Restoran Aji Don, Taman Keramat

Using his grandfather's recipe, Nasir whips up a mean mee rebus

By DALILAH IBRAHIM

Still going strong: Nasir Wahid, the third generation maker of Mee Rebus Baidali.

Back in the 1920s, Nasir's grandfather who is fondly known as Baidali created the recipe, which is a unique blend between mee rebus Mamak and mee rebus Jawa.

He then passed on the recipe to Nasir's father, Wahid, who operated a stall opposite Johor Baru railway station that became famous and a must stop for travelers arriving at and leaving Johor Baru in the 50s until the 70s.

Nasir was taught the recipe since he was young, helping out his father at the stall but when he was able to, Nasir spread his wings and operated his own stall near the Tebrau seaside.

“Many of my clients then were Johorians who lived in KL. They urged me to 'migrate' so that it’s easier for them to get the mee rebus.

“ I moved to Kuala Lumpur in 1996 armed only with the family recipe and operated a small stall at Wisma Denmark in Jalan Ampang,” he said, adding that he moved to a location in Sri Hartamas when the food court closed down.

This Ramadan, Nasir operates from his current stall at Restoran Aji Don at Plaza Damas in Sri Hartamas and its branch at Kafe Mak Tim located at Jalan AU2C/2 in Taman Keramat.

One is just not enough: A bowl of Mee Rebus Baidali will only make you crave for more.

Selling at RM4 a packet, this special mee rebus is a best seller wherever it’s at. Nasir's clientele included the former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed and VVIPs who could not resist the temptation of Mee Rebus Baidali.

“Some just love the gravy, which is thick and rich with flavour and also the pendaram (crunchy homemade prawn crackers used as garnish) which is a necessary ingredient for this recipe,” he said adding that he stick closely to the recipe that he learnt from his family to maintain the original flavour.

The month of Syawal will also be a busy time for Nasir and his three assistants as they get many orders for individuals and corporate Hari Raya open houses.

Mee Rebus Baidali stall operated between 11am to 10.30pm daily except Sundays at Restoran Aji Don, Plaza Damas, Sri Hartamas. However, their Ramadan operation hours are from 5pm to 10.30pm.

Its branch at Kafe Maktim, Jalan AU2C/2, Taman Keramat operates daily between 5pm to 10.30pm