stall, the family also operates a restaurant in Coventry Village, Morley, open Tuesday through Saturday. Cili Padi by Muni further extends its reach through catering services for various events, including weddings and Ramadan iftar gatherings. "We are happy to bring a piece of home to the Malaysian community here and, at the same time, introduce Malay cuisine to Australians," said Faiz. Their success story is more than just a food stall; it's a vibrant demonstration of how Malaysian culinary heritage can flourish and be celebrated on foreign soil.

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Kami gembira dapat membawa sedikit rasa kampung halaman kepada masyarakat Malaysia di sini dan pada masa sama memperkenalkan masakan Melayu kepada warga Australia.