Kuala lumpur: Nasi kandar with mixed curry gravies, fried cabbage, and honey chicken paired with teh tarik are now available in Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island, a destination growing in popularity among Malaysian tourists. Mina Nasi Kandar Halal, located in the island's main town, is operated by businessman Dr. Nash Ramesh, 52, along with a friend from Langkawi, Kedah.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the restaurant commenced nearly three months ago, inspired by the founders' own experiences while on holiday. After a brief stay in Phu Quoc, Dr. Nash and his partner identified a gap in the market for halal dining options, particularly for Malaysian visitors. Dr. Nash emphasized the importance of halal standards for Muslim tourists, noting that the restaurant sources its chicken and meat exclusively from Halal Mart, a certified supplier recognized by Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM). Regular inspections ensure adherence to halal certification standards.
Dr. Nash, originally from Taiping, Perak, utilizes his logistics business in Ho Chi Minh City to supply dry ingredients, including spices, to the restaurant. Despite this, he frequently returns to Malaysia for hard-to-find items like belacan, essential for dishes such as sambal belacan served with traditional vegetables. Since opening on July 28, the restaurant claims the title of the first Malaysian establishment in Phu Quoc and the inaugural nasi kandar restaurant in Vietnam. It has attracted not only Malaysian tourists but also visitors from Brunei, Singapore, India, China, and Arab nations.
Addressing the authenticity of the cuisine, Dr. Nash shared that he has enlisted four chefs from Malaysia, while his Vietnamese wife, Van Anh, has learned Malaysian recipes over their 15-year marriage. The establishment employs 11 staff members and offers a breakfast buffet featuring popular Vietnamese dishes and Malaysian staples like nasi lemak and roti canai.
Local patrons have shown enthusiasm, particularly for the roti canai, prepared on-site and priced from 30,000 Vietnamese dong. The menu includes Malaysian favorites such as ayam kicap, honey chicken, and ayam berempah, with drinks like teh tarik and iced lime being popular choices. An a la carte menu features a selection of hot dishes starting at 85,000 Vietnamese dong.
Operating daily from 8 am to 10 pm, the restaurant also provides a surau for its predominantly Muslim clientele. Dr. Nash expressed that the restaurant not only fulfills a culinary need but also offers him a chance to connect with fellow Malaysians, as Phu Quoc's halal dining scene continues to expand. Having resided in Vietnam for 12 years, Dr. Nash finds comfort in the growing presence of Malaysian tourists in Phu Quoc.