KUALA LUMPUR – While many Ramadan bazaar traders rely on traditional recipes to attract customers, one local entrepreneur has successfully blended culinary creativity with a touch of the supernatural.
Mohamad Firdaus Kamaruddin, a 40-year-old trader at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium bazaar in Paroi, has turned his signature ‘Roti Pocong’ into a viral sensation, proving that a clever marketing gimmick backed by solid flavors can lead to long-term business success.
At first glance, visitors to Firdaus’s stall are greeted by a life-sized, white-shrouded pocong replica. While the sight might give some a start, it serves as a highly effective “customer magnet” that has kept the stall crowded for the past four years.
However, Firdaus is quick to note that the spectacle is only half the battle. “I believe that while a creative gimmick draws people in, it is the quality of the food that ensures a business remains sustainable,” he told Bernama.
The ‘Roti Pocong’ is essentially a reimagined martabak. It features:
- The Filling: Savory beef or chicken marinated in a rich barbecue sauce.
- The Wrap: An omelette layered with crispy roti canai skin.
- The Signature Look: The snack is wrapped tightly to mimic the appearance of a shrouded ghost and finished with a generous topping of cheese.
Beyond his flagship item, Firdaus offers a variety of contemporary fusion flavors priced between RM10 and RM18, including:
- Grilled mozzarella smoked beef
- Mac and cheese martabak
- Spicy crispy chicken
- Grilled lamb with cheese
The demand for these ghostly treats is staggering. Firdaus, who works as a nerve therapist outside the fasting month, prepares roughly 800 pieces of flatbread daily to keep up with the hungry crowds. Assisted by a team of four, he begins preparations at noon, with queues often forming as early as 4:00 PM.
For many visitors, like first-timer Zaleha, the trek to the bazaar is worth it. She noted that the unique presentation initially caught her eye, but the generous portions and reasonable pricing were what truly made the experience satisfying.
The ‘Roti Pocong’ stall will continue to operate until the 28th day of Ramadan, offering a spooky yet delicious highlight to the local festive season.
