Many turn to Noor Hafizza’s kolo mee cure to homesick blues

Satisfy mee: Noor Hafizza preparing kolo mee for friends at her home. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Sarawakians unable to return home for Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year can always turn to Noor Hafizza Stawi to satisfy their cravings for authentic Sarawak food, especially kolo mee and Sarawak laksa.

The 38-year-old of Melanau descent is a popular cook whose halal kolo mee and Sarawak laksa is a hit with her friends.

“Ever since I started making kolo mee for my friends last year, many have been coming to me to satisfy their cravings whenever they feel like having a bowl.

“A lot of them miss our kolo mee but could not find shops or hawkers that sell halal kolo mee here.

“This Raya, I will take two to three days of orders for those craving for the noodles, ” she said at her home in Medan Kampung Relau.

Noor Hafizza’s homemade recipe consists of springy noodles flavoured with onion oil, sesame oil and soya sauce.

Initially, she only made it for her son and friends but now takes orders twice a week as more Sarawakians visit.

“I was making a few bowls for my friends to try but this grew in the community and more and more Sarawakians requested for kolo mee.

“So I started taking small orders when I have the time and energy, ” she said.

Noor Hafizza added that she only made the kolo mee in small quantities of between 30 and 35 orders at a time.

“I’m only making them at home to share among our community.

“Maybe in future, I will open a shop selling halal kolo mee so more people can try this dish, ” she said.

One of her friends, Rohaya Abdul Shymed, also from Sarawak, said she was a loyal supporter of Noor Hafizza’s kolo mee as the taste reminded her so much of her hometown.

“Ever since I got to know her a year ago, I have been relying on her when I have cravings.

“As we are both from Sarawak, we share plenty of favourite delicacies from our hometown and will always gather to chat and eat.

“This year, I am unable to go back to Sarawak so I might go to her place for the comfort food again, ” she added.