Pride and joy: Hassan showing photographs of Sultan Ibrahim at Restoran HD during His Majesty’s previous visits. — Bernama
MUAR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the 17th King of Malaysia, is one of the regular customers at Restoran HD on Jalan Maharani here, famed for its mutton briyani and curry as well as roti canai.
His Majesty’s favourite dish is roti canai served with mutton gravy.
Restaurant owner Hassan Daud, 65, said besides roti canai, which is a “must have” dish whenever the King visits Muar, His Majesty also likes to order mutton briyani.
According to Hassan, the King would often turn up as early as after Subuh prayers, either by cycling for 2km from His Majesty’s palace, Istana Hinggap Muar, or by motorcycle.
“There were times when His Majesty came directly to my restaurant without informing me first... usually the King would come at about 6.30am.
“However, His Majesty has never asked me to stop serving other customers every time His Majesty dines at my restaurant.
“Instead, the King would tell me to continue operations as usual, as His Majesty also takes the opportunity to meet and mingle with his subjects,” he told Bernama in an interview recently.
Hassan said since His Majesty’s first visit, the roti canai served with mutton gravy has been selling well.
“I have trouble meeting demand for the dish on weekends,” he said.
Hassan added that he would ask for help from his wife Zaidah Mohamad, 40, and daughter-in-law Shafienaa Mohd Rubaai, 27, to manage and serve customers.
Hassan said he learnt how to cook mutton briyani from his friend from Madras, India, about 40 years ago.
Part of the preparation is grinding the spices, he stressed.
“I only learned how to cook it once.
“After that, I tried it on my own countless times before it became what it is now,” said Hassan, who started the business when he was 20.
Hassan also expressed his pride that his dishes are enjoyed by the King.
