Linggi: Negeri Sembilan is renowned for its smoked beef and duck, but a lesser-known smoked delicacy is now captivating visitors to the state. Baung salai, a smoked freshwater fish dish, has become a traditional favorite in the Linggi state constituency, deeply rooted in the local community.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the dish features the baung fish in a golden-yellow masak lemak cili api gravy, crafted with fresh coconut milk, bird's eye chilies, turmeric, lime juice, dried tamarind slices, and laksa leaves. This combination results in a smoky aroma and tender flesh, embodying a time-honored Linggi recipe preserved through generations.

Warung Dayang Salai D'Linggi has made baung salai the centerpiece of its menu, drawing customers nationwide. Many travel great distances to taste the unique flavor of the freshwater fish. Rozianah Ahmad, the owner, explained, "Every table must have gulai baung, our signature fish curry. Even if customers order smoked beef, smoked chicken, or smoked catfish, the baung curry is always there. Only after eating baung can they head home."

With over 25 years of culinary experience, Rozianah noted that the stall uses about 80 kilograms of baung daily, with demand surging on weekends. A native of Linggi, she emphasized the dish's significance, stating that baung was chosen due to its close ties to the area's heritage, as the Linggi River has long been a resource for the community.

The preparation of the dish requires meticulous attention, from cleaning the fish to smoking it correctly to ensure tender and moist flesh. Rozianah shared, "The flesh is tender and delicate. Baung tastes especially good when cooked as masak lemak cili api, but the technique must be right. Even if the fish is fresh, the taste will suffer if it is not cooked properly."

To maintain consistency, the curry is prepared in small batches throughout the day using fresh coconut milk. Rozianah never anticipated the traditional recipe's widespread appeal, as it became popular on social media about four years ago. "Before that, we were just a small business. Once the baung curry went viral, we realized there were many baung lovers out there," she said.

Rozianah hopes the smoked baung curry will continue to elevate Linggi's profile while preserving the heritage recipe for future generations.