KUANTAN: Mohamad Salim Ibrahim is no stranger to locals as well as tourists who frequent his stall at Jalan Air Putih, near here.
The stall is always packed with long queues of customers of all races waiting patiently for their turn to partake of his mouth-watering nasi lemak and cendol.
Most of his customers would turn up earlier than the opening hour of noon to avoid any chance of the nasi lemak and cendol combo, two of the nation’s favourite dishes, being sold out.
The 34-year-old, who has been operating the stall for more than 16 years, described his business as being special as it brought together people, irrespective of race, religion and age, under one roof.
“The place is always packed and certainly the home-made cendol and nasi lemak attract them here. I believe tasty food unites people.
“When you step into my stall, you can feel how close we are as Malaysians. It would be nice if we can see similar crowds at other places too,” he said.
Salim, who took over the stall from his father in 2002, said when his shop was packed with customers, they didn’t mind making space for others and get acquainted with each of them.
“It is common to see people of different races sharing the same table as they not only enjoy our food but also the company of other customers.
“Sometimes, they would be engaged in conversations and make new friends who would even pay for their meals.
“Since my place is open during weekends and public holidays, we often receive customers from outstation who come over to visit friends and relatives in Kuantan.
“The name Cendol Air Putih has become popular with them.”
Salim said he was pleased to play his part in bringing people together through his food business.
