Penang is a state in Malaysia known for its rich cultural heritage, historic architecture and its vibrant food scene. Just recently, in an attempt to preserve the local food scene in the said island, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is said to impose a ban on foreign cooks, restricting them from cooking these 13 local dishes.
Penang to impose a ban on foreign cooks, restricting them from cooking these 13 dishes
According to local English daily Malay Mail, the council has revealed that the ban will be enforced in hawker stalls, food courts and coffee starting next year. On top of that MBPP councillor, Tan Soo Siang also shared that the proposal is currently at its final stages, pending for approval in the next council meeting.
Source: Krystal Ng (Unsplash)
“It’s worth noting that the ban is 90% complete, so once it’s approved (by the council), the ban will be added into the city council’s by-laws, in order to be enforced”, she said.
Looking at the list provided, here are the 13 dishes that foreign cooks are banned from cooking:
- nasi lemak
- asam laksa
- pasembor
- mee sotong
- char koay teow (fried flat rice noodles)
- koay teow soup
- Hokkien mee
- curry mee
- wan tan mee
- loh bak (five-spice meat roll)
- chee cheong fun (rice rolls in sweet sauce)
- char koay kak (fried raidsh cake)
- oh chien (oyster omelette)
Source: Canva
Prior to this, the councillor shared that they’ve received numerous complaints by the locals, regarding the food quality that’s prepared by the foreign cooks, who were hired by the hawker stall, coffee shop and food court owners. Following the complaints, action has been taken by the state government to ban foreign workers from cooking in hawker stalls that belong to the MBPP.
“The ban was introduced over 10 years ago, back in 2014 and implemented since 2016”, she mentioned.
Wanting to ensure that the quality of food is ensured, the council has then decided to extend the same ban on privately owned hawker centres, coffee shops and food courts. Aiming to enforce the ban early next year, Tan emphasised that the ban will not be applicable to cafes, restaurants, hotels as well as other chain restaurants that are offering the same type of hawker food in their menus.
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Also read: M’sian pride: Penang ranked as 8th best island in Asia Pacific!
