The popular Bunga Raya Popiah outlet at Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Melaka, is planning to transform its decades-old business into a tourist attraction.
Owner Ong Chee Siong, 46, said an “A” cleanliness certification from the Melaka Historical City Council (MBMB) encouraged his family to enhance their outlet’s appeal.
“We plan to get MBMB’s approval to relocate our original stall from Jalan Bunga Raya to our current outlet and introduce an attractive street food concept,” he said in an interview.
Ong had also discussed his plans with Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Melaka chapter chairman Goh Hock Gin to promote the city’s food heritage and attract more tourists, particularly from China and Singapore.
“We will get MBMB’s approval and position Bunga Raya Popiah as a must-visit spot,” said Ong.
Additionally, he is working towards listing Bunga Raya Popiah in the Malaysia Book of Records as one of Melaka’s oldest signature dishes, considering that the business is over 100 years old.
He shared that his family had overcome challenges resulting from the temporary closure of Bunga Raya Popiah due to alleged cleanliness violations last October.
Despite the setback, he expressed gratitude to his loyal customers for their support during difficult times.
“We want to give a new touch to our ancestral business and promote it as a tourism product for the state,” he said, adding that he wants to ensure Bunga Raya Popiah continues to be a key part of Melaka’s food scene. ― By RSN MURALI
