London's vibrant food scene now boasts a flavorful addition from Malaysia's Kelantan state - Nasi Kerabu, a dish as colorful as it is delicious. In a TikTok video shared by @christhechindian, the story of a family-run stall selling this iconic blue rice dish in Victoria Park has captured the attention of many.
The stall, aptly named 'Eat Lah,' operates out of a humble blue tent, serving Londoners a taste of authentic Kelantanese cuisine. Remarkably, the venture earned an impressive RM2,243,021 (£400,000) in just one year, as revealed by one of the vendors during an interview.
The vendor, a British-born Chinese man married to a Malaysian from Kelantan, shared his journey from architect to food entrepreneur. After a decade in architecture, he felt uninspired and decided to follow his passion for food, supported by his Malaysian wife's influence and love for her homeland's cuisine.
While Nasi Kerabu was initially unfamiliar to many Londoners, its unique presentation and flavors have slowly won hearts. The dish's signature blue rice - a product of butterfly pea flowers - often sparks curiosity, with one local visitor at the stall asking about its color. The vendors cheeky reply? "Its a secret!"
The TikTok video highlights not only the dish but also the stalls engaging atmosphere. The Malaysian interviewers took a turn behind the counter, interacting with customers and introducing them to complementary delights like keropok (crispy crackers).
'Eat Lah' isn't just a business; its a celebration of Kelantanese heritage. The vendor expressed hopes that the venture will inspire more people to appreciate Malaysian cuisine and culture, bringing a slice of Malaysia to the bustling streets of London.
Netizens were quick to chime in, with one guessing that someone in the vendor's family must hail from Malaysia's East Coast, given the authenticity of the dish.
With its growing popularity and the charm of its story, 'Eat Lah' is proof that food transcends borders, offering a delicious way to connect people with Malaysia's rich culinary traditions.
Would you try Nasi Kerabu in London? Let us know what you think!
